Waiver Wire Rankings – Matchup #5

We are over the midpoint of the regular season with the conclusion of Matchup #4. This is where it’s becoming quite clear which team is the team to beat, and congratulations if that team is yours. If your team has a couple losses and are on the cusp of making the playoffs, it’s not too late, but the margin for error is reduced. Not only do you have to hit on any waiver picks, you can’t leave points on your bench either.

Check the blog for previous waiver wire candidates since I rarely duplicate, and as always, there could be more valuable waivers on your specific league’s waiver wire, so check that first.

1. Elegance Bratton (DIR-SCRN) – Sure Charlotte Wells is dominating the breakthrough category, but Elegance Bratton is also pulling down some breakthrough nominations too. He has limited upside, but he’s done enough to be the tenth ranked director/screenplay. His upside is increased when there is an African American centric ceremony in the matchup.
2. Barry Keoghan (ACTR) – The Banshees of Inisherin is generating steam, and the only player left on waivers on this train is likely Barry Keoghan. He becomes an interesting waiver wire add since it’s not unheard of to nominate two supporting actors from the same film, the other one being Brendan Gleeson.
3. Baz Luhrmann (DIR-SCRN) – Elvis has outstanding visuals and the technical categories from Elvis has been a stalwart in nominations, led by Catherine Martin. That usually translates to some directing points, so if you drafted Damien Chazelle, Baz Luhrmann becomes appealing.
4. Shirley Kurata (CD) – The Costume Designer from Everything Everywhere All at Once deserves a speculative add. The PD/CD/MUAH starting slot isn’t getting you a lot of points, but you have to hit here in the playoffs to give yourself an edge. The costumes are diverse, Everything Everywhere All at Once is getting tons of awards, and Kurata could have her name called on Oscar nomination Tuesday.
5. Sirivennela Seethara Sastry and Chandrabose (SONG) – The two co-writers of “Naatu Naatu” from RRR have gotten some nominations, and becomes a dark horse to get a nomination, all but guaranteeing a spot on the Oscars shortlist this week.