Oscar Voters Dish on ‘Emilia Pérez’, ‘Wicked’, and More: Who’s Favored and Who’s Screwed?

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Don’t we both enjoy keeping tabs on Hollywood news, especially during the Academy Awards season? This year, it seems like every trade and entertainment magazine is scouring for rumors about potential Oscar nominees in 2025. They can’t help but reveal some truths and missteps (my apologies to Ralph Fiennes) in their reports. Interestingly enough, there are quite a few Hollywood gossips willing to share their insights – and they certainly didn’t hold back. (A heads up to Emilia Pérez.)

In an exclusive interview, four well-respected professionals in the entertainment industry shared their insights on their voting process for this year’s awards, discussing why they made the choices they did, any biases they might have had, and instances where they abstained from voting. The article sought perspectives from individuals representing various sectors of the Academy, including a director, a writer, a publicist, and a casting director. This diverse panel provided a comprehensive understanding of the varying opinions held by those who create films regarding this year’s nominees. One thing that can be definitively stated is that no single film will dominate the awards this season.

Curious to know more? Read on below!

Nobody Likes A Long Movie And ‘Emilia Pérez’s Dreams Are Probably Dead

The team assembled by EW boasted a renowned director who excels in both studio and cult films, a versatile screenwriter from indie movies and television, a public relations giant, and an experienced casting director from independent international and major studio productions. This diverse group had differing viewpoints. However, they unanimously concurred that Emilia Pérez has faced significant backlash. The controversial film’s positive momentum during awards season was significantly damaged by the inflammatory tweets of its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón. To quote the writer, “the goodwill surrounding the divisive film was completely obliterated.

“It appears her chances are slim; I wasn’t fond of the movie. However, I find it daring and commendable that such films are recognized by the Academy Awards. As for her potential nomination, creatively speaking, I may not have cast my vote; but politically, before this incident, I would have definitely voted for her. It seems to me that her actions are a form of betrayal, as if she’s turning against her own kind and insulting others. Her apology, or lack thereof, doesn’t come across as sincere.

It appears that there’s a general agreement among many people that longer films can be more challenging to watch. The director of an unnamed movie stated, “I have no urge for another three hours of Dune.” A few panelists confessed to not having the patience or pleasure for movies like Dune: Part Two and The Brutalist, due to their extended duration. The publicist flat-out declared that The Brutalist was simply “too long.” As a side note, let’s revive the tradition of 90-minute movies (and let’s not forget about the return of big-budget studio romantic comedies too! But I’m getting off topic.)

It appears that Timothée Chalamet and Demi Moore are strong contenders for the Best Actor and Best Actress awards respectively. However, don’t be shocked if unexpected names like Ralph Fiennes or Mickey Madison steal the spotlight at the ceremony. It seems that genre films often struggle to garner votes among those in the industry, with many choosing not to watch films such as Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” or avoiding awarding blockbuster hits like “Wicked”. For more insights and gossip, be sure to read the full article (linked below).

Regardless of the outcome, it promises to be a captivating evening as Conan O’Brien takes the stage for the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, broadcast on ABC and also available for streaming on Hulu.

Entertainment Weekly

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2025-02-27 08:01