Something has become pretty clear over the past week or so. Well, a number of things, in relation to the Academy Awards, but today we’re focusing on one thing in particular, which is the Best Picture race. Specifically, it’s the fact that the Oscar category is now down to three contenders, and arguably even closer to just two. Yes, what was once one of the most wide open races for Picture has become at best a three horse race, more closely mirroring previous years than we might have expected. Essentially, the Academy will have their normal narrow choice to make, even if the films in question are not necessarily like what they normally pick between. When the envelope is opened next month, it will either say 1917, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, or Parasite. Almost all of the titles up for Best Picture had an avenue at one point to contend for the win. Now, not so much. The Guilds have strengthened 1917 and Parasite, putting them to the head of the pack, leaving Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood as a distant third. The recent snubs for The Irishman have it down at fourth or fifth, probably too far back to make a play, lumped together with Jojo Rabbit, which would be the big shocker if it pulled something off, though don’t bet on it. Then, there’s Ford v Ferrari, Joker (despite leading the nominations), Little Women, and Marriage Story, which round out the Picture field but don’t seem like realistic threats. So, on to the ones that actually can win… 1917 seems to be in the pole position right now, especially with its Producers Guild win on Saturday evening. Factor that in with a Golden Globe victory in Drama, an almost assured of strong showing at BAFTA, and a great chance at taking the Directors Guild prize, and the numbers are coming together for Sam Mendes’ war movie to take Best Picture. Its main competition appears now to be Parasite, which could actually be a stronger challenger than any other title, but Mendes and company have to be feeling very good right now. In fact, how could they not? A few weeks ago, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood was the odds on favorite. Then, the Guilds happened. After splitting Globe wins with 1917, it was fine. However, losing PGA to it and the Screen Actors Guild prize last night to Parasite was [...]