It was the best of years; it was the worst of years for the Oscars.

While the "Oscars so white" protest has some actors and directors boycotting the 88th Academy Awards ceremonySunday, millions nonetheless will tune in, if only to see how Chris Rock handles the controversy.Humorously, no doubt.Yes, one wonders why "Straight Outta Compton" only received one major nomination, that of screenplay, even though it included several impressive performances; why Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler were not nominated in the actor and director category, respectively, for "Creed"; and why Will Smith (one of those boycotting) wasn't nominated for "Concussion" and Idris Elba wasn't nominated for "Beasts of No Nation." Other people of color overlooked included Benicio Del Toro in "Sicario" and Oscar Isaac in "Ex Machina."It was the second year in a row that no people of color were among the 20 acting categories nominees.There hasn't been such a flap since 1973 when Native American actress Sacheen Littlefeather on Marlon Brando's behalf refused to accept his Oscar as lead actor in "The Godfather."That said, it's time for my 2016 Oscar picks.Best Picture:"The Big Short" turned economics, the dismal science, into a laugh riot. "Bridge of Spies" is compelling history, re-creating the "duck-and-cover era" with riveting tension. "Brooklyn" is a nice story of "Tony's Irish Rose." "Mad Max: Fury Road" is a race to a future of have-nots. "The Martian" is fascinating, beautiful and nail-biting. "Room" is an extraordinary tale of overcoming. "Spotlight" tells a somber story somberly. For extraordinary filmmaking of the highest order in every department, the Oscar goes to"The Revenant"Best Actor:Bryan Cranston became Dalton Trumbo in "Trumbo." Matt Damon was smart and funny in "The Martian." Michael Fassbender created an extraordinary approximation in "Steve Jobs." Eddie Redmayne (2015 Oscar actor recipient for "The Theory of Everything") was transformative as Einar Wegener-Lili Elbe. For his above-and-beyond the call commitment to the role of Hugh Glass in "The Revenant" and since his fifth acting nomination ("The Wolf of Wall Street," 2013; "Blood Diamond," 2006; "The Aviator," 2004, and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," 1993, supporting actor) is the charm, the Oscar goes toLeonardo DiCaprio.Best Actress:Cate Blanchett is as fine as ever in "Carol." Jennifer Lawrence is again wonderful in "Joy." Charlotte Rampling was quiet and quite amazing in "45 Years." Saoirse Ronan brought the love and feistiness to "Brooklyn." For her sublime rapport with Jacob Tremblay, 9, playing Jack at age 4 and 5 (Where's his nomination? Talk about Oscars so old.) in and out of "Room," the Oscar goes toBrie Larson.Best Supporting Actor:Christian Bale ran the gamut of the Autism Spectrum in "The Big Short." Tom Hardy became "The Hateful One" in "The Revenant." Mark Ruffalo is a bundle of righteous indignation in "Spotlight." Mark Rylance is a reserve of, well, reserve in "Bridge of Spies." For his understated performance in "Creed," for the memory of his son, and for Philly, the Oscar goes toSylvester Stallone.Best Supporting Actress:Jennifer Jason Leigh made us believe she is one of the characters in the title of "The Hateful Eight." Rachel McAdams is earnest in "Spotlight." Alicia Vikander is a delight in "The Danish Girl." Kate Winslet is intense in "Steve Jobs." Because she is the heart and soul of "Carol" and her nuanced performances holds our gaze, the Oscar goes toRooney Mara.Directing:Adam McKay pulled out all the editing stops in "The Big Short." George Miller pulled out all the camera stops in "Mad Max: Fury Road." Lenny Abrahamson pulled in all the stops in "Room." Tom McCarthy hit all the stops in "Spotlight." Because there is no stopping "The Revenant," the Oscar goes toAlejandro G. Iñérritu.Animated Feature Film:Among a commendable field of "Anomalisa," "Boy and the World," "Shaun the Sheep Movie" and "When Marnie Was There," for emotional rescue, the Oscar goes to"Inside Out."Box Office,Feb, 17: "Deadpool" continued at No. 1 with $55 million, $235.3 million, two weeks; "Kung Fu Panda 3" continued at No. 2 with $12.5 million, $117 million, four weeks; "Risen" rose to No. 3, opening with $11.8 million, and "The Witch" flew to No. 4, opening with $8.6 million;5. "How to Be Single," $8.2 million, $31.7 million, two weeks; 6. "Race," $7.2 million, opening; 7. "Zoolander 2," $5.5 million, $23.7 million, two weeks; 8. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," (five Oscar nominations), $3.8 million, $921.6 million, 10 weeks; 9. "The Revenant" (12 Oscar nominations), $3.8 million, $165.1 million, nine weeks; 10. "Hail, Caesar!," $2.6 million, $26.1 million, three weeksUnreel,Feb, 26:"Gods of Egypt,"PG-13: Alex Proyas directs Gerard Butler, Abbey Lee, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Courtney Eaton in the adventure fantasy about ancient Egypt."Eddie the Eagle,"PG-13: Dexter Fletcher directs Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken and Jo Hartley in the biopic about Eddie Edwards, a British ski jumper at the 1988 Winter Olympics."Triple 9,"R: John Hillcoat directs Teresa Palmer, Gal Gadot, Kate Winslet and Norman Reedus in the crime-thriller about a gang of criminals plotting a big heist."Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny,"PG-13: Woo-Ping Yuen directs Donnie Yen, Michelle Yeoh, Harry Shum Jr. and Jason Scott Lee in the fantasy action sequel about a legendary sword.