Here comes the Oscars, my second favorite time of year. For nearly 100 years, the Academy Awards have been the prime event honoring film in the United States.

While the show itself might not always be stellar (Ellen DeGeneres, anyone?), it’s always fun to see which films get awarded. Alongside the anticipation of the show is a flood of predictions. While everyone may have their own thoughts on who and what will receive a prestigious award, I have my own standouts.

Best Picture: “The Revenant” or “Spotlight”

It’s a bit too early for me to make a definitive prediction, but Best Picture is looking like a two-horse race. “The Revenant” and “Spotlight” are both amazing films, but have some clear parallels. Both films are based on true events, tell an interesting story and include powerhouse performances. They have both won several major industry and critic’s awards so far, including the BAFTA award for Best Film (“The Revenant”) and the Critic’s Choice award for Best Cast Ensemble (“Spotlight). Although both have won awards, neither have a clear advantage over the other.

Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Revenant”

DiCaprio’s performance in “The Revenant” received so much praise from critics, prior to the film being released, that I had him pegged to win Best Actor before I even saw it based on the trailer alone. Someone worthy of preventing him from winning his first Oscar is Michael Fassbender, receiving rave reviews of his performance in “Steve Jobs.” However, DiCaprio has already won major awards for his performance from the Critic’s Choice Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Although DiCaprio seems to have a lot more momentum, whoever wins the award will be well­-deserved.

Best Actress: Brie Larson, “Room

”I would bet that the Academy will go with the fresh, young Larson over a veteran like Cate Blanchett, who won the award in 2014 for “Blue Jasmine.” Delivering a terrific performance at such a young age and having relatively new status as a star made her performance all the more incredible.

Best Supporting Actress: Alicia Vikander, “The Danish Girl”

Between acting in “Ex Machina” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” Vikander has had an amazing banner year. I would be surprised if she doesn’t win based on her track record alone.

Best Supporting Actor: No idea

Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Mark Ruffalo, Mark Rylance and Sylvester Stallone are all actors whom have delivered worthy performances. Apart from giving amazing performances, they earned great praise, so I don’t see how one can trump the other. Just make four extra statues and call it a night.

Best Director: Tom McCarthy, “Spotlight”

While the actors of this film are getting the most praise, it would be foolish to deny credit to director McCarthy. Although he has kept a low profile and directed critically acclaimed films that failed to gain popularity, “Spotlight” is McCarthy’s masterpiece. Despite Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu directing an exceptional film, “The Revenant,” I would assume the Academy would be hesitant to give another Oscar to the current reigning champ, already having won Best Director for “Birdman” in 2014. I’m willing to bet that this year, it belongs to McCarthy.

Best Original Screenplay: Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer, “Spotlight”

In writing “Spotlight,” McCarthy and Singer have not just made an interesting, entertaining story, but a love letter to the transformative power of journalism. This film truly showcased the field’s ability to do good by uncovering corruption.