Throughout recent weeks, several Oscar voters have been wanting to chat about their choices for the top eight categories at the 2019 Academy Awards. Now that voting has concluded and ballots are being counted, we can start exposing these secret votes. The comments below for Voter #5 in each category are part of the thought process in choosing these potential winners.
And click here to see our winner picks for Voter #1, Voter #2, Voter #3 and Voter #4.
BEST PICTURE: “Black Panther”
I love “Black Panther” and am so happy it got this nomination. “Green Book” has won so many awards and is a feel-good movie that the planet needs right now. But my first choice is “Black Panther” and thought it was beautifully done and takes a culture of people that is never seen in such a magnificent light. It’s a bold move on behalf of the filmmakers, the writers, the company, and in fact one of the boldest moves all year. The film that was overlooked was “A Quiet Place,” which was brilliant and out-of-the-box. Second place is “Green Book.” Third place is “Roma.”
BEST DIRECTOR: Pawel Pawlikowski (“Cold War”)
I actually wish there had been some female directors in here this year. I liked “Cold War” as my first choice with my back-up choice as “Roma.” The fact that “Cold War” is about the human condition and is handled with such courage is the best way I can put it.
BEST ACTRESS: Yalitza Aparicio (“Roma”)
I actually loved Yalitza and just thought she was fresh. Anytime I see something that I have never seen before and someone lands on me with a different kind of timing, it always stands out. Her ability to storytell when she is not even talking was really something and blew my mind.
BEST ACTOR: Christian Bale (“Vice”)
It’s interesting, because for me Christian Bale is my selection. He transformed beautifully and I kept forgetting it was him. I don’t usually forget who I’m watching. He’s got my vote hands down.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Regina King (“If Beale Street Could Talk”)
I thought Regina King was fabulous! It’s the ability to tell a story with that much transparency and to still have that much humanity in a crisis. She is my choice because she exhibited so much love, and that appeals to so many across the board.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Mahershala Ali (“Green Book”)
It was a toss-up for between Mahershala and Sam Rockwell, who is the man. Sam Elliott is always solid. But when people come together right now in a world that’s so divided, projects are important to bring people together and not separate or isolate. That’s why it’s Mahershala at #1.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Barry Jenkins (“If Beale Street Could Talk”)
My top choice is “Beale Street” because it landed in such a beautiful, tender way that’s not typical. I didn’t really respond to “BlacKkKlansman” at all. My second choice would actually be the Coen brothers for “Buster Scruggs.” But I think Barry Jenkins is on to something and is really special.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly, Nick Vallelonga (“Green Book”)
It’s a tough choice between “Green Book” and Alfonso Cuaron for “Roma.” I love his storytelling. But it’s important that a film like “Green Book” gets some attention because it’s about bringing people together.
PREDICT the Oscar winners now; change them until February 24
Be sure to check out how our experts rank this year’s Oscar contenders. Then take a look at the most up-to-date combined odds before you make your own Oscar predictions. Don’t be afraid to jump in now since you can keep changing your predictions until just before winners are announced on February 24.
SIGN UP for Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
