Kevin Gorg, Fox Sports North personality and former Canterbury Park racing analyst, does not miss many movies.
He is as opinionated about film and actors as he is about a horse race.
Over the years he has offered his Academy Awards selections along with his betting line. Gorg has been remarkably good (and occasionally off the mark), but always provides useful insight for your office pool.
Here is a look at his odds for the 91st Academy Awards, held this Sunday, Feb. 24.
Best Picture
“Green Book” — terrific movie that mixes the horrific history of prejudice in this country and well-timed humor… slight lean here. 5/2
“A Star Is Born” — my favorite flick of the year by far (I’ve seen it nine times). The acting is powerful and the music is amazing but likely won’t win because Hollywood doesn’t respect remakes. 7/2
“Roma” — the betting favorite in Vegas is a foreign language film that is getting a ton of buzz. I haven’t seen this one but you must respect the noise around it. 9/2
“Bohemian Rhapsody” — another movie that I went to see multiples times. The story of how Queen came to be and the remarkable journey of their lead singer Freddie Mercury with all the fixings, which include not just the music but some cool concert experiences… 6-1 (Sneaky longshot.)
“The Favourite” — dark comedy that had its moments for certain but I’m not sure the juice was worth the squeeze. 15-1
“Black Panther” — of all the Oscar-nominated movies I think I enjoyed this one the least. More special effects and the story just did not grab me… Many enjoyed this one but it wasn’t for me. 25-1
“BlacKkKlansman” — now this was a movie I really loved seeing, making fun of the KKK and doing it in a very entertaining way. It was a true story, by the way, which makes it even more hilarious… well worth seeing and deserves to be in the mix. 30-1
“Crazy Rich Asians” — another beautiful movie that combines solid humor and a story that is worth investing your emotions, too. Likely an outsider when it comes to bringing home the hardware but another movie I think everyone enjoyed seeing. 40-1
“If Beale Street Could Talk” — if you are looking for a big longshot that might outrun the odds this one is it. A love story with a twist and the acting in this one is top shelf. Long odds to win because it really has been under the radar but a damn good flick. 50-1
The Field — all others are super longshots and likely have no shot. The one not listed that I enjoyed the most was “Vice,” which had many, many laughs and the actors looked and sounded like the famous politicians they were playing. 100-1
Best Actress
Glen Close in “The Wife” — don’t get me wrong, she did a fantastic job in this one; the movie and performance were great but the reason she wins is because Hollywood loves repeat winners (see the history with Meryl Streep). Overwhelming chalk here but not my favorite performance. 3/5
Lady Gaga in “A Star Is Born” — this young lady is amazingly talented and showed some real skills in this movie. She actually made us believe she was some nobody and then transformed into who she really is in real life (a legit star). The emotional range she showed acting and the chemistry with Bradley Cooper jumped off the screen. She should win but likely won’t… 3-1
Olivia Colman in “The Favorite” — like this movie I get that this performance was solid… just not in the same class as the top two. 25-1
Emily Blunt in “Mary Poppins Returns” — tough to take this role and be compared to the legendary original. I love this gal but a huge longshot in this deep and talented group. 50-1
The Field — many solid performances in this bunch maybe led by Nicole Kidman in “Boy Erased.” The top ladies here just are too good… 100-1
Best Actor
Rami Malek in “Bohemian Rhapsody” — absolutely stunning performance. He should crush in this category… Best Bet. 1/5
Bradley Cooper in “A Star Is Born” — any other year he likely takes this one home. He was damn good but his best was second best here. 9/2
Christian Bale in “Vice” — can’t believe how much he looked and sounded like Dick Cheney. Solid job done here for sure. 15-1
Viggo Mortensen in “Green Book” — another performance that might get over shadowed this year but deserves a mention. 40-1
The Field — all others are likely no match for the top couple in here. Of them John David Washington (BlackKklansman) was best. 50-1
–Kevin Gorg
