The Academy Awards arrive this year without many clear-cut category leaders. Many of the most important pre-Oscar awards spread the love around to several films, leaving industry pundits scratching their heads, desperately trying to figure out which film has enough momentum to capture Oscar gold.

That being said, there does seem to be some industry consensus around who should win statues on Sunday night. Here are my thoughts on the awards.

Best Picture

Will Win – “The Revenant.”

Should Win – “The Big Short.”

“Spotlight was the early favorite to win Oscar’s biggest prize, but my sense is that “The Revenant” has been gathering momentum these past few weeks. It took home top honors from the DGA, BFCA, BAFTA and The Golden Globes. The only significant prize it didn’t win was the Producers Guild trophy, which went to “The Big Short.”

Best Director

Will and Should Win– Alejandro G. Inarritu – “The Revenant.”

It’s been 60 years since a director last won back-to-back Oscars, but I think it will happen again this year unless Academy voters want to reward George Miller for turning “Mad Max: Fury Road” into something far-more artistic than just another action flick. That would be a pretty big upset, but stranger things have happened.

Best Actress

Will and Should Win – Brie Larson – “Room.”

Larson has taken home every single pre-Oscar award. I love Saorse Ronan’s performance in “Brooklyn,” but she will have to settle for the honor of being nominated because this is Larson’s year to shine.

Best Actor

Will Win – Leonardo Di Caprio – “The Revenant.”

Should Win – Bryan Cranston -“Trumbo.”

Sometimes the Academy likes to acknowledge an actor for their body of work. This is one of those moments when Hollywood rewards one of their beloved leading men, even though he’s done more award-worthy work in previous films. For my part, I would give the statue to Bryan Cranston for his memorable performance in “Trumbo,” but this isn’t his year to pull off the upset.

Best Supporting Actress

Will and Should Win – Alicia Vikander – “The Danish Girl.”

Vikander had an amazing year, turning in three superb performances. She should cement her A-list status with an early career Oscar. Only Kate Winslet seems to stand in her way, and she’s already got a statue on her mantle.

Best Supporting Actor

Will Win – Sylvester Stallone – “Creed.”

Should Win – Tom Hardy – “The Revenant.”

The odds are that Hollywood rewards another star for a long career and playing a beloved character, but Tom Hardy totally deserves to win. No offense to Leo, but the best actor in “The Revenant” was Hardy. That film simply doesn’t work without his performance.

Best Animated Film

Will and Should Win – “Inside Out.”

This is a no brainer, and it will probably be the biggest landslide victory of the night.

Best Documentary Film

Will and Should Win – “Amy.”

“Amy” is the most notable documentary out this year. The footage of Amy Winehouse in her early days is fascinating, for fans and non-fans alike.

Best Foreign Film

Will and Should Win – “Son of Saul.”

“Son of Saul” is one of those “Important” movies that Hollywood loves to champion. My guess is that many of the voters didn’t actually see this film, but popular sentiment is that is deserves to win—so it will win.

Best Adapted Screenplay

“The Big Short” This is a superb movie, and I will be thrilled if it pulls a Best Picture upset, but my gut says that this will be one of it’s too few Oscars of the night.

Best Original Screenplay – “Spotlight” Another superb movie that will have to settle for the writing prize.

Best Cinematography – “The Revenant” Emmanuel Lubezki should win for the third year in a row, but watch out, if “Mad Max” makes a Best Picture push, this is where the upset will truly begin.

Best Editing – “The Big Short” I might just be biased here. Conventional wisdom says “Mad Max” or “The Revenant.”

Best Visual Effects – “The Revenant” This one is a toss up between Leo’s bear and everything in “Mad Max.” Personally, I was most impressed by “The Martian.”

Best Costume Design – “Mad Max: Fury Road” Although my heart says “Carol” or “Brooklyn” should win.

Best Makeup/Hairstyling – “Mad Max: Fury Road”

Best Production Design

“Mad Max: Fury Road”

Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing – “Mad Max: Fury Road” Although the Force could grab an Oscar for “Star Wars”

Best Original Score – “The Hateful Eight” Legendary composer Ennio Morricone finally gets a competitive Oscar.

Best Original Song – “Til It Happens to You” Lady Gaga continues having a great year by adding an Oscar to her collection.

Best Animated Short – “Bear Story”

Best Documentary Short – “The Girl in the River”

Best Live Action Short – “Stutterer”

Movie reviews by Sean, “The Movie Guy,” are published bi-weekly in “The Port Arthur News” and seen weekly on KFDM and KBTV. Sean welcomes your comments via email atsmcbride@sbgtv.com.com.