The Oscar Narrative: Final Winner Predictions - Best Animated Feature, Documentary Feature, International Feature, and Casting

Best Animated Feature

Will Win - KPop Demon Hunters

Could Win - Zootopia 2

Should Win - Zootopia 2

Commentary - I really liked this year's inspired lineup, and I am just not on board with the KPop Demon Hunter craze. It's fine, but I really think that Zootopia 2 was a well-made, funny, and relevant sequel that was just a better film. 

Best Documentary Feature

Will Win - Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Could Win - The Perfect Neighbor

Should Win - The Perfect Neighbor or The Alabama Solution

Commentary - The Perfect Neighbor has won hardly any of the major industry awards, other than the critics circuit. It is the strongest of the films in terms of quality, is definitely timely, and it is on Netflix, which means it has been seen. But after BAFTA went for Mr. Nobody Against Putin, I just hesitated, then I went NGNG and decided to switch. Last year, they missed for the Christopher Reeves film, which didn't make the Oscars cut. Otherwise, it has been about 2/3 accurate in recent years. I think the title is timely (especially with the headlines during the end of voting), and I think it upsets. 

Best International Feature

Will Win - Sentimental Value

Could Win - The Secret Agent

Should Win - It Was Just an Accident

Commentary - After last year's win for Brazil, a lot of people are bullish on the repeat for The Secret Agent. It could definitely happen in a heated race with two BP nominees. But Sentimental Value is not Emilia Perez. There is not a lot of controversy, it has a lot of support, and I think it is the more accessible of the two. It's a tough race, but I predict Sentimental Value comes out on top. For my money, I'm still rooting for a not-going-to-happen win for It Was Just an Accident. 

Best Casting

Will Win - Sinners

Could Win - One Battle After Another or The Secret Agent 

Should Win - Sinners

Commentary - While we are debating whether Sinners' win for Best Ensemble at SAG equals Best Picture, I can definitely say that it equates to winning the inaugural Casting award. The casting, blending old and new, and perfectly cast roles, is definitely award worthy.