Oscar Nominees: Best Cinematography

My predictions: 4/5, picking “Bridge of Spies” over “The Hateful Eight”
My ballot: Come back in February!
The nominees: Carol, The Hateful Eight, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant, Sicario

I don’t have too many problems with this category, and I do think that “The Hateful Eight” was more visually compelling than “Bridge of Spies,” which I’m surprised was left off here given how it was rewarded elsewhere. Whatever qualms I have with “The Revenant,” it totally belongs here. Ditto “Carol” and, to an extent, “Mad Max: Fury Road.” I’m even fine with “Sicario” earning one of its three nominations here, and it’s good to see it technically represented without undeservedly cracking the top races.

My current bet to win: In my mind, this is the surest lock for The Revenant.