The 91st annual Academy Award nominees were announced Tuesday, and the box office blockbusters of 2018 took the lead in multiple categories. Alfonso Cuarón’s foreign language drama “Roma” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ dark comedy “The Favourite” tied with 10 nominations apiece.

The Northern Star Entertainment Staff shared their predictions on what films they predict will take home the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress.

 

Best Picture

Nominees: “BlacKkKlansman,” “Black Panther,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “The Favourite,” “Green Book,” “Roma,” “A Star Is Born” and “Vice.”

 

Tatianna Salisbury, Columnist: “A Star is Born”

With eight nominations, a star-studded cast and a breathtaking musical selection, “A Star is Born” is clearly a frontrunner. Both Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga give outstandingly raw performances and breathe new life into the classic 1930s love story.

 

Peter Zemeske, Columnist: “A Star is Born”

An obvious choice for the Oscar for Best Picture. Bradley Cooper’s iteration of the timeless classic stuns audiences with its emotional drive and charisma. The original music in the film is outstanding as well.

 

Parker Otto, Entertainment Editor: “A Star is Born”

The film is the fourth version of a story from 1937, 1954 and 1976, featuring legends Judy Garland, James Mason and Barbra Streisand, and it leaves them all in the dust. The film contains beautiful imagery, heartbreaking performances and a story built around music, romance and loss.

 

Sarah Fischer, Contributor: “Bohemian Rhapsody”

This film tells the wonderful and emotional tale of the life of singer Freddie Mercury and the story of the band, Queen. It accurately represents many of the tribulations Mercury and the band faced throughout their years together, and it is a fantastic theatrical experience.

 

Actor in a Leading Role

Nominees: Christian Bal, “Vice”

Bradley Cooper, “A Star Is Born”

Willem Dafoe “At Eternity’s Gate”

Rami Malek “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Viggo Mortensen “Green Book”

 

Tatianna Salisbury: Bradley Cooper, “A Star is Born”

Although he was snubbed for a Best Director nomination, Cooper’s portrayal of Jackson Maine is rugged and revealing. Cooper truly is a jack-of-all-trades actor, pulling off everything from crippling heartbreak and the horrors of war to gooey romance and musical comedy.

 

Peter Zemeske: Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Malek’s interpretation of Freddie Mercury stands out among performances in 2018. Malek brought Freddy back to life and let audiences sing their hearts out to their favorite Queen songs. Considering this is Malek’s first major role in a motion picture, it speaks all the more to his acting ability.

 

Parker Otto: Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Out of the five actors nominated for Best Actor it’s no contest. Rami Malek deserves the award for his take on the legendary Freddie Mercury, the frontman of Queen, in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Malek did more than an impression of Mercury but transformed into him which is truly how the caliber of an actor is measured.

 

Sarah Fischer: Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Malek’s exceptional portrayal of Freddie Mercury captured the hearts of the audience across the country. His gripping performance is emotional, and he perfectly embodies Mercury’s character and essence.

 

Actress in a Leading Role

Nominees: Yalitza Aparicio, “Roma”

Glenn Close, “The Wife”

Olivia Colman, “The Favourite”

Lady Gaga, “A Star Is Born”

Melissa McCarthy, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

 

Tatianna Salisbury: Glenn Close, “The Wife”

Close’s performance in “The Wife” is an all-time high. She won this year’s Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama, and that is as much a sign as any she’s destined for an Oscar. Her character bears pain in such a genuine way, but she erupts with rage and grips the audience in the second act. Close is versatile and real, and her performance is nothing short of Oscar worthy.

 

Parker Otto: Lady Gaga, “A Star is Born”

Gaga gives a phenomenal performance as Ally Maine. While having previous acting experience, this is the definition of a breakout role: a performance from a previously under-the-radar actress who captivates the audience around her. With beautiful vocals and a passionate delivery, Gaga gives Hollywood one of the best female characters of the year.

 

Peter Zemeske: Melissa McCarthy, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

McCarthy’s role in the fascinating true story of Lee Israel has her in an atypical genre, but her performance is convincing nonetheless. This film may lead to McCarthy in more dramas, which it hopefully does. Her dark wit shines in this film; the real hardship Israel faced is conveyed perfectly.

 

Sarah Fischer: Lady Gaga, “A Star is Born”

Established singer and songwriter Lady Gaga gives an unprecedented performance in the film as she demonstrates her superb abilities as an emerging actress. At the 2019 Golden Globes, she was a winner for “Shallow” in Best Original Song and a nominee for her role in the film, showing much potential for future films.

 

Best Supporting Actor

Nominees: Mahershala Ali, “Green Book”

Adam Driver, “BlacKkKlansman”

Sam Elliott, “A Star Is Born”

Richard E. Grant, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

Sam Rockwell, “Vice”

 

Tatianna Salisbury: Adam Driver, “BlacKkKlansman”

If anyone has ever read an interview with Driver or watched a video of him offscreen, then is obvious that he completely absorbs the characters he plays. Driver is a truly visionary actor who goes to great lengths to put himself in the character’s shoes and live the day for them. He’s passionate, talented and deserves a win.

 

Peter Zemeske: Sam Elliott, “A Star is Born”

Elliott outshined his on-screen companions by a long shot. His ferocious sensibility in the film is astounding. This may be Elliott’s first Oscar nomination, but he deserves the win.

 

Parker Otto: Sam Elliott, “A Star is Born”

Sam Elliott absolutely earned his nomination. What makes Elliott an exceptional actor is how reserved he is emotionally, yet audiences can always tell he’s hiding something deep down. When he does let out his feelings, Elliott shows something hard is on the horizon. If for no other reason, Elliott’s “12 Notes Dialogue” makes him destined to hold the statue.

 

Sarah Fischer: Mahershala Ali, “Green Book”

Ali performed with excellence in the period film “Green Book,” which took place in the 1960s during the height of the civil rights movement. Ali heartbreakingly demonstrates the struggles African Americans faced during this time even though he had high status and an outstanding education in the community.

Best Supporting Actress

Nominees: Amy Adams, “Vice”

Marina de Tavira, “Roma”

Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk”

Emma Stone, “The Favourite”

Rachel Weisz, “The Favourite”

 

Tatianna Salisbury: Amy Adams, “Vice”

“Adams deserves a win; she’s been an Oscar bridesmaid too long. With five nominations and numerous snubs, Adams’ performance as determined former second lady Lynne Cheney may be enough to secure a victory at last.”

 

Peter Zemeske: Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk”

Both the film and King’s emotional pull go beyond the screen. Her ability to convey dismay, joy and anger leads one to believe she is best in the category. King’s display of heartbreak and conviction is close to flawless.

 

Parker Otto: Emma Stone or Rachel Weisz, “The Favourite”

“Best Supporting Actress is more difficult to determine because of the weight of each performance nominated. This one comes to a tie between Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz for “The Favourite.” Both women played calculating individuals who will stop at nothing to become Queen Anne’s titular favourite and have the power that comes with the title. Both performances differ due to Weisz’s cold demeanor and Stone’s seemingly innocent disposition, but both are masks to hide their true intentions.”

 

Sarah Fischer: Emma Stone, “The Favourite”

In this period piece, Stone plays Abigail Masham, a new servant of Queen Anne. Stone plays an intense role and proves her versatility by blending flawlessly into the film sets of the early 18th Century. Although her talent can be matched by fellow nominee Rachel Weisz, Stone’s stellar performance as Abigail ultimately deserves the Oscar.

For a complete list of Oscar nominations, visit the Academy Awards official website.

The Oscars are 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 and are aired live on ABC or livestream on ABC’s website.