In a time when cinemas were closed around the world, films delayed or put on hold and streaming services quadrupling content, this Oscars may be unique, but quality "mostly" undeniable.

Whatever the changes, it won't matter: it will still be best day of the year in the movie-obsessed world that I reside in.

Adapted Screenplay Borat Subsequent Moviefilm; The Father; Nomadland; One Night in Miami; The White Tiger.

The Father, a flawless endeavour beginning with scintillating script layout. Borat is a combination of screen writing and improvisation as is Nomadland, a mix of non-actors mumbling dialogue around one terrific lead. Reverberated duo, Miami and Tiger, good but no.

My pick The Father

Original Screenplay Judas and the Black Messiah, Minari, Promising Young Woman, Sound of Metal, Trial of Chicago 7

Sincere courtroom arguments by top notch cast, Chicago 7, a front runner. Cutting deep, Promising Young Woman, creates triumphant impact, as does incessant Sound of Metal, both very hard to shake off. Minari, is an emotional journey you take along with it's story. Viewers are swept away by the powerful monologues in, Judas.

My pick The Father

Supporting Actress Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), Glenn Close (Hillbilly Elegy), Olivia Colman (The Father), Amanda Seyfried (Mank), Yuh-Jung Youn (Minari)

A strong supporter of Mank, Seyfried is at career best. Eight-time nominee Close makes history here as both best and worst in the same role (she is a Razzie contender, alternate worst film awards). Glorious unpredictability from Bakalova may see an upset. Colman and Youn, simply brilliant.

My pick Yuh-Jung Youn

Supporting Actor Sacha Baron Cohen (Trial of Chicago 7), Daniel Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah), Lesley Odom jr (One Night in Miami), Paul Raci (Sound of Metal), Lakeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah)

Chameleon Cohen shines in dramatic poise. Odom jr, definitely a honourable chance. Kaluuya and Raci are unbeatable. It's down to the delivery of monologues by the former, Raci, easily as riveting.

My pick Daniel Kaluuya

Best Actress Viola Davis (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), Andra Day (United States vs. Billie Holiday), Vanessa Kirby (Pieces of a Woman), Frances McDormand (Nomadland), Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman)

Incredible masterclass by all five. Day is flawless, Unforgettable Davis, also unrecognisably astonishing. Mulligan, the heartbeat of entire film. Legend McDormand, loved by all. Kirby, potential win for opening scene alone.

My pick Andra Day

Best Actor Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal), Chadwick Boseman (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), Anthony Hopkins (The Father), Gary Oldman (Mank), Steven Yuen (Minari)

Team Mank all the way, Oldman, on fire. Yuen, perennial longshot. Late, great Boseman, already a winner of previous lead up awards, cannot lose. Any other year, Ahmed, swoops in as winner.

Sir Anthony, extraordinary.

My pick Chadwick Boseman

Cinematography Judas and the Black Messiah, Mank, News of the World, Nomadland, Trial of Chicago 7

Boring Nomadland, has dazzling cinematography. News of the World, a western enhanced by visual landscapes. Mank, black and white brilliance. Judas & Chicago, multiple flashy vignettes.

My pick Nomadland

Director Tomas Vinterberg (Another Round (Druk)), David Fincher (Mank), Lee Isaac Chung (Minari), Chloe Zhao (Nomadland), Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman)

Two female director nods is a first. Zhao, should prepare the acceptance speech immediately having won all previous awards in lead up. Personal favourite Fincher for Mank, the closest competitor. Well-loved by the industry, Fennell, could easily spring a deserved upset. Chung, a sentimental favourite for his unique film. Dane auteur Vinterberg, few have yet to see his alcohol epic.

My pick Chloe Zhao

Best picture The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Mank, Minari, Nomadland, Promising Young Woman, Sound of Metal, Trial of Chicago 7

Stacked bunch of potential winners has elongated sleep inducing, Nomadland, unfortunately a clear favourite. A film about old school Hollywood is a subject The Academy admires, Mank, is all that and more. Sound of Metal, could easily pick up extra ballot votes due to impact of inspiring story. The Father, simply flawless alongside Promising Young Woman, remains part of continuous award conversation. As beautiful as Minari is, only a slim chance of success here. Judas, dauntingly memorable but a win would shock.

My pick Trial of Chicago 7

Roll out the red carpet, chill the champagne, press the tuxedo, enjoy my favourite day of the year.