Who’s rooting for who in the Oscar Race? We surveyed some of our favorite queer talent…

With Oscar season upon us, the debate rages: who will win, and who should win? Of course, everybody has an opinion…

That’s why we went to several of our favorite queer artists to ask how they would vote, given the opportunity. Much to our surprise and delight, they agreed more than they dissented.

Have a look…

Mike Mosallom, Writer/Director (Breaking Fast)

What nominated film are you most passionate about this year (and why)?

Ooph, hard to pick. I loved the visceral realness of the Sound of Metal, the true Americana of Minari, and the dark and haunting comedy of Promising Young Woman.

Of the nominees in all categories, who are you rooting for the most (and why)?

The Present (Short Film, live-action). Because its stunning and important and [from] Palestine.

What film or performance did you see in the past year that you felt was most overlooked?

I Carry You With Me and The 40-Year-Old Version…and of course, Breaking Fast.

Quentin Lee, Writer/Director (Gay Hollywood Dad, Gaysians)

What nominated film are you most passionate about this year (and why)?

I love both Minari and Nomadland, one directed by and starring Asian American men, and the other directed by an Asian American woman and starring an older female actress. Asian Americans and older women have been most overlooked by Hollywood.

Of the nominees in all categories, who are you rooting for the most (and why)?

I’m rooting for Frances McDormand for Best Actress and Steven Yuen for Best Actor. There are so few films with older female protagonists and I thought Nomadland really shows an older female protagonist can carry a compelling film. I’ve always thought Steven Yuen was dreamy; but his performance as an Asian immigrant dad really touched me. Maybe it’s because I’m too an Asian immigrant dad. 

What film or performance did you see in the past year that you felt was most overlooked?

I really enjoyed Denzel Washington’s performance in The Little Things and he really compelled me to watch the film even though I find the story to be dissatisfying to me as an audience.

As a whole, 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. Despite all odds, I am grateful that we still had good movies like Minari and Nomadland coming out.

Haaz Sleiman, Actor (Jack Ryan, Marvel’s Eternals)

What nominated film are you most passionate about this year (and why)?

I’ve not seen all of the nominated movies but I choose Nomadland because I’ve seen it and loved it. It’s an underrated human story that’s not told enough.

Of the nominees in all categories, who are you rooting for the most (and why)?

Best director, Chloe Zhao. Because she’s very talented. And I’m very proud of her excellence as an Asian American female director. Plus, I worked with her on The Eternals. She was tremendous and made sure she fought for my queer character’s storyline.

What film or performance did you see in the past year that you felt was most overlooked?

Can I say Breaking Fast and my performance? Or is that arrogant??

Jenna Laurenzo, Actress/Director (Green Book, Lez Bomb)

What nominated film are you most passionate about this year (and why)?

I absolutely loved Minari. It stuck so many chords and was a beautifully told story from start to finish. It left an imprint that’s lasted. I just adored that film so much.

Of the nominees in all categories, who are you rooting for the most (and why)?

I’m not sure who I’m rooting for the most. There are many nominees I’m rooting for. I thought Anthony Hopkins’ performance in The Father was incredible. I loved Riz Ahmed’s performance in The Sound of Metal as well. I’m rooting for Chloe Zhao for Nomadland, but I’m also a big fan of Emerald Fennell [of Promising Young Woman]! I was excited to see them both nominated. If I’m being completely honest, the only person I’m wholeheartedly rooting for is my friend Doug Roland for his short film Feeling Through. I loved his short film. It was so poignant. I will jump through the roof with excitement if he wins.