Tom McCarthy’s “Spotlight” is what should win but will settle for being a critical darling. “The Revenant” will be the winner here; it’s a classic revenge story told with epic sweep, gorgeously shot and features two dynamic performances.

Best Director:

It’s incredibly rare for a director to win back to back Oscars but after being recognized by the DGA, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu will join exclusive company with his second straight win, after last year’s “Birdman.” I’d vote for George Miller who showed incredible resolve in getting “Mad Max: Fury Road” finally made and the work itself is a roaring, adrenalized success.

Best Actor:

He should’ve won for the Martin Scorsese directed masterpieces “The Aviator” or “The Wolf of Wall Street” but this is the year Leonardo DiCaprio receives his first Oscar as he’s a lock to win for “The Revenant.” The Academy is long known for rewarding a celebrated actor’s body of work, even if the film itself isn’t their finest performance (see: Denzel Washington for “Training Day” and Al Pacino for “Scent of a Woman”).

Best Actress:

Brie Larson was mesmerizing in “Room”, a quietly devastating adaptation of the book which surprised with nominations for Best Picture and Director (Lenny Abrahamson). Larson is carrying the torch for the film and will beat out Cate Blanchett for “Carol” among others.

Best Supporting Actor:

Sylvester Stallone gave a surprisingly nuanced, poignant performance in “Creed” and a nomination would’ve been recognition enough in my opinion. But again, the Academy can’t resist rewarding a big time star with an Oscar of his own so Sly will win over more deserving nominees like Mark Ruffalo for “Spotlight.”

Best Supporting Actress:

Alicia Vikander will win for the “Danish Girl,” and along with her work in “Ex Machina,” had a solid year establishing herself as an actress to watch for years to come. I’d go with Kate Winslet in “Steve Jobs,” for making such magic out of Aaron Sorkin’s words and holding her own with Michael Fassbender’s titular character.