The 96th Academy Awards are, around the corner and this year’s list of nominees includes some truly outstanding films. While each nominee is undeniably deserving I have predictions as to who might claim the awards on Oscar night.

When it comes to Best Picture my money is on “Oppenheimer.” Christopher Nolan’s latest masterpiece has garnered both acclaim and impressive box office success thanks to its narrative and stunning performances. The Academy tends to appreciate these grand-scale films with impact so I believe “Oppenheimer” will secure the honor.

As for Best Director, my prediction is that Christopher Nolan will finally receive the recognition he deserves for his work on “Oppenheimer.” Although he has been nominated in the past he has yet to win Best Director despite crafting some of the movies of the past two decades. His contributions to “Oppenheimer” demonstrate that he continues to push boundaries and explore realms of creativity. It seems fitting that this might be his year.

Turning our attention to the acting categories I have a feeling that Lily Gladstone will walk away with the Best Actress award for her portrayal in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Through her nuanced performance, she transforms a character into someone utterly captivating.

In terms of Best Supporting Actor, my prediction leans towards Robert Downey Jr., who delivered a performance, in “Oppenheimer ” stealing every scene he appeared in. He demonstrates a versatility that goes beyond his action roles.

As, for the Supporting Actress category I believe that America Ferrera will come out on top for her delightful and genuine performance, in “Barbie.” She brings a balance of humor and sincerity to the film anchoring it with her portrayal.

Of course, these are just my predictions. There are many deserving nominees this year, so it’s anyone’s game. But I feel strongly that these remarkable performances and films will be victorious on Hollywood’s biggest night. We’ll see how accurate I am when the envelopes are opened on Oscar night!