In anticipation of the Academy Awards, we polled our contributors to see who they thought should win the Oscar. Once we had our winners, we asked various writers to make the case for our selection in each category. We're posting those essays this week, two a day, leading up to the big reveal of our picks for our best director and best picture on Friday. Check back all week. Here you'll find links to all our picks.

Best Animated Film: "Inside OutEssay by Odie Henderson

Best Documentary: "AmyEssay by Matt Fagerholm

Best Adapted Screenplay: "The Big Short" by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay  Essay by Peter Sobczynski

Best Original Screenplay: "Inside Out" by Pete Docter & Meg LeFauve & Josh Cooley  Essay by Scout Tafoya

Best Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone, "Creed"  Essay by Sheila O'Malley

Best Supporting Actress: Rooney Mara, "CarolEssay by Brian Tallerico

Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Revenant" Essay by Susan Wloszcyna

Best Actress: Charlotte Rampling, "45 Years"  Essay by Christy Lemire

Best Director: George Miller, "Mad Max: Fury Road Essay by Glenn Kenny

Best Picture: "Mad Max: Fury Road"  Essay by Matt Zoller Seitz

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