Before I get to my picks I need to pat myself on the back. Since I started covering the Oscars seven years ago, let it be noted my picks have been correct to the tune of 45 out of 53 in the major categories! At 84.9%, that warrants a regular trip to Vegas or London to book some bets. That is, uh, if I gambled. Now that the shameless promotion is over, here’s the Media Guy choices for the telecast on Sunday:

Best Picture
Get Out
Media Guy Thoughts: I have a feeling it’s time for the Oscars to honor a movie like this, plus who would want to be the person or company reaped the profits from a movie that has grossed over $250 million off a $4 million production budget? SPOILER ALERT: Who didn’t lose it when Daniel Kaluuya found all of this old boyfriend pictures in the closet? I’d go with The Shape of Water but Splash and Creature from the Black Lagoon are already better.

Kobe and I have 33,643 combined NBA points.

Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Media Guy Thoughts: Easiest choice on the board.

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour
Media Guy Thoughts: If Get Out gets on a role, then this pick won’t make it.

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Media Guy Thoughts: He’s won everything else.

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Allison Janney, I, Tonya
Media Guy Thoughts: She’s won everything else and a boatload of Emmys.

Directing
Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird
Media Guy Thoughts: #TimesUp

Animated Short Film
Dear Basketball
Media Guy Thoughts: Kobe Bryant has home court advantage. Go Lakers!

Writing (Original Screenplay)
Jordan Peele, Get Out
Media Guy Thoughts: If is Get Out’s year then Jordan Peele wins directing and Greta Gerwig wins this one. So, I’m hedging my bets and going Peele here.

The Oscars Swag Bag

I think it’s pretty funny that the what’s perceived as the official Oscars swag bag really has no association with the Oscars. This is true to the point were in 2016, the Academy sued Distinctive Assets for trademark infringement (they have since settled).

Since the legal extras, Distinctive Assets has also toned it down its extravagant image, taking the value of each bag from its high of $230,000 down to the current overall value around $100,000. Ad, oh, you have to pay taxes on the bag if you opt to take it! Highlights include:

• 12-night Tanzania vacation for two…The package from International Expeditions is the most expensive gift at more than $40,000. The journey includes spa services, a private safari guide, wild game drives and a hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast.
• Week-long stay at the Golden Door spa…The relaxing San Diego retreat goes for $8,850 and the spa donates 100% of net profits to children’s advocacy organizations.
• Six-night and seven-day stay at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu in Kauai…Nominees and their guests get to stay in a two-bedroom villa with an ocean view. Additional perks include a zipline adventure and helicopter tour.
• 10,000-bowl donation from Halo, Purely For Pets…Donations are made in the nominee’s name to an animal shelter or rescue of their choice. $8,000. 
• Luxury false lashes from Le Céline

• A commitment from Jarritos iconic Mexican soda to donate a pallet of soft drinks to a charitable event of the nominee’s choice
• A lifetime supply of Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation and Hydro-MatrixALLÉL DNA-based skincare
• Avaton Luxury Villas Resort Greek beachfront escape
• BANGARANG Positive Cube
• Blush & Whimsy magical color changing lipstick
• Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation
• Charleston & Harlow candles
• Chocolatines’ edible 16-piece jewelry box
• Cook Yourself Happy: The Danish Way cookbook
• Curlee Girlee children’s empowerment book
• Dandi Patch amazing underarm sweat patches
• Delicacies Candy & Confections organic & vegan lollipops
• D.Thomas Clinic Signature DNA Head-to-Toe Treatments
• DNA kit from 23andMe
• Fresh crate of California oranges from EpiFruit
• Esther Fairfax Lotte Berk Barre Method private group class
• Face It makeup remover combo kit
• Happiest Tee luxury t-shirts
• Hydroxycut Organic weight loss supplements
• Inception of Beauty 10-piece makeup brush set
• Justice For Vets Challenge Coin
• Kalliope NYC Phobia Relief Expert
• Liwu Jewellery inspired by ancient Celtic symbols and Chinese calligraphy
• Look Fabulous Forever Prime Collection
• Luxura Diamonds limited edition conflict-free diamond necklace
• My Magic Mud activated charcoal whitening toothpaste
• M·Y·O Cosmetic Cases
• MZ Skin Collagen Eye Mask and Golden Eye Treatment
• “99 Creative Wows – Words of Wisdom for Business Celebrity” Creativity Kit
• Non-invasive full face skin rejuvenation from Nurse Gigi
• No. 9 Daily Chemical Exfoliant from Oumere Skin Care
• Paiva Aloe Gorgeous! luxury cleanser and mask fusion
• Personal training sessions with celebrity trainer Alexis Seletzky
• Posh Pretzels gourmet gift box
• PROVEN AI-based personalized skincare based on the Beauty Genome Project
• Quincy Herbals SlimMax Detox Tea
• Quip beautifully simple electric toothbrush
• Reian Williams Fine Art
• Rouge Maple pure organic maple syrup
• Safi Kilima Tanzanite bolo bracelets
• Southern Wicked Lemonade all-natural lemonade moonshine
• The Green Garmento Gigantote
• TOTALEE hair care products
• Vaya Tyffyns stainless steel lunchboxes
• Wetsleeve wearable hydration on-the-go
• Youth Blast anti-aging supplement

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