For the 94th time, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hands out golden statues for the best in the film business. In last week’s entertainment article, we analyzed and made picks for best actor and best actress. In this blog, we’ll analyze and make picks for best director and best picture. Check out current Academy Award odds, analysis, and a free top play and underdog play for best director and best picture.
Oscar Betting Predictions for Best Director & Best Picture Award
94th Academy Awards Oscars Ceremony
- When: Sunday, March 27
- Where: Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, CA
- TV / Streaming: ABC
Best Director Nominations & Odds
- Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog) -3500
- Kenneth Branagh (Belfast) +1200
- Steven Spielberg (West Side Story) +1600
- Paul Thomas Anderson (Licorice Pizza) +2300
- Ryusuke Hamaguchi (Drive My Car) +2800
It’s going to be very difficult to beat Jane Campion. She hasn’t made a film in a long time. Not only that, but The Power of the Dog received a nomination for Best Picture and has won almost everything during awards season.
Campion, no doubt, is a strong top play. So if you want to cash, accept the -3500 odds and then brag to your non-gambling friends during the Oscar telecast that you “knew all along” and “won some money”.
If you can’t get yourself to back chalk, then go for it by throwing a few dollars behind Ryusuke Hamaguchi. The Drive My Car director could get enough votes to upset Campion if the votes that should go to Campion are spread among Branagh, Spielberg, and Anderson.
Hamaguchi does an excellent job. The movie is fantastic. So why not?
Best Director Top Pick: Jane Campion
Best Director Underdog Pick: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Best Picture Nominations & Odds
- The Power of the Dog -150
- CODA +120
- Belfast +1100
- West Side Story +4000
- King Richard +4000
- Dune +5000
- Licorice Pizza +6500
- Drive My Car +6500
- Don’t Look Up +6500
- Nightmare Alley +12000
How did Don’t Look Up get a nomination? Sometimes, we must wonder whether anybody in the Academy is watching these films.
In any case, The Power of the Dog will be tough to beat. But the odds on CODA must make you wonder, right? +120? Strange for sure.
Still, the chalk is the top play. The Power of the Dog has won more overall awards than CODA, stars three known thespians, Kirsten Dunst, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Jesse Plemons, and is from one of the best woman filmmakers in the world.
Drive My Car is the top underdog pick. Yes, it has everything to do with the fact the movie is the only foreign film nominated. If votes are spread among the American movies, then who knows?
Maybe Drive My Car, which has gotten the most buzz since December, steals the golden statue from The Power of the Dog’s grasp.
Best Picture Top Pick: The Power of the Dog
Best Picture Underdog Pick: Drive My Car
