Is the gerund being used as a subject, predicate nominative, direct object, or object of the preposition in the following sentences and why?

Question

For a crisp texture, avoid overlooking the vegetables.

Omar preferred watching the hockey game.

Answer 1

Overcooking, a gerund, is the direct object of the verb "avoid."

What do you think about the second sentence.

Answer 2

I am thinking direct object too because it answers the question preferred what?

Answer 3

Right. :-)

Answer 4

Can you verify a few more for me?

For Joanna, making a paper mâché globe was a messy project.

I am thinking either subject or predicate nominative?

Answer 5

"Making a paper mâché globe" is the subject of the verb "was."

Answer 6

What about this one?
Marcello's specialty is sculpting.

I am thinking predicate nominative because it restates her specialty or direct object because it answers the question is what?

Answer 7

You are right! :-)

Answer 8

Do you mean either one could be correct predicate nominative or direct object?

Answer 9

It's a predicate nominative because it follows the linking verb "is."