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January 22, 2019

Oscars 2019 predictions: 'Roma,' Glenn Close, 'A Star Is Born' and more should get nominated

WATCH: 2019 Oscar nominations: 'Roma,' 'The Favourite' lead, 'Black Panther' scores big

We are just moments away from 2019 Oscar nominations, and fans and critics alike are waiting to see if their predictions were on target.

Films like "Green Book" and "Roma" have already won big at other awards shows, and only time will tell if that trend continues.

"GMA" spoke to Emmy-award winning sports and entertainment journalist Chris Connelly to get his expert take on what fans can expect from this morning's nominations.

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(MORE: Golden Globe winner Regina King's big year includes Emmy, gender challenge and more)

"GMA" will stream the nominations here at 8:20 am ET.

Here's what he had to say:

"Roma" and director Alfonso Cuarón will have an exciting morning

Cuarón not only directed the Netflix hit, but he wrote and handled some technical details on the film as well.

PHOTO: Marco Graf as Pepe, Daniela Demesa as Sofi, Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo, Marina De Tavira as Sofia, Diego Cortina Autrey as Tono, Carlos Peralta Jacobson as Paco in "Roma."
Carlos Somonte/Netflix
Marco Graf as Pepe, Daniela Demesa as Sofi, Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo, Marina De Tavira as Sofia, Diego Cortina Autrey as Tono, Carlos Peralta Jacobson as Paco in "Roma."

"You would expect a movie that's a contender for best picture to have editing and cinematography and director nominations, but for them all to go to the same person, that's unusual," he said.

Connelly thinks the Mexico City native, who has directed such hits as "Gravity," could be "a story line" Tuesday morning.

While the Academy may not be known to "spread the wealth" around, Cuarón winning best director might open up best picture to another contender, Connelly pointed out.

(MORE: Inside the true story behind Golden Globes darling 'Green Book')

"Black Panther" has a chance

Connelly thinks "Black Panther" is unlike any superhero movie before it and "stands above and beyond in a way."

PHOTO: Michael B. Jordan and Chadwick Boseman appear in the film, "Black Panther," 2018.
Marvel Studios
Michael B. Jordan and Chadwick Boseman appear in the film, "Black Panther," 2018.

"I would expect it to be a player in some of those craft categories," he said, adding, "You wonder if the Academy will find a way to give an award nod for the creation of Wakanda, which was such a powerful idea and had such an impact throughout the culture."

Connelly also expects "Black Panther" to be nominated for best picture.

"I'd be surprised if they didn't [give it a nomination]," he said.

A Star will be Born

Expect several nominations for Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga's hit, "A Star Is Born."

"They'll be nominations for Cooper as director, Gaga as best actress, Sam Elliot will get nominated for supporting, I think 'Shallow' will get nominated for best song, and I think they'll get a best picture nomination too," he said. "Then we'll sort of see how awards season plays out."

PHOTO: Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in a scene from the movie, "A Star is Born."
Clay Enos/Warner Bros. Pictures
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in a scene from the movie, "A Star is Born."

Cooper himself should get nominated for best actor but that award may go to Christian Bale for his portrayal of Dick Cheney in "Vice," Connelly said. Bale won at both the Globes and Critics' Choice award shows.

Glenn is soooo Close

Can you believe Glenn Close has not won an Oscar yet for best actress?

This might be her year though.

Since she didn't win for "Fatal Attraction" or "Dangerous Liaisons" in years prior, the Academy might owe this icon the award, especially since she earned it this year for her work in "The Wife."

She also gave such a fantastic speech at the Golden Globes about honoring and empowering women, which has her gaining momentum as we speak.

The locks

For best actress, Close, Gaga and Olivia Colman ("The Favourite") are all pretty much guaranteed shoo-ins for nominations.

Some of the variables could be Melissa McCarthy for "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" and possibly Nicole Kidman, Emily Blunt or Yalitzia Aparicio from "Roma."

In best actor, four already seem to have the category locked down, as well: Bale, Cooper, Rami Malek and Viggo Mortensen are expected to get nominated.

"That fifth slot is kind of open, it could go to Ethan Hawke, could go Ryan Gosling, could go to Lucas Hedges for 'Boy Erased' or Willem Dafoe," Connelly said.

The #CriticsChoice Award for Best Actor goes to #Christianbale for his amazing portrayal of #DickCheney in @vicemovie. #cwcriticschoice #vicemovie pic.twitter.com/pryq0J6ZJW

— Critics' Choice (@CriticsChoice) January 14, 2019

Regina King will be queen

The "If Beale Street Could Talk" star won big at the Globes for supporting actress and gave a powerful speech on equality in the process.

Connelly believes her performance stands out in that category, especially in such an important and game-changing film.

"She's certainly considered the likely favorite," he said.

Congratulations to #BealeStreet’s @ReginaKing on her #GoldenGlobes win for Best Supporting Actress. Thank YOU for telling stories so rich ? pic.twitter.com/BLUTdjXJYW

— If Beale Street Could Talk (@BealeStreet) January 7, 2019

Her male counterpart in best supporting has to be Oscar-winner and "Green Book" star Mahershala Ali, who is as respected and beloved in Hollywood as he is talented. Connelly said two legendary actors may not win this time around, though they'd be front-runners in other years.

"Sam Elliot would be in that position -- [he] has given years and years of great performances and finally has the role that lets him be truly appreciated," he said. "And Richard E. Grant is the same way ... in other years, I think those two would very much be viable."

But Ali looks to be the man of the hour.

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Congratulations to Mahershala Ali on his #CriticsChoice Award win. #GreenBookMovie

A post shared by Green Book (@greenbookmovie) on

The future is female, so why not the Oscars

Well, once again it looks like no female directors will be nominated in this important category.

"The statistics speak shamefully for themselves in terms of the percentage of women who get to direct films," Connelly said.

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A post shared by Can You Ever Forgive Me? (@canyoueverforgiveme) on

Still, even though he doesn't think a female director will get a nod, Connelly believes there are women who would warrant consideration this year like Debra Granik for "Leave No Trace" or Marielle Heller for "Can You Ever Forgive Me?"

"The quality of their films is very high and I can't see how much longer this can be allowed to continue in this way," he added.

Check back to Goodmorningamerica.com for all the big news early Tuesday morning and on Feb. 24 when the Oscars take place live from Hollywood! "GMA" will be covering the show from every angle, including the winners, the dresses, the best speeches and more!