The Oscar Narrative: Final Nomination Predictions - Makeup & Hair, Visual Effects, and Film Editing

Best Film Editing
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Gravity
12 Years a Slave
The Wolf of Wall Street

Other Contenders - Nebraska, Saving Mr. Banks, Blue Jasmine, Philomena, Inside Llewyn Davis, Her, Dallas Buyers Club

Commentary - I think the top four films are Hustle, 12 Years, Gravity, and Captain Phillips, and this race tends to reflect Best Picture. There also is usually at least one wildcard. Nebraska would be the fifth place in my opinion for Best Picture, but Wolf of Wall Street has Thelma Schoonmaker on its side. It is not safe to bet against her.

Best Visual Effects
Gravity
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Pacific Rim
Star Trek Into Darkness
World War Z

Other Contenders - Oblivion, Iron Man 3, Thor The Dark World, Elysium

Commentary - Obviously Gravity is the frontrunner, and The Hobbit will most likely get in out of respect for the series (and great visual work). I also assume that Pacific Rim is going to be a hit, with Guillermo Del Toro, and stunning visuals behind it. The last couple of slots could go different ways. Star Trek Into Darkness seems like a good bet, and the zombie scenes of World War Z are top notch. Watch out for Oblivion and Iron Man 3 though, both could easily sneak in.

Best Makeup & Hair
American Hustle
Dallas Buyers Club
The Lone Ranger

Other Contenders - Bad Grandpa, The Great Gatsby, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

Commentary - I never get this category right. I am going with the two Best Picture contenders, because coattails are important. But this branch has gone its own way every single year (Norbit anyone?). The makeup work of Bad Grandpa is actually pretty awesome, but I just don't see it happening (although, once again Norbit). The Lone Ranger was a gigantic mess, but the aging and obvious makeup should be strong enough to get in. This branch likes good makeup, and the quality of the film be damned.