The 87th Academy Awards awards will take place Sunday night at 7 p.m. on ABC.

Best Picture Nominees:

American Sniper

Birdman

Boyhood

The Imitation Game

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Selma

The Theory of Everything

Whiplash

Who should win: Boyhood

For the most part, 2014 provided an array of mesmerizing films, but none could match Richard Linklater’s Boyhood. From a personal perspective, “Boyhood” was a unique nostalgia trip.

Who will win: Birdman

In spite of its distinct aspects, it’s likely that Boyhood will be overlooked for a best picture win due to its tough competition. “Birdman” has received high critical acclaim and more attention than most films that are up for awards. Compared to what it’s up against, “Birdman” has a very high chance of winning the Oscar for Best Picture.

Best Director Nominees:

Richard Linklater – Boyhood

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu – Birdman

Wes Anderson – Grand Budapest Hotel

Bennet Miller – Foxcatcher

Morten Tyldum – The Imitation Game

Who should win: Richard Linkater

There’s no other director on this list that could match Richard Linklater’s level of dedication to “Boyhood.” He spent twelve years on the project and presented audiences with one of the most memorable stories in film this year.

Who Will Win: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

In the end, it comes down to a popularity contest between “Birdman” and “Boyhood.” Alejandro’s superb directing and writing of “Birdman” did not go unnoticed by critics and it’s likely that members of the Academy will take interest in him. But as Edward Norton’s character in “Birdman” said, “Popularity is the slutty little of cousin of prestige.” So we might not know for sure who’ll snag this award until the actual Oscars.

Best Actor in a Leading Role Nominees:

Michael Keaton – Birdman

Steve Carell – Foxcatcher

Ralph Fiennes – The Grand Budapest Hotel

Bradley Cooper – American Sniper

Eddie Redmayne – The Theory of Everything

Who Should Win: Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton’s performance in “Birdman” was a knockout and a huge comeback for the actor who’s been living under a rock in the industry for a while. He really showed his true talent in the film and shouldn’t be ignored by the Academy this year.

Who Will Win: Michael Keaton

The other actors on the list did a fantastic job portraying their roles, but it’s pretty clear that Keaton will win his first Oscar this month.

Best Actress in a Leading Role Nominees: 

Reese Witherspoon – Wild

Julianne Moore – Still Alice

Rosamund Pike – Gone Girl

Felicity Jones – The Theory of Everything

Marion Cotillard – Two Days, One Night

Who Should Win: Rosamund Pike

Pike brought “Gone Girl” to a whole new level in the mystery and thriller genre. Her enigmatic persona was captivating and made the film an immersive experience.

Who Will Win: Julianne Moore

Having been ignored four times prior by the Academy, it’s more than likely that Julianne Moore will not be overlooked this year. She’s received massive praise for her role in Still Alice, which depicts a woman in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Moore is definitely the frontrunner going in to the Oscars.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role Nominees:

Mark Ruffalo – Foxcatcher

J.K Simmons – Whiplash

Edward Norton – Birdman

Ethan Hawke – Boyhood

Robert Duvall – The Judge

Who Should Win: J.K Simmons

Ever since “Whiplash” was shown at Sundance last year, there’s been a massive amount of buzz about Simmons’ role as a cutthroat drumming instructor.

Who Will Win: Edward Norton

The competition really comes down to Edward Norton and J.K Simmons. Both actors give stellar performances, but Norton is most likely to win, having been passed off twice at the Oscars, and receiving heaps of attention for “Birdman.”

Best Actress in a Supporting Role Nominees:

 Patricia Arquette – Boyhood

Emma Stone – Birdman

Laura Dern – Wild

Keira Knightley – The Imitation Game

Meryl Streep – Into the Woods

Who Should Win: Patricia Arquette

Patricia Arquette did a phenomenal job in “Boyhood.” She engaged audiences as Mason’s mother, and portrayed a realistic relationship between her and her son.

Who Will Win: Emma Stone

Emma Stone has given her best performance to date in “Birdman” as Riggan’s drug rehabbed daughter. Compared to Arquette, Stone has received much more attention with the “Birdman” cast and will most likely take home her first Oscar.