The Oscar Narrative: Final Predictions - Original Score, Original Song, Sound, and Shorts

Best Original Score

Will Win - Hans Zimmer "Dune"

Could Win - Jonny Greenwood "The Power of the Dog"

Should Win - Hans Zimmer "Dune"

Commentary - Hans Zimmer immersive score for Dune has been the front runner for a long time now, and after winning the BAFTA, the one major precursor with crossover, it feels like it is a lock at this point. But Jonny Greenwood had a lot of great scores this year, and The Power of the Dog is still a major Oscar contender. Greenwood is the spoiler, but this is Zimmer's to lose.

Best Original Song

Will Win - Encanto - Dos Oruguitas

Could Win - No Time to Die - No Time to Die

Should Win - King Richard - Be Alive

Commentary - Everyone is picking No Time to Die, and it is probably the smart pick. Bond themes do well here, its Billie Eilish, and the song is solid. They voted for that horrendous Sam Smith song, and this one is ten times better. But I am predicting that an upset is brewing. While We Don't Talk About Bruno was not submitted, the music for Encanto is wildly popular. The soundtrack has racked up sales, and it is Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has two major films this year. I might change before final prediction, but I have a sneaking submission that Encanto might rule the day.

Best Sound

Will Win - Dune

Could Win - West Side Story

Should Win - Dune

Commentary - Musicals have done well in this category in the past, so West Side Story is a potential upset. But Dune's sound work is jaw-dropping, and it won BAFTA and the CAS. I think it wins, as part of its Mad Mad-esque mini-sweep of the tech categories. 

Best Animated Short

Will Win - Robin Robin

Could Win - Boxballet and The Windshield Wiper

Best Documentary Short

Will Win - The Queen of Basketball

Could Win - Three Songs for Benazir or Lead Me Home

Best Live Action Short

Will Win - The Long Goodbye

Could Win - On My Mind or Ala Kachuu: Take and Run