2016 is one of the tightest races in Oscar history

Look for the winners and presenters to get a word or more in as well. But a lot boils down to the mood of voters when they cast their ballots. The power of quality journalism is on full and powerful display in “Spotlight”.

Oscar host Chris Rock and telecast producers Reginald Hudlin and David Hill – who would typically be promoting the show this week to inspire tune-in – have gone silent.

A nomination or win also increases profit over the longer term by increasing movie rentals, DVD purchases and on-demand cable contracts, she said.

You may find each argument persuasive – and the best picture race that much harder to call.

However, the favorite to take the award home, “The Revenant”, trails with a total of $165.1 million. The mood is right for this film.

Remember (above all) that these are the Oscars, strictly created to make those who comprise the world’s most prestigious industry feel good about themselves, and not feel like they’ve just been flayed. Inarritu became the first Mexican to win Best Director a year ago, for “Birdman”. Later that evening, Hopkins won as Best Actor.

However, the Italian Stallion would lose the bout to Tom Hardy in “The Revenant” if the Academy was going by ticket sales.

“The Danish Girl” is a love story of a transgender artist, played by Eddie Redmayne, and co-starring Alicia Vikander. Other categories include costume design, film editing, makeup and visual effects.

But a “big” win doesn’t necessarily depend on numbers. Costume design could also go to Mad Max – Jenny Beavan did such a brilliant job with the Five Wives’ gauzy, ethereal, torn-up bandeau tops and barely there skirts.

Prerequisite 3: Best Picture will also have gotten top prize at other major award shows.

If campaigning is your game, look to the Best Song category.

Lady Gaga is on fire this year.

Besides, Mr. and Mrs. Smith will be watching the show anyway: How could they not? The category is probably the year’s most contentious. Larson is nominated alongside Cate Blanchett (“Carol”), Jennifer Lawrence (“Joy”), Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years”) and Saoirse Ronan (“Brooklyn”). He’ll be there, smiling back at her. We can’t wait to see what he does at the Oscars when he has stars of all kinds to pose for photos with him.

“The Big Short” is a film adaptation of Michael Lewis’ book of the same name. “They know that’s what the public wants, and we deliver what the people want”. The famous line, “You like me, you really like me” was often attributed to Field’s Academy Awards speech when she won Best Actress for her performance in “Places of the Heart”. Embrace of the Serpent and A War were two quiet pictures not almost as eye-grabbing as Son of Saul or Mustang, even though the two former contenders definitely have proven their chops as films in general, but in different ways.

“He’s had to work for everything he has got and I think that’s what makes his achievements all the more remarkable”. But if “The Revenant” wins here, it’s headed for a big night. Insiders say that’s already going to “Mad Max”.