I’ve loaded up my Magic Eight Ball, and I’m ready to give my predictions for which films and TV shows should do well in the upcoming season of award shows.

Getting recognition from the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, SAG, EMMY or Oscars always has a big effect on box office longevity and overall profitability, which is what the business called “Show” is all about.

So, without the aid of any performance enhancing drugs, expert advice or even the admittedly favorable effect of having seen all of the various candidates, I’ll make my very own predictions.

And, please note that I am neither a clairvoyant nor a soothsayer, and I do not play one on TV or elsewhere.

The Top-Rated Films of the Year

We might as well get the big one out of the way first.

2019 saw the release of some excellent films, and from that batch we think “The Irishman,” “Marriage Story,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” and “Joker” will be duking it out from December to February.

Not only are the films great, the performances are too, which means best picture honors and several of the acting categories will be populated by people associated with those four films.

And, despite the disclaimer, we have seen these movies and can say that we think “The Irishman” is going to get the most awards this year.

It’s not only a great story, it’s filled with terrific performances and the very creme de la creme of mob movie actors who are nominated in subsequent categories. 

Our Vote: Martin Scorsese for Best Director

To my mind, there’s no way Martin Scorsese doesn’t take home the Best Director award in all of the shows dealing with films.

He could probably win an EMMY or a Grammy if he was nominated. The guy has a golden touch, and he knows how to get the best work from the best actors, thanks to a lifetime of collaborating with them. 

Our Vote: Joaquin Phoenix for Best Actor

Anyone who thinks that Joaquin Phoenix won’t win Best Actor in a Drama for his performance in “Joker” hasn’t seen the film. It’s really incredible. Phoenix said he still hasn’t recovered from his role preparation, in which he lost some 50 pounds–and he was already skinny!

I think Eddie Murphy is going to finally get some love from the awards shows for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, comedy or musical in “Dolemite Is My Name!”

He’s on the comeback trail and all stops have been over-the-top successful. He is assaulting the U.S. with 3 new films, a new stand-up comedy show and guest hosting Saturday Night Live for the first time in 35 years as he shows off his 10 children.

If you remember way back when, Eddie Murphy was on top, and he’s heading there again.

Our Vote: Renee Zellweger for Best Actress

The best actress in a motion picture, drama award is likely to end up in the hands of Renée Zellweger, for her starring role as Judy Garland in “Judy.”

She’s virtually unrecognizable and completely immersed herself in this role. She’s done some great work through the years, and it’s time she received her due recognition.

See the Awards Shows Live in 2020

Those are the most likely people and films to get their share of the spotlight throughout the awards show season.

We even have tickets to some of them. Give us a call, so we can discuss tickets to the most happening award shows and their gaudy after parties.

Nothing is as exciting as an award show. Nothing. And we can get you there.