Being the Oscar frontrunner for Best Makeup and Hairstyling has been a jinx this season. At first we thought “Jackie” would prevail, but then the academy announced its list of seven finalists and it didn’t make the cut. So then we thought another ornate period production, “Florence Foster Jenkins,” would be the likely winner, but it was snubbed when nominations were announced. Now we’re collectively betting on “Star Trek Beyond” to prevail (see our latest odds). But are we being foolish to continue underestimating “Suicide Squad”?
Sign up to get Gold Derby’s free newsletter
with experts’ latest predictions and breaking news
“Suicide Squad” was released last August to join the expanding DC Comics universe as Warner Bros. Pictures battles Disney’s Marvel franchise for superhero dominance. It carried a lot of baggage on its way to theaters with reports of re-shoots and the cutting of many Jared Leto scenes as the Joker, but despite those setbacks and a chilly reception from critics it was an unqualified hit, earning $325 million at the domestic box office and $745 million worldwide.
Join in the fierce debate about the Oscar contenders
going on right now in our red-hot forums
“Suicide Squad” certainly has some of the showiest makeup effects in the category, especially on Leto as the Joker, an unrecognizable Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc and Margot Robbie as the deranged Harley Quinn. The Oscars usually prefer to award a Best Picture nominee in this category — remember how “Dallas Buyers Club” beat the showy effects of “Bad Grandpa” and “The Lone Range” with a makeup budget of $250? — but in the absence of a Best Picture nominee the showiest effects often win, like “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006), “Star Trek” (2009) and “The Wolfman” (2010).
“Suicide Squad” currently ranks second in our predictions with 5/1 odds, behind “Star Trek Beyond” at 4/11 and ahead of “A Man Called Ove” at 9/1. Do you think we’re underestimating “Suicide Squad”?
Predict the Oscar winners now; change them till February 26
Be sure to make your Oscar predictions. Weigh in now with your picks so that Hollywood insiders can see how their films are faring in our Oscar odds. You can keep changing your predictions right up until just before winners are announced on February 26 at 5:00 pm PT/8:00 pm ET. And join in the fierce debate over the Oscars taking place right now with Hollywood insiders in our forums.
