The 23rd Annual Art Directors Guild Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 2nd, 2019.

As I have been doing for a few years, as we get into the awards season, I’ll post the fictional ballots for some of the guild awards, showing what my vote would be if I had one. I will, as a rule, abstain from my fictional vote if I haven’t seen at least half of the nominees. And to be perfectly clear, I’m not a member of any of these guilds and organizations.

The list of nominees can be seen here.

Here it goes:

Excellence in Production Design for a Feature Film – Period: Nathan Crowley, for First Man

Foregoing opulence in exchange for an incredible eye to detail, the production design creates a few different environments that are all very believable, in particular the climatic moment of the film.

Excellence in Production Design for a Feature Film – Fantasy: Adam Stockhausen, for Ready Player One

The production design of Ready Player One has to deal with two different worlds, and has to make sure the drabness of the real world contrasts with the rich, colorful look of the virtual counterpart. (Not seen: The House With a Clock in Its Walls.)

Excellence in Production Design for a Feature Film – Contemporary: Nelson Coates, for Crazy Rich Asians

Here opulence is key; there is kitsch, there’s elegant, but there is a lot of it. It is almost a fantasy, a colorful and interesting one, but it’s not. It’s just crazy rich Asians decorating their surroundings. (Not seen: Welcome to Marwen.)

Excellence in Production Design for a Feature Film – Animated Film: Adam Stockhausen and Paul Harrod, for Isle of Dogs

There is a stark contrast between the two main environments of Isle of Dogs; the area that names the film is striking in its lack of color, while the Japan-inspired other half is colorful. Both are beautiful, nevertheless. (Not seen: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.)