6) Best Editing
- Tom Cross – La La Land
- Joe Walker – Arrival
- John Gilbert – Hacksaw Ridge
- Jake Roberts – Hell or High Water
- Joi McMillon, Nat Sanders – Moonlight
Likely Winner: Tom Cross, La La Land
Deserving Winner: Tom Cross, La La Land
Tom Cross’s previous collaboration with Damien Chazelle won him an Oscar. Whiplash was an electrifying experience. Thanks to the quick cuts, which were always in sync with the music in play. And once again, he’s done wonders. La La Land’s biggest strength was its watertight editing. There wasn’t a single unnecessary scene in the film, with the prologue and epilogue cut skillfully. Despite strong competition from Joe Walker (Arrival), who breathed life into the film with longer takes, Cross excelled more.
7) Best Cinematography
- Linus Sandgren – La La Land
- Bradford Young – Arrival
- Rodrigo Prieto – Silence
- James Laxton – Moonlight
- Grieg Fraser – Lion
Likely Winner: Linus Sandgren – La La Land
Deserving Winner: Linus Sandgren – La La Land
Cinematography is the backbone of filmmaking. It’s a job of making things look bonny and artistic at the same time. While almost everyone loved La La Land, even those who had any sort of niggle can’t deny that the film looked good. Linus Sandgren sumptuously captured Los Angeles and conveyed half of the story through visuals alone. The final sequence is compelling enough for the jury to hand him over the trophy.
8) Best Original Song
- “City of Stars” – La La Land
- “How far I’ll go” – Moana
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Trolls
- “The Empty Chair” – Jim: The James Foley Story
- “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” – La La Land
Likely Winner: “City of Stars” – La La Land
Deserving Winner: “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” – La La Land
Sam Smith’s Oscar win last year brought more reprisal than acceptance. If it wasn’t for the lack of competition, he wouldn’t have won the trophy. This time though, things are different. We have five delightful tracks that can be listened on loop. While Moana’s “How far I’ll go” seemed liked the initial winner, La La Land changed everything. It didn’t take much time for people to begin humming its songs. Thanks to the love and appreciation, especially at the Golden Globes, “City of Stars” looks set to win the Oscar now. However, it’s “The Fools who dream” which must be recognized for the sheer insightful lyrics and Emma Stone’s voice.
9) Best Original Score
- Justin Hurwitz – La La Land
- Nicholas Hurwitz – Moonlight
- Dustin O’Halloran, Hauschka – Lion
- Mica Levi – Jackie
- Thomas Newman – Passengers
Likely Winner: Justin Hurwitz – La La Land
Deserving Winner: Justin Hurwitz – La La Land
How do you make classic themes for characters in movies? Ask Justin Hurwitz. Collaborating second time with Damien, the composer has rendered a wonderful soundtrack. From Mia & Sebastian’s theme to the entire Planetarium bit, it’s a pleasure to listen to his compositions. Given that Justin has enthralled us twice consecutively, it’s now the job of the Academy to remunerate the artist.
10) Best Visual Effects
- The Jungle Book
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Deepwater Horizon
- Doctor Strange
- Kubo and the Two Strings
Likely Winner: The Jungle Book
Deserving Winner: Doctor Strange
Recommended: Doctor Strange Review: Marvel’s Most Immersive Film Yet
Recommended: Jungle Book (2016) Review: Spectacularly Revives Kipling’s World
Now, this is a category that has a lot of moviegoers excited, for the inclusion of superhero/blockbuster films. While the Jury members are sure to vote for Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book, Marvel righteously deserves the honor. The Jungle Book was surely an outright CGI film but it couldn’t create an experience as immersive as Doctor Strange. The kaleidoscopic animation blew us all away. Even those who disliked the film strongly recommended a viewing just for the vfx. And it speaks volumes about the digital craftiness.
