The Oscars are coming to our screens on 25 February, and social media is abuzz with who will take the big prize. To add to the buzz, Video Play has an exciting Oscars competition running. Choose who you think will win Best Picture and you could win a month free premium subscription to Video Play plus a grand prize of a R2000 Vodacom shop voucher.
These are front-runners for the best picture. Which one is your favourite and who do you predict to win?
Don’t forget to enter here
Bohemian Rhapsody
Based on the British rock band Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody follows the life of Freddie Mercury, from joining the band in the 1970s to the unforgettable Live Aid show in 1985. The biopic doesn’t disappoint when it comes to rocking the audience off their seats as lead actor Rami Malek belts out hit after hit. The film has been making waves on the awards scene and it has already won best Motion Picture at the Golden Globes. Will it pick up the highest accolade at the Oscars?
Vice
Led by a star-studded cast, Vice tells the untold story of the relationship between George W Bush and Dick Cheney in the lead up to the 2000 presidential election. Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell and Sam Rockwell all give powerful performances in this American political drama.
Black Panther
Black Panther is the first superhero movie ever to be nominated for an Oscar. It’s been crushing all the Box Office leads, making its first $1 billion in just 26 days after its initial release. The Marvel hit follows T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, as he returns home to Wakanda to take his rightful place as King and as Black Panther. His rule is tested when Wakanda’s future is at stake.
A Star is Born
You can’t deny the chemistry between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in this musical romantic drama. In his directorial debut, Cooper plays musician and troubled Jackson Maine who meets and falls in love with struggling artist Ally, played by Gaga. The biopic-style film shows the relationship between Maine at the end of his music career as he puts Ally’s talents into the spotlight. Shallow, sung by Cooper and Gaga, has been an international hit since the movie released.
Green Book
A surprising awards favourite has been Green Book. A biographical drama, the movie is based on the life of African-American pianist Dr Don Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali. In 1962 Shirley is in need of protection as he is about to embark on a tour of the American Deep South. He meets tough-guy Tony Lip, played by Viggo Mortensen, and hires him as his driver and bodyguard. The unlikely pair form a bond as they travel into the racially dangerous parts of America.
The Favourite
This tragicomedy shows the true story behind the three-way relationship between the frail and temperamental Queen Ann, her close friend Lady Sarah and a new servant Abigail in18th century England. Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone give outstanding performances in the film as the Queen neglects her duties during a time or war, preferring to focus her attention on duck racing and her 17 rabbits.
Roma
Set in a small district of Mexico City in 1970, Roma follows the life of a house-keeper of a middle-class family. Dubbed a ‘masterpiece’, the black and white semi-autobiographical film is directed by Alfonso Cuaron. The Spanish film is a tear-jerking and intimate portrayal of family life.
Blackkklansman
Spike Lee directs this visionary true story of an African-American detective in Colorado, who bravely infiltrates the Klu Klux Klan. With partner Flip Zimmerman, they plan to take down the extremist hate group in the 1970s.
