The 90th edition of cinema’s most prestigious awards’ ceremony, The Oscars, will be taking place on Sunday, 4 March 2018. Traditionally hosted on the last Sunday of February, this year will see a later start to the glitz and glamour owing to the 2018 Winter Olympics. Although there are 24 categories announced on the night, the most coveted are arguably Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture. Here are some of the top contenders to look out for this year.
Oscar Predictions and Betting Odds
Best Picture
Dunkirk by Christopher Nolan – This WWII epic is a frontrunner for the 2018 award, despite being released a bit early for Oscars’ season. War dramas tend to do favourably at awards’ ceremonies and this one has already received critical acclaim so it definitely has a good shot.
Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri by Martin McDonagh – This dark comedy received the Audience Award at the International Film Festival and took centre stage at the Golden Globes so it’s a good bet.
Lady Bird by Greta Gerwig – This indie film is a coming-of-age story which has received rave reviews as well as winning the Golden Globe for Best Picture Comedy. Lady Bird also made a big impact at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Writers Guild of America and Producers Guild Awards.
The Post by Steven Spielberg – Although this historical political thriller didn’t receive any nominations from Screen Actors Guild or Writers Guild, it did get recognition at the Producers Guild Awards.
Meryl Streep, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks in The Post
Get Out by Jordan Peele – This social thriller received both Best Actor and Best Ensemble at the Screen Actors Guild Awards as well as recognition at the Producers and Writers Guild Awards. It also earned five nominations at the 23rd Critics’ Choice Awards and two at the 75th Golden Globe Awards.
Best Actor
Gary Oldman for Darkest Hour – Surging ahead in the Best Actor field is Oldman portraying British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, in his early days in office. He has one previous Academy Award nomination for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
James Franco for The Disaster Artist – Producer, director and lead of this biographical comedy-drama, Franco plays Tommy Wiseau, the creator of the film, The Room, which was considered to be one of the worst films ever made. Franco won his second Golden Globe for his performance.
James Franco in The Disaster Artist
Daniel Day-Lewis for Phantom Thread – The embodiment of superb acting, Daniel Day-Lewis plays Reynolds Woodcocks, a 1950s London fashion designer. The winner of three previous academy awards, Day-Lewis is a strong option to take this year’s award, particularly considering this is reportedly his final film.
Tom Hanks for The Post – Always a good bet, the two-time Academy Award winner portrays The Washington Posts’ tough editor, Ben Bradlee, who took on the government to publish the Pentagon Papers.
Best Actress
Frances McDormand for Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri – Having taken the Golden Globe for the role, McDormand is definitely in the front seat for the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Mildred Hayes, a grieving mother who cannot come to terms with the rape and murder of her teenage daughter seven years prior. She has one Academy Award and three previous nominations to her name.
Meryl Streep for The Post – Playing Kay Graham, the first female publisher of The Washington Post, Streep’s spectacular performance places her as a good bet for her fourth ever Oscar award.
Saoirse Ronan for Lady Bird – Ronan plays Christine ‘Lady Bird’ McPherson, a senior student at a Catholic high school in the United States in 2002. The 23-year-old actress – who has two previous Oscar nominations – took the Golden Globe for Best Actress Comedy which has placed her in good stead for the Oscar this year.
Saoirse Ronan in Lady Bird
Sally Hawkins for The Shape of Water – This British actress plays a mute custodial worker, Elisa, working in a government laboratory during the Cold War where she falls in love with an amphibious creature. Her voiceless yet expressive performance has received high praise.
Oscar Betting Tips
1. Do your Research
In order to have the most chance of winning at Oscar betting, you need to do your homework. Do your research, analyse stats, look at trends, read up about previous performances and make online bets that have value. Although it is sometimes fun and fruitful to go with your “hunch”, your chances are far better by making a calculated bet. There is particularly a lot of talk around the Oscars with many giving their ideas and input as to who they think will win.
2. Manage your Money and Bank Roll
It’s important to set a particular amount of money (or bankroll) aside that you can afford to lose when you decide to place your bets on the Oscars. Some of the top bettors in the world manage their bankroll and winnings exactly like a business and only use what is allocated. A general online sports betting strategy is to only use 1-5% of your bank roll in a single bet, this can also be used for the Oscars and you can allocate different portions to different categories. It’s important to remember not to chase your losses with bigger bets. This may lead to even bigger losses and regrets. Rather bet small and build it up slowly as the season continues.
3. Make sure that the bookmaker you bet with has a valid license.
As mentioned above, each South African province will grant a bookmaker a license if they adhere to regulations and standards. This means that your money is safe and your transactions are secure when using a licensed Oscar betting website. Read about the Top 5 Online Sports Betting websites here.
4. Make sure you read the bookmakers terms and conditions for betting on the Oscars
You may find that some bookmakers have terms and conditions around a particular win. Make sure you understand what these are before placing your bets.
For the latest Oscar Betting odds and tips go to Keith Ho BetXchange. South Africa’s leading online oscar betting website.
For specialized and comprehensive betting on the Oscars as well as local and international tennis betting, rugby, horse racing, soccer, cricket, golf and motorsport betting, visit Keith Ho BetXchange for the most competitive prices and the largest sports betting options available in South Africa.
