What Will Win at a Nailbiter Oscars? AP's Film Writers Make Their Predictions

Best Supporting Actress

Nominees: Monica Barbaro, "A Complete Unknown"; Felicity Jones, "The Brutalist"; Ariana Grande, "Wicked"; Isabella Rossellini, "Conclave"; Zoe Saldaña, "Emilia Pérez"

BAHR: Zoe Saldaña seems to have this prize in the bag. She has continued winning major awards, the BAFTA and SAG included, despite the "Emilia Pérez" dust up. Like Moore, she has a strong narrative working in her favor and has given good, passionate speeches throughout and people seem savvy enough to not "punish" her for her co-star's actions. It does seem a little unfair considering the fact that her character has more screentime than the person campaigning for lead. But that's a conversation for another time.

COYLE: Saldaña is a lock. She's terrific in "Emilia Pérez," and manages to stay so grounded and natural amid such tonal extremes. A word, also for Grande and her best actress nominee co-star Erivo. Neither seems destined to win anything, but they both deserve some kind of accolade for their tireless promotion of "Wicked" and months of patient, understanding head nodding at whatever has been thrown their way.

Best Supporting Actor

Nominees: Yura Borisov, "Anora"; Kieran Culkin, "A Real Pain"; Edward Norton, "A Complete Unknown"; Guy Pearce, "The Brutalist"; Jeremy Strong, "The Apprentice"

COYLE: Culkin wins this in a walk. His parade of acceptance speeches has curiously been both a regular reminder that his character in "A Real Pain" wasn't exactly a stretch, and: So what? As good as this category is – the whole group is stellar – Culkin has won it through his natural manic charisma.

BAHR: It's Culkin for sure and I'm very excited for his freewheeling speech. Is this a good time to wonder why awards campaigns tend to get so tunnel visioned around one performance at the complete exclusion of their counterpart? Probably not, but I see you Jesse Eisenberg and Margaret Qualley.