Compared to last year, where small-budget, indie films like Siyaah and Seedlings also made the cut, this year’s LSA nominations focus only on the three popular cinematic offerings of the year 2014 - Dukhtar, O21 and Na Maloom Afraad. Not only did these films generate the most revenue at the box office but also garnered critical acclaim at international film festivals.

It seems films like The System and Sultanat were just as much an outcast for the jury as they were for the audiences who hardly made their way to cinemas for these Lollywood reincarnations. Surprisingly, Pakistan’s first noir film Tamanna, starring Salman Shahid and Mehreen Raheel, also did not make it to the nomination list in any category despite compelling performances from the lead cast.

From amongst the four listed categories, Instep gives an overview on who deserves to take the trophy home:

Best Film

It may be a short and limited list of nominations but the film genres are diverse. While Dukhtar is a road trip set against the backdrop of feudalism, child marriages and relationships, O21 is an action-thriller about agencies, politics and betrayals within the system. In comparison, Na Maloom Afraad is an out and out comedy; a masala potboiler focusing on three stooges and their crazy shenanigans surrounding their efforts to make ends meet.

Who should win? Na Maloom Afraad hands down. Made by a predominantly new cast and crew, Na Maloom Afraad served as a reinforcement of the notion that comedy is the entertainment industry’s strength. NMA was a situational comedy and its satirical take on Karachi’s underbelly was a card played well by the makers of the film.

Who will win? Na Maloom Afraad, though the jury could just as well give the trophy to Dukhtar for being a stronger social comment.

Best Director

It’s the year of the debutantes. All three films have been made by first-time filmmakers and competition is tough. While for Nabeel Qureshi, the director of NMA, filmmaking was a clean slate ready to be written upon, Afia Nathaniel (Dukhtar) and Jami (O21) both have some experience in the field. While Afia’s is more academic - she has an MFA in Film from Columbia University and has worked on several short films - Jami is a renowned name in the Pakistani music industry as well as the advertising sector for his popular music videos and commercials.

Who should win? For a first-timer to be the backbone of a struggling industry’s biggest blockbuster last year is a big achievement and hence, Nabeel Qureshi deserves all accolades. The way he captured the underbelly of Karachi and portrayed it on the big screen with immense visual finesse is awe-inspiring. The young director has not tried to be too offbeat in his approach and successfully connected with all types of audiences alike.

Who will win? We feel LSAs may try to take a balanced approach here. In case NMA wins Best Film, Best Director is likely to land in Afia’s pocket for she has already been awarded in several international film festivals including the HBO development award. Plus, she did play a crucial role in putting Pakistani cinema on the world map last year.

Best Actor

It’s surprising not to see Shaan on this list but then if his scenes hadn’t been cut from 021 his performance may have made more of an impact. On the other hand, the jury has been too kind to the NMA team nominating the supporting cast in the main category as well. It looks too lopsided.

Who should win? This is Ayub Khoso’s award as his performance in 021 was outstanding.

Who will win? For nailing his first attempt at acting on the big screen, Fahad Mustafa will most probably be the winner. It could also go to Jawed Sheikh, who we do consider the real star of NMA. The man is a chameleon and as the stuttering landlord, the actor overshadowed his co-stars, proving that he can be more than just a father to the hero.

Best Actress

There isn’t much competition here except between the two leading ladies of Dukhtar; mother against her daughter. While Urwa Hocane was the leading lady of Na Maloom Afraad, her role did not offer her much depth to show her talent on screen. In comparison, both Samiya Mumtaz and Saleha Arif had the whole film to their credit.

Who should win? Saleha Arif. The kid stole the show with her innocent portrayal of the dukhtar (daughter) in Dukhtar.

Who will win? This is one category we are completely unsure of. It could be anybody’s game but our bet is on SamiyaMumtaz for her brilliant performance as the brave yet fearful mother trying to save her daughter from the horrors of child marriage.