Since 2011, I have live-tweeted the Academy Awards from whatever couch I can find. The first time I took to social media to share my thoughts, I lost approximately12 followers. But in recent years, I have found that my my fellow Twitter fanatics not only know to expect 100+ tweets in the span of a few hours, but encourage the rampage. In 2015, I started making formal predictions on my blog, wrightersworkshop.wordpress.com. And, not to toot my own horn, last year, eight of my 10 guesses were correct. This year, I am giving the Creightonian an exclusive first look at who I think, with a little help from media outlets like IndieWire and GoldDerby, will take the “Big Five” awards at the 2017 Oscars.

Best Picture

The biggest contention of the year is whether the award will go to Damien Chazelle’s musical masterpiece “La La Land” or Berry Jenkins’ low-budget phenom “Moonlight.” Both movies are vastly different in execution, but exist as important cinematic feats. As of late, most experts believe “La La Land” will take home the crown, but I am going to go out on a limb and say “Moonlight” will win.

Best Director

If the wunderkind Damien Chapelle, first recognized for his film “Whiplash” (which is one of the absolute best films I have ever seen), does not earn the Oscar for Best Director, it could possibly be the biggest upset of the night. Though Kenneth Lonnergan and Barry Jenkins have also received and deserved high acclaim, it will be Chazelle to ultimately achieve victory.

Best Actor in a Leading Role

The race for Best Actor in a Leading Role is neck-and-neck between Denzel Washington’s performance in “Fences” and Casey Affleck’s performance in “Manchester by the Sea.” “Manchester” may have been one of my favorite films of the year, but I’m not the biggest fan of Casey Affleck and his life choices. I still think he will win for Best Actor though, considering the buzz surrounding his performance.

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Possibly the most stacked category in the Academy Awards this year, the nominees for Best Actress in a Leading Role are each a force to be reckoned with. I think Emma Stone’s appearance in “La La Land,” which has already landed her a Golden Globe and a SAG award, will allow her to garner the golden figurine, though I would be happy if it went to any of the beautiful women nominated.

Best Original Screenplay

Among all of the Academy Awards categories, it seems that critics are most split in deciding which movie will win for Best Original Screenplay. Half say “Manchester by the Sea” and half say “La La Land.” Though I can’t say I am certain yet, I think I’m going to go with “La La Land” for its unique reproduction of classic cinema.