With the last Oscar vote closed on February 18 we will continue with our eighth annual series of Interviews With academic voters from different branches for their unfiltered, it takes on what was picked, overlooked and overvalued during the 2025 price. The voter’s choice in bold. Interview edited for brevity.
Best picture
I voted for “Emelia Pérez” This year’s most interesting, innovative, creative image. I went to a show early, so I had no expectations, except that I liked (Jacques Audiard’s) other movies. I love the music. I’m sorry about all things about Karla Sofía (Gascón). Won’t I watch a Picasso painting ever again? He was a shit. Won’t I watch a Woody Allen film? It is a slippery slope when you start with the personality of the people in the film. Who is perfect? It must be about the content of the film is illegal, or whatever.
The next one was “Anora”, which was smart and fun. I was so happy to laugh. All performances were fantastic. And it took you into this crazy world. And I’ve liked his (Sean Baker) other movies too. And then “a complete unknown.” And then the Brazilian art film “I’m still here.” And then “Nickel Boys”, which I didn’t love, actually, but I like that filmmaker (Ramell Ross), and I appreciate what he was trying to do. I don’t think he succeeded, but it was a good effort. So then I went for “Conclave”, which I liked, and “The Brutalist”, which I didn’t and “Wicked.” I hated the “topic.” I thought I had to put down all 10, otherwise it would affect the result.
Best actor
Timothée Charamet Be amazing, brilliant. To be able to act, sing and play guitar, it was a trifecta. I didn’t vote for Adrien Brody Because I didn’t love “The Brutalist.” It was pretentious and over-the-top. The first half was ok. The other half? Thank goodness, I could see it in my home comfort and take a break and come back the next night.
Actor
Edward NortonOh, my God. I didn’t even know it was him for the first five minutes (of “a completely unknown”). I thought he was also extraordinary. It is also another person we know (Pete Seeger), and for us, our generation, we have that context. But he was just so moving.
Best actress
Karla Sofía Gascón. It’s damn tragic that she won’t win. It was an extraordinary performance. Better who wins than fucking demi moore. I just hated so (the “topic”). And Cynthia Erivo was actually too old for “evil.”
Actress
Zoe Saldaña Be amazing. Monica Barbaro was such a role. Isabella Rossellini was fantastic, but she was barely there. I get annoyed when they put up people who are barely in the movie. It’s a little unfair.
Custom script
Of course, “Emilia Pérez. ”
Original script
“Anora.”
Animated function
“Flow,” Because it was beautiful.
Animated card
“Beautiful men,” Where a guy went for a hair transplant. “Yuck!” was very cute.
Film art
I joined “Emilia Pérez” again. It looked good and was part of an outstanding movie.
Best costume design
“A complete unknown.” I don’t go for the Splashier stuff. It is difficult to catch a period, which (Arianne Phillips) did it perfectly. In a way, the costumes did not stand out, which was completely suitable for that movie. But they were absolutely accurate, and the whole thing was seamless. And especially when you talk about a real person (Bob Dylan), it’s hard to get it right. I didn’t like the costumes on “Wicked.” It is too much, and there is nothing witty about it. I guess it will win.
Director
Jacques Audiard too “Emilia Pérez“Just for the invention. “A Completely Unknown” and “Anora” were definitely close.
Documentary
I voted for “No other country” Because I’m so upset. I am Jewish and want that movie to be seen by as many people as possible. I don’t think it’s the best filmmaking; Probably “porcelain war” is a better movie. I don’t do how they did that animation, but it was wonderful. There was a real throw between these two. I had to vote for “no other country” for political reasons. I don’t know how to see that movie and not have compassion for these people. The scene where they destroy the school? What the hell! They want to ruin them in every way.
Editing
“Emilia Pérez“Again.
International feature film
“Emilia Pérez. “It is strangely unfair when they are in both categories (because” Emilia Pérez “is also nominated for the best image), because I feel that the other films do not have a chance. You should be in one or another category. “The seed from the holy figs” is good; “I’m still here” is good.
Live Action Short
“I’m not a robot“Is very related.
Makeup and hairstyle
“Emilia Pérez. “I don’t vote for the horrible” subject “, which will probably win. I felt traumatized by that movie. I felt I had spent two hours that I will never recover.
Original score.
“Emilia Pérez“Again.
Original song
“El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez. ”
Production design
“Brutalist,” For $ 10 million they did a fantastic job. That aspect of it, I totally appreciated.
Sound
“A complete unknown.” He sang live; It must have been a pretty headache for everyone.
Visual effects
“The Kingdom of Apes Planet.”
