2016 Oscar Predictions: Best Visual Effects

One might think the winner here tends to be a summer blockbuster, but for the last four years the Oscar for best visual effects has gone to a high profile fall release — three of which were also nominated for best picture. “Hugo,” “Life of Pi,” “Gravity” and “Interstellar” are the films we’re talking about, and “The Martian” seems to fit that bit this year.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” might seem like a frontrunner among them because all three films in the original “Star Wars” trilogy won this award, yet none of the films in the second trilogy did (Episode III didn’t even get nominated). And they didn’t have to fend off the likes of “The Martian,” either, or the bear from “The Revenant.”

Below is Anne Thompson’s take on how things might shake down in the race for best visual effects. Check out Thompson on Hollywood’s Oscar predictions pages for more awards season analysis. Click here for more category breakdowns on Indiewire.