TAG24's Take: The favorites to win big at the 2022 Oscars

Los Angeles, California - On Sunday, the 2022 Oscars will be hitting big and small screens everywhere.

Clockwise: King Richard, Spencer, and The Power of the Dog are among the big favorites at this year's Oscars.
Clockwise: King Richard, Spencer, and The Power of the Dog are among the big favorites at this year's Oscars.  © Collage: IMAGO/Picturelux & Picturelux & ZUMA Press

There are some big contenders in the running this year.

The annual awards ceremony is already set to bring the laughs, as Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes will be hosting.

In addition to the Oscars being hosted by three people for the first time, there are some pretty buzz-worthy nominations that have fans chatting.

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This year's competition is a nail-bitter and, as always, the big talk is surrounding the top three prestigious honors: Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture.

Here's TAG24's predictions on who will win big at the Oscars this year.

Best Actor: Will Smith for King Richard

Will Smith's moving performance as Richard Williams in King Richard earned the actor his third nomination for Best Actor.
Will Smith's moving performance as Richard Williams in King Richard earned the actor his third nomination for Best Actor.  © IMAGO/Picturelux

Yes, this could be the year Will Smith takes home the award for Best Actor.

And to be honest, the honor is long overdue.

The 53-year-old was snubbed in 2002 and again in 2007.

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Yet his enthralling portrayal as Richard Williams - the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena - in King Richard may finally land The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star his first Oscar.

So far, the actor has nabbed a few big wins for his role, including a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe, which normally suggests that the I Am Legend star is a shoe in for the award – though this isn't always in the case.

Will is up against some other heavy contenders.

There's Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, who marveled as the tragic Lord Macbeth, and Javier Bardem's mesmerizing performance as the late Desi Arnaz, to consider as possible winners.

But our money is on Will this year the recipient of the distinguished award.

Best Actress: Kristen Stewart for Spencer

Kristen Stewart's emotionally-thrilling role as the late Princess Diana in Spencer landed the star her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Kristen Stewart's emotionally-thrilling role as the late Princess Diana in Spencer landed the star her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress.  © IMAGO/Picturelux

The Twilight alum has come a long way from her days as a clumsy teen that foolishly falls in love with a vampire.

Kristen Stewart's jaw-dropping transformation and portrayal as the ill-fated Princess Diana of Wales in the historical drama Spencer is all anyone has talked about since it debut.

Many stars have attempted to capture the innocent essence of the doomed princess over the years.

Yet, the 31-year-old's captivating performance of the late royal in the compelling flick is eerily spot on and, dare we say, probably the highlight of Kristen's career.

The Charlie's Angel star has never been nominated for an Oscar before and is up against other talented leading ladies, some of whom are also nominated for biographical performances.

However, anything is possible, and Kristen has proven that with her seemingly effortless performance.

Best Picture: The Power of the Dog

Director Jane Champion's Western-drama, The Power of the Dog, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kodi Smit-McPhee (pictured) could be this year's winner for Best Picture.
Director Jane Champion's Western-drama, The Power of the Dog, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kodi Smit-McPhee (pictured) could be this year's winner for Best Picture.  © imago/ZUMA Press

There are 10 major movies that are in the race for Best Picture this year.

Among the ecletic list of nominees are Will's King Richard, the Netflix apocalyptic black-comedy Don't Look Up, HBO Max's Dune, and the Western-drama The Power of Dog.

So far, the top contenders seem to be The Power of the Dog and Kenneth Branagh's coming-of-age drama, Belfast.

Again, anything can happen, but the enchanting Western flick has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on viewers – and it is easy to see why.

With a stellar cast, including Marvel's Benedict Cumberbatch, astonishing cinematography, and melodramatic score, director Jane Champion's exquisite film is an all-around masterpiece.

Who will take home gold? The 94th Annual Academy Awards airs this Sunday at 8pm on ABC.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/Picturelux & Picturelux & ZUMA Press

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