Time is a tricky concept. We have horological tools to measure it and chronological methods to give it order, yet in other respects, time is entirely subject to human whim. Equity and justice are guaranteed to some people over others, who hear over decades and centuries that, eventually, time’s passage will magically set the world right. Meanwhile, other people’s golden hours arrive because of some arbitrary determination that they are due. Those tracking expert predictions leading up to the 98th Academy Awards know the competition to watch is between “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another,” going toe-to-toe in 11 categories. Some races have been deemed toss-ups, others are foregone conclusions. Less often spoken of is the role that Hollywood’s cultural politics play in determining the winners. In the vague clockwork of industry deservedness, the odds have always favored Paul Thomas Anderson. The Academy has been jonesing so hard to hand the man an Oscar that it nominated the dreadful “Licorice Pizza” a couple of years ago. “One Battle After Another,” an action-heavy tale about revolutionaries …