The Oscars: Steven Rea's Predictions and Preferences

The 88th Academy Awards - hosted by Chris Rock, sure to remind audiences more than once about the striking lack of diversity among the nominees - airs tonight on 6ABC. Red-carpet coverage begins at 7 p.m., the ceremony itself at 8:30 p.m.

Here are my predictions of likely Oscar winners in the top categories, the ones I would like to see win, and the films, and stars, whose inclusion would have made for a more meaningful show. A complete list of nominees can be found at www.oscar.go.com/nominees.

BEST PICTURE

Will: The Revenant

Should: Spotlight

Shoulda Been a Contender: Creed

BEST ACTRESS

Will: Brie Larson (Room)

Should: Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)

Shoulda Been a Contender: Charlize Theron (Mad Max: Fury Road)

BEST ACTOR

Will: Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)

Should: Leonardo DiCaprio

Shoulda Been a Contender: Michael B. Jordan (Creed)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Will: Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl)

Should: Rooney Mara (Carol)

Shoulda Been a Contender: Tessa Thompson (Creed)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Will: Sylvester Stallone (Creed)

Should: Sylvester Stallone

Shoulda Been a Contender: Jacob Tremblay (Room)

BEST DIRECTOR

Will: Alejandro G. Iñárritu (The Revenant)

Should: Tom McCarthy (Spotlight)

Shoulda Been a Contender: Ryan Coogler