Secret Oscar Voter 1: Ballot exposed with ‘Emilia Pérez,’ Mikey Madison, Colman Domingo
Here in the final stages of the 2025 Oscar season, several Academy Awards voters have revealed their ballots to Gold Derby, telling us who they voted for — and why. We promised to keep their identities confidential and their comments unfiltered. Now that voting has concluded, we will share a few of the no-longer-secret ballots with you. Below are the selections of Voter 1.
BEST PICTURE: Emilia Pérez
Let me start out here by acknowledging that I totally understand why some people will steer clear of supporting Emilia Pérez because of the offensive social media posts of its star from several years ago. But let me also add the obvious: it has nothing to do with the quality of the film, which to my mind is greater than its nine fellow nominees. You simply cannot watch this movie and not be bowled over by its cleverness and how distinctive and powerfully quirky it is. If the Academy Awards are about honoring originality — and to my mind, they should be — you can’t get much more original than this. There’s never been a movie even remotely like it before. Second place is Anora. Third place is Conclave.
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BEST DIRECTOR: Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
For the longest time, I was going here with Sean Baker for Anora, but I didn’t like the way it ended. So I switched to Jacques. He put in such an amazing job on a film that had to be a bear to direct. There are so many stunning visuals, and presiding over this movie was really like handling two or three different styles in one: mob drama, musical, dark personality study. It’s so complex, and Jacques made it all appear seamless. A stunning job, really.
BEST ACTRESS: Mikey Madison (Anora)
Mikey is such a find. I’d never heard of her before this movie. Had no idea who she was. And I’m sure I’m not alone. She was brilliant and versatile in Anora, totally self-possessed. It all comes across on the screen. I loved the scope of her work. There are so man y scenes I could cite, like the one where they try to take away her ring and she just screams and screams. Screaming like that takes talent. I’m serious.”
BEST ACTOR: Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)
I was almost going to go with Sebastian Stan here for The Apprentice, who got better and better as that film went along. But I ultimately decided on Colman. because he’s so commanding, who not only gives a dynamic performance but is a classy and exceptional human being who deserves to be recognized. He’s very strong, just riveting, really. I loved Clarence Maclin, too, though he wasn’t nominated. The acting was the best thing about the movie, in my opinion.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Zoe Salda?a (Emilia Pérez)
I mean, come on, Zoe was really the star of this film. I felt that she had much more presence than Karla Sofía Gascón. She’s so fiery and charismatic in this role, and I didn’t see anyone else who’s nominated in this category whose performance approached Zoe’s. I loved her. She’s riveting. The camera loved her. Her performance works on so many levels. If there’s a second place, I’d say Ariana Grande for Wicked.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice)
Jeremy may be the strongest contender in all the Oscars. He was just so good playing scary Roy Cohn. I’m just in love with him after seeing him in The Apprentice. You totally believe his performance. He had the mannerisms down, the voice, everything. I mean, it’s such a strong category. Edward Norton was amazing in A Complete Unknown, too. But for my money it’s just got to be Jeremy.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Emilia Pérez
So from what I understand, it’s based on a novel, but it feels wildly original. Emilia is just so unique that it deserves points for that boldness, for being so different from every other film that’s come before. You have to applaud that creativity, and I am by voting for it. You can’t let the comments of one stupid actress ruin it for the rest of the nominations.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: September 5
I know it’s a longshot for September 5 to win, but it truly deserves to. It’s a vastly underappreciated movie, with heart-pumping drama and great acting. And that screenplay spells it all out. I loved the machinations of the newsroom and the interaction, and it’s so quaint in a lot of ways because it’s all pre-technology. It’s such a terrific period piece, telling a story we all thought we knew in such a new and mesmerizing way.
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