1. See all the films nominated.
This is best done over the course of the year. Binge watching in the last week before the Oscars is not recommended. If time and money are a concern, check out the tips listed below.
2. Go to local film festivals to see the animation, documentaries and foreign-language films.
This is a great way to get an edge over your friends and see great films. You would have scored a point on best animated short last year with “Bear Story” if you attended the Arizona International Film Festival. “Bear Story,” a Chilean animated short film, won the Best Animation Award at the fest.
3. Can’t see them all? No worries; others have.
Time to use the power of the internet. Check out what Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, IndieWire, Variety and other entertainment sites are saying. Look for trends and favorites and the more recent, the better. Early Oscar favorites often fade during awards season.
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4. Watch the other awards shows.
It is a good predictor on what the voters might be thinking. Pay attention to the acceptance speeches, too. A great acceptance speech may sway the voters in a close race.
5. Cheat codes:
The Oscars for best director and best picture have been closely linked throughout their history.
Of the 88 films that have been named Best Picture, 63 were made by a Best Director.
And the Directors Guild of America Award has an almost perfect record on predicting the Oscar for best director. So, don’t mark your ballots until after the Feb. 4 DGA Awards Ceremony.
You never know when an upset, like “Shakespeare in Love” over “Saving Private Ryan,” will occur.
And if you don’t win, just keep saying, “(Your pick) was robbed!” over and over.
Happy voting!
Mia Schnaible is the director of marketing and development for the Arizona International Film Festival, which takes place April 19-30 at exhibition venues throughout Tucson.
