After what seemed like an eternity of artifical intelligence controversies, resurfaced racist tweets and Kylie Jenner appearances, the 97th Academy Awards are this Sunday. To honor this occasion — and the official end of the “Emilia Pérez” press tour — WSN’s Arts Desk polled the newsroom to gauge not only this year’s favorites, but who’s being delusional about their picks. 

So before you open DraftKings and make an irreparable financial mistake, let 24 pretentious NYU students tell you some of their thoughts on this year’s best and brightest in film. If that’s not your thing, maybe you’re like our Editor-in-Chief Yezen Saadah, who said he’s simply “excited for Conan O’Brien to host — he will be the highlight.”

Best Picture

WSN’s pick: “Anora” (26.3%)

WSN’s prediction: “The Brutalist” (66.7%)

“I feel very passionately about the Oscars, and I am incredibly annoyed at the ZERO recognition of ‘Challengers.’ OR ‘Queer’ for that matter. Luca Guadagnino, I’m so sorry they failed you.” — Isabella D’Erasmo, Deputy Managing Editor

“I’m excited for ‘The Substance.’ It’s a horror movie and has some really bloody scenes, yes, but it also tackles major themes with bold stylization and incredible performances. Not every movie needs subtle performances, shadowy lighting or a commitment to realism to tell a compelling and relevant story.” — Ethan Li, Deputy Copy Chief

Best Actor in a Leading Role

WSN’s pick: Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”) (38.9%)

WSN’s prediction: Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”) (46.7%)

“Seeing Timothée Chalamet grace the SAG Awards stage and accept the award for best actor unleashed something primal within me. I need an upset more than I need a new ‘Lil Timmy Tim video.” — Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor

“Adrien Brody and the AI that they used to enhance his accent gave one of the most moving performances I have ever seen and I don’t know how to feel about that.” — Ella Sabrina Malabanan, Deputy Copy Chief

Best Actress in a Leading Role

WSN’s pick: Demi Moore (“The Substance”) and Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”) (tied 31.5%)

WSN’s prediction: Demi Moore (“The Substance”) (66.7%)

“Nicole Kidman in ‘Babygirl’ deserved a nomination. Sexiness in film deserves rewarding!!!” — Maggie Turner, Deputy Under the Arch Editor

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

WSN’s pick: Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”) (57.9%)

WSN’s prediction: Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”) (53.3%)

“Still a hardcore campaigner for Jeremy Strong winning. He emulates fear, looking like a living corpse. As he would say, the performance made sense to me dramaturgically.” — Maggie Turner, Deputy Under the Arch Editor

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

WSN’s pick: Ariana Grande (“Wicked”) (50%)

WSN’s prediction: Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”) (46.7%)

“Ariana Grande should win solely for going outside of her comfort zone and pushing her boundaries.” — Bella Simonte, Dining Editor

Best Animated Feature

WSN’s pick: “Flow” and “Wallace and Gromit” (tied 29.4%)

WSN’s prediction: “Flow” (35.7%)

“‘The Wild Robot’ was so sweet and I am happy it was nominated.” — Amelia Hernandez Gioia, Deputy News Editor

Best Director

WSN’s pick: Brady Corbet  (“The Brutalist”) (35.3%)

WSN’s prediction: Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”) (60%)

“I wonder if Jacques Audiard will react the same way to losing as he did to Cynthia Erivo being announced as a best actress nominee.” — Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor

Contact the Arts Desk at [email protected].