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 general 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 first Audience Audit comes from Yonatan, who lives in Los Angeles and happens to be married to our Editor-in-Chief, Kenzie. He’s in his early thirties and is the Director of Production for an LA-based clothing company. We asked Yonatan about his thoughts on 2022 films, the Oscars telecast, and more!

Oscars Central: Do you watch the Oscars each year?
Yonatan: No.

Oscars Central: Jimmy Kimmel is the host of the Oscars this year; would that make you tune in?
Yonatan: That would make me tune out.

Oscars Central: How long do you think the Oscars telecast is? If it was under 2 hours, would you watch the entire telecast?
Yonatan: If I had to guess I’d say it’s around 3-4 hours. I think I would want to watch it if it was under 2 hours

Oscars Central: Do you enjoy the performances of the Original Song nominees?
Yonatan: Not necessarily. I just don’t enjoy live performances on TV.

Oscars Central: Last year, there was a controversy that not all 23 Categories were presented live on the telecast. This year, all 23 categories will be presented live; would it entice you to watch the telecast if not all categories were presented?
Yonatan: Yes. I don’t think anyone cares about all the random categories like sound mixing. The real contoversy is that it’s even up for debate if to show all categories.

Oscars Central: Of the Best Picture nominees this year, which have you seen?
Yonatan: The Banshees of Inisherin, All Quiet on the Western Front, Women Talking, Top Gun: Maverick, and Elvis. I watched all at home with the exception of Women Talking, which we went to a theater to see.

Oscars Central: How would you rank the Best Picture nominees you have seen?
Yonatan: From one to five, I’d go All Quiet on the Western Front, Women Talking, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis, and Top Gun: Maverick.

Oscars Central: For the films you haven’t seen, are you interested in seeing them now that they have received a Best Picture nomination?
Yonatan: No, since there are too many movies nominated. It makes it feel less selective and special.

Oscars Central: Do you have an idea of who is a frontrunner to win an acting Oscar?
Yonatan: I’ve heard Colin Farrell’s name as a frontrunner.

Oscars Central: Are you aware of the ‘controversy’ surrounding a nomination for Andrea Riseborough for her performance in the film, To Leslie?
Yonatan: Vaguely, I heard they weaseled their way in.

Oscars Central: Aside from Best Picture and the acting categories, which awards do you care about most?
Yonatan: Best Director. This category usually has impressive wins. I personally think Best Director and Best Picture should overlap.

Oscars Central: How often did you go to the movie theater this past year?
Yonatan: I went three times. I saw The Batman, Women Talking, and Bones & All.

Oscars Central: What are some of your favorite movies that came out in 2022?
Yonatan: All Quiet on the Western Front is easily my favorite. I read the novel and while they did change the story a bit, it’s still a great adaptation. I also really enjoyed Women Talking and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

Oscars Central: And to end things, what is a 2023 release you’re looking forward to?
Yonatan: Definitely Oppenheimer. Maybe I’ll see it in theaters, but his movies need subtitles.