THE THEATER — The Academy Awards are upon us and there have been plenty of ups and downs before the red carpet was ever rolled out.

Despite all of the controversy, one thing will remain the same: Hollywood will still take the night to pat themselves on the back and congratulate one another on the year that was in film.

What we’re really curious about is who is going to win the Oscars. While I don’t have a crystal ball, I do have some knowledge of the films and plenty of opinion.

The awards ceremony will air at 6 p.m. Sunday on ABC. Here is a list of who I believe will win in some of the major categories and who I think should win:

Actor in a Supporting Role

Will win: Mahershala Ali ("Green Book")

Should win: Richard E. Grant ("Can You Ever Forgive Me?")

This is a pretty solid category this year and my bet is that Mahershala Ali will win his second Academy Award on Sunday night.

Ali previously won a statue for Actor in a Supporting Role in 2017 for his performance in “Moonlight.” He’s nominated again for his work in “Green Book” and if he wins you won’t hear me complain. He’s fantastic in the film.

But if the vote were up to me I’d have to hand the hardware to Richard E. Grant. He is nominated for his role in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” Grant is a long shot, but his performance is funny, heartbreaking and memorable. This is Grant’s first nomination, but I hope it’s not his last.

Actress in a Supporting Role

Will win: Regina King ("If Beale Street Could Talk")

Should win: Claire Foy ("First Man")

Many women delivered powerhouse performances in 2018, and my money is on Regina King winning for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” King is fantastic in the role in the heavy drama and I think her nomination is merited and if she wins, it is also earned.

But for me the best supporting actress of 2018 was Claire Foy in “First Man” — and she wasn’t even nominated. Foy’s portrayal of a mother and wife was real, raw and beautiful and it’s a shame she was snubbed for her work.

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Actor in a Leading Role

Will win: Rami Malek ("Bohemian Rhapsody")

Should win: Rami Malek or Viggo Mortensen ("Green Book")

This one is tough. There were some amazing performances this year and I believe Rami Malek will win the best actor award for his work as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Malek singlehandedly took a mediocre movie and made it a best picture nominee with his performance. I think he is worthy of winning the Oscar, but I believe Viggo Mortensen gave him a run for his money in “Green Book.” Mortensen is at the top of his game in the film.

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I think Malek will win and he probably should, but I also think maybe the Academy should give out two Oscars this year and get one to Mortensen as well.

Actress in a Leading Role

Will win: Glenn Close ("The Wife")

Should win: Olivia Colman ("The Favourite")

This category is also tough, because the actress that likely will win and the one who I think should win both did amazing work in their respective films.

Glenn Close is a Hollywood icon and her work in “The Wife” is some of her best to date. My money is on Close to bring home the Oscar, but Olivia Colman’s performance in “The Favourite” is the best of the year and she should win.

The reason I’m betting on Close is because she gave an Oscar worthy performance and this also marks her seventh nomination. It’s time for Close to be recognized as an Oscar winner.

Best Picture

Will win: Roma

Should win: Green Book

There are eight films nominated for best picture this year and many of them are worthy to bring home the gold, but only one can and my guess is that will be “Roma.”

Netflix wants everyone to know that their original programming is the real deal and they’ve likely done that finally with Alfonso Cuaron’s artsy drama. The film is beautifully shot, but it’s also slow and hard for most audiences to wrap their heads around.

And that’s the exact reason I’m picking this as the winner.

The Academy loves films they think only they "get" and aren’t accessible to mainstream audiences. Why do you think they wanted a “popular film” category?

While “Roma” deserves a lot of credit it was not the best film of the year in my opinion. That title belongs to “Green Book.”

“Green Book” is not only an audience pleaser, but it has a beautiful message, is acted brilliantly, directed expertly and is an all-around fantastic film. “Green Book” is a long shot to win the award, but that doesn’t mean it’s not deserving.

What are your picks? Who do you think should win this Sunday? Let us know in the comments.

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