70th British Academy Film Awards: A fearless prediction

The 70th British Academy Film Awards will be held at the Royal Albert Hall on February 12. Many observers believe that "La La Land" is certain of winning the Best Picture Oscar after scooping the Producers Guild of America Award last January 28. But the members of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts would love to spoil the party on February 26. Whether or not the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will take note of the results (before the final voting) will be anyone's guess. Anything can still happen at this point.

Let's look at some of the categories:

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Casey Affleck might be thankful that Denzel Washington won't be in the mix, as "Fences" would be released in UK theaters on February 10. The past caught up with the "Manchester by the Sea" star, which may be one of the reasons behind Washington's first SAG Award last month. BAFTA might be looking at homegrown talent Andrew Garfield, as members have shown their patriotism in the past. It wouldn't affect Affleck's Oscar chances, yet he could only hope that good PR won't be a factor before the final votes were tallied. Garfield, the dark horse in the Best Actor category, might have a thank-you speech by now.

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Emma Stone would be the favorite to win the Best Actress Oscar, but it might change after the 12th. The members of BAFTA have shown preference to drama, and observers and film enthusiasts must go back to the 1970s. It was the only time that comedy and musical were honored in this category. (Liza Minnelli won the British Academy Film Award for "Cabaret" in 1972. Diane Keaton did the same thing for "Annie Hall" in 1977.) They may favor Natalie Portman's performance in "Jackie", which would turn the Best Actress Oscar category into a three-woman race. Isabelle Huppert could only hope that the Oscar voters have a long memory. It would be Portman going up the stage.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: This should be hard to guess, but expect BAFTA to pick Dev Patel. He was another homegrown talent starring in an Australian motion picture that was received warmly at the Toronto International Film Festival. Don't be surprised if the "Slumdog Millionaire" star could end up holding the golden boy, as the British Academy Film Awards and Academy Awards would be two weeks apart.

Best Film Not in the English Language: "Son of Saul", which won the Oscar in the same category last year, would likely be named the winner this Sunday. It doesn't affect the chances of Maren Ade, who might have a speech on the 26th (for “Toni Erdmann”).

Outstanding British Film: Moviegoers would love David Yates to receive the BAFTA Award for "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", but Ken Loach could be the sentimental favorite in this category. His kitchen sink drama had political leanings, which affected his chances (of winning) in the past. It would be a different case for "I, Daniel Blake".

Do you disagree with the predictions? Share your thoughts.