There’s an old adage the film with the “most” editing wins, and this year that would certainly suggest a victory for Everything Everywhere All at Once. With its dimension-twisting multi-verse narrative, there are several sequences in the film where editing plays an enormously key role in the success of what we’re being shown. What Paul Rogers has achieved is nothing short of marvellous.
With wins at BAFTA, ACE Eddie (Comedy), and Critics’ Choice, it’s easily the frontrunner here. But that’s not to say it’s a sure bet. Top Gun: Maverick also won at ACE Eddie in the Drama category, though last year’s drama winner King Richard didn’t repeat at the Oscars. Nor did the two previous winners, The Trial of the Chicago 7 or Parasite. So who knows if ACE Eddie really means anything anymore?
That being said, the winner of Best Film Editing hasn’t matched Best Picture since Argo in 2012. So, if Everything Everywhere All at Once is indeed our Best Picture frontrunner, does that spell disaster for its chance in Best Film Editing? And maybe Top Gun: Maverick snatches it? The Academy hasn’t been swayed by a sweep in years, so it’s plausible. The winner of Best Sound often matches Best Film Editing, so if Top Gun: Maverick takes the former, does it also win the latter?
Most of us presume the Everything Everywhere At at Once sweep is happening and Best Film Editing will form back of that dominance. There’s so much “obvious” film editing at play in this chaotic film and I think that will be enough to sway voters towards it.
BEST FILM EDITING PREDICTIONS:
1. Everything Everywhere All At Once – Paul Rogers (A24) – ACE, BAFTA, CCA
2. Top Gun: Maverick – Chris Lebenzon, Eddie Hamilton (Paramount Pictures) – ACE, BAFTA, CCA
3. Elvis – Matt Villa, Jonathan Redmond (Warner Bros.) – ACE, BAFTA, CCA
4. The Banshees of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures) – Mikkel E.G. Nielsen – ACE, BAFTA
5. TÁR – Monika Willi (Focus Features) – ACE, CCA
Will win: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Should win: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Possible shocker: Elvis