In order to see what audiences think of the Academy Awards, we decided the best course of action was to reach out to our friends, families, co-workers and more to get their opinions on the Oscar race this year. While audiences have no overlap with Academy membership, it’s nice to get some clarity where some people outside the #FilmTwitter space are landing on the films in contention and the Oscars overall.
Our second Audience Audit comes from Marie out of Los Angeles. She’s in her mid-thirties and a Visual Manager for an LA based clothing company. We asked Marie about her thoughts on the Oscars telecast, Best Picture contenders and more!
Oscars Central: Do you watch the Oscars each year?
Marie: No.
Oscars Central: Does it make a difference to you who the host of the Oscars is?
Marie: Not really.
Oscars Central: Jimmy Kimmel is the host of the Oscars this year; would that make you tune in?
Marie: Again? I don’t find him entertaining even on his own show. Does he still have a show?
Oscars Central: How long do you think the Oscars telecast is? If it was under 2 hours, would you watch the entire telecast?
Marie: I believe it’s around 2.5-3 hours long? I don’t necessarily think the total showtime would sway me to watch it either way. In the past I’ve watched the red carpet and would slowly start to tune out during the actual award show.
Oscars Central: Of the Best Picture nominees this year, which have you seen?
Marie: I’ve seen All Quiet on the Western Front, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis and Everything Everywhere All at Once. And I might watch TÁR this soon.
Oscars Central: How would you rank the Best Picture nominees you have seen?
Marie: From best to worst: All Quiet on the Western Front, Elvis, The Banshees of Inisherin and Everything Everywhere All at Once. (Don’t @ me)
Oscars Central: Do you have an idea of who is a frontrunner to win an acting Oscar?
Marie: Uhhh Austin Butler? Maybe Colin Farrell and maybe Brendan Fraser. I wouldn’t bet money on it though (lol)
Oscars Central: Do you have people that you would prefer to see win an acting Oscar this year?
Marie: Ke Huy Quan and Stephanie Hsu. Though the movie was not my favorite, I tend to base good acting on whether or not the actor/actress made me strongly feel some type of way about their character and I think they both did a good job of making me feel anxious, despair, neglect etc.
Oscars Central: If you have a personal connection with an actor, would you be more likely to watch the Oscars to see if they win?
Marie: Yes. I have yet to receive an invite from Brad Pitt, but no worries Brad, still love you.
Oscars Central: Aside from Best Picture and the acting categories, which awards do you care about most?
Marie: I like categories relating to the music and costume; Original Score, Original Song, Production Design, Costume Design and Makeup and Hairstyling
Oscars Central: How often did you go to the movie theater this past year?
Marie: If I can recall correctly, in 2022 I went to the movies 2 or 3 times. I know I saw Elvis in theaters.
Oscars Central: What are some of your favorite movies that came out in 2022?
Marie: Had to google ‘movies that came out in 2022’ because I can’t keep up but I really enjoyed Bullet Train (Brad 4 lyfe), Glass Onion, Entergalactic (great soundtrack), Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Minions The Rise of Gru, Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris (just watched it! loved it and I cried)
Oscars Central: And to end things, what is a 2023 release you’re looking forward to?
Marie: I’m so excited for Air with Matt Damon. I know the story, but excited to see it on screen. I’m also looking forward to seeing the Mario movie. I could also be into Poor Things after hearing about the plot. The Timothée Chalamet Willy Wonka movie is also something I’m interested in seeing.
Oscars Central 