2016 Academy Awards Predictions – Best Visual Effects

Star Wars vs. Mad Max. The action franchise duel of the year. Who will win? Do any other film stand a chance?

In response to the latter, probably not. Some are pulling for Ex Machina, and, although the film is beautiful, it is a long long shot that it will pick up the award in this category. And The Revenant may pull an upset, but the real battle remains between space dogfights and desert car chases.

I have similar opinions in this category as I do with the sound categories. Mad Max has the benefit of age. The fact that people are still talking about this movie months down the line is a testament to its staying power as a visual experience. Add to this practical effects and a barren landscape that still somehow looks lush, and it is hard to see any movie but Mad Max win this award.