After the final Oscar balloting closed on February 18, we’re embarking on our seventh annual series of interviews with Academy voters from different branches to get their unfiltered takes on the 2025 award season. Here, we’ve condensed these informative conversations for clarity and brevity.
Best Picture Choice:
“After much contemplation, I have to go with ‘Anora.’ Initially, I favored ‘A Complete Unknown’ until I saw ‘Anora.’ The film beautifully balanced humor, tension, and the portrayal of the protagonist, Anora, as a strong, complex character. Mikey Madison’s performance was exceptional, and Mark Eydelshteyn’s portrayal of the boyfriend was equally provoking. The movie felt real, and that’s a credit to director Sean Baker.”
Best Director Insight:
“When it comes to the Best Director category, Sean Baker deserves recognition for his work on ‘Anora.’ His skillful storytelling and unique style are evident in his previous films like ‘Tangerine’ and ‘Florida Project.’ James Mangold’s direction in ‘A Complete Unknown’ was also captivating, with an emphasis on entertainment and depth.”
Best Actress Commentary:
“Fernanda Torres’ performance in ‘I’m Still Here’ was a standout. She carried the film with grace and strength. Mikey Madison’s portrayal in ‘Anora’ was also commendable, adding depth to the movie.”
Best Actor Opinion:
“Colman Domingo is a standout in ‘Sing Sing,’ exhibiting a non-smoking performance that exudes power. Adrien Brody’s role in ‘The Brutalist’ showcases his talent, making an unpleasant character understandable.”
Best Supporting Actress Remark:
“Zoe Saldaña truly shined in ‘Emilia Pérez,’ embodying the essence of her character. Felicity Jones in ‘The Brutalist’ was also noteworthy, making a lasting impression.”
Best Supporting Actor Feedback:
“Edward Norton’s performance in ‘A Complete Unknown’ anchored the film, adding depth and complexity. Colman Domingo’s work in ‘Sing Sing’ was also exceptional.”
Best Adapted Screenplay Rating:
“I voted for ‘Sing Sing’ for its compelling storytelling and narrative flow.”
Best Original Screenplay Vote:
“‘September 5’ impressed me with its creative juggling of real events and footage, making it a unique and engaging screenplay.”
Best Cinematography Appreciation:
“Ed Lachman’s work on ‘Maria’ showcased his talent and dedication to capturing every detail. The cinematography in ‘Emilia Pérez’ and ‘Nosferatu’ was also impressive, aiding in the storytelling.”
Best Costume Design Recognition:
“The captivating costumes in ‘Wicked’ stood out for their intricacy and beauty, adding to the film’s overall visual appeal.”
Best International Feature Film Acknowledgement:
“‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ and ‘Flow’ were standout international films, showcasing the strength of world cinema.”
Best Makeup and Hairstyling Evaluation:
“‘The Substance’ was praised for its effective makeup and hairstyling, creating a lasting impact on audiences.”
Best Production Design Commentary:
“‘Wicked’ impressed with its detailed production design, especially in the construction of the train scene. The effort and detail in the design were commendable.”
Best Sound Analysis:
“A Complete Unknown’ stood out for its seamless integration of music and drama, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The music editing was especially praiseworthy.”
Best Visual Effects Opinion:
“‘Wicked’ was chosen for its groundbreaking visual effects that left a lasting impression. The film’s visual effects were unmatched in their quality and execution.”
In conclusion, these insightful conversations shed light on the diverse perspectives and critical analyses of Academy voters regarding the 2025 award season. Each film and performance received thoughtful consideration and recognition for its unique contributions to the world of cinema.
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