The Oscar Narrative: Final Nomination Predictions - Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing

Best Cinematography
Janusz Kaminski "Bridge of Spies"
Robert Richardson "The Hateful Eight"
John Seale "Mad Max: Fury Road"
Emmanuel Lubezki "The Revenant"
Roger Deakins "Sicario"

Other Contenders - Ed Lachmann "Carol", Dariusz Wolski "The Martian", Matyas Erdely "Son of Saul", Danny Cohen "Room", Ping Bin Lee "The Assassin", Hoyte Van Hoytema "Spectre", Daniel Mindel "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

Commentary - So usually not all five ASC nominees get in, but I do think that the majority will cross over this year. Roger Deakins, Emmanuel Lubezki, and John Seale are all legends in this field, and have the respect and the work this year to make the cut. Robert Richardson  has never won an ASC, but has prevailed at the Oscars. His 70 mm work for The Hateful Eight was masterful, and since he has always been more popular with the Academy branch than with the guild, I think he steals a slot. That leaves one. Carol has been floundering as of late at the guilds. It did get that ASC nod, along with a CDG nod today. But overall, there just doesn't seem to be the support. He should get in, he can get in, and I think he is a real possibility. But Bridge of Spies is coming on strong, and Janusz Kaminski, who also got that ASC nomination, is a two-time beloved veteran. And I think these voters love Bridge of Spies, a lot of the reason being that between Spielberg and his long-standing technical collaborators, were at the top of their game, and the film is incredibly well crafted. Also look out for The Martian, Son of Saul, and yes, Star Wars.

Best Film Editing
The Big Short
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Spotlight

Other Contenders - Sicario, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Bridge of Spies, Straight Outta Compton, Joy, Room, Carol, Brooklyn, Steve Jobs, Ex Machina, The Hateful Eight

Commentary - Spotlight missing the Eddie is huge, but I still think it is going to be popular enough among voters to be one of those Eddie misses that still makes the Oscar lineup. The other four, The Big Short, Mad Max, The Martian, and The Revenant, along with Spotlight, are the leading Best Picture contenders, and are all Eddie nominees. But Sicario is coming in strong, Star Wars bumped out some stiff competition, including Spotlight, and Bridge of Spies, Straight Outta Compton, and Ex Machina are coming in strong.