Here in the final stages of the 2026 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 2. You can also read the summary of secret Oscar Voter 1 previously published.
BEST PICTURE: Hamnet
This film moved me and made me emotional this year, which is a rare thing. It was so well made and punched me in the gut. The ending of that film is just what movies should be. Second place is One Battle After Another. Third place is Sentimental Value.
BEST DIRECTOR: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
I was torn between Paul Thomas Anderson and Chloé Zhao. What I find fascinating [about One Battle After Another] was all the different groups of people that he pulled into one story. It was going into different neighborhoods and was quickly moving and well told. It got fabulous performances out of everybody.
BEST ACTRESS: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
Her performance just enriched my life for two hours. I thought she was absolutely wonderful. She carried that picture, and so did Paul Mescal. I first saw her in Judy, and then she had a film called Wild Rose. She’s always different, and I find her amazing.
BEST ACTOR: Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)
I thought it was a very sensitive performance. I loved the movie, and he just hit all the notes. There were no histrionics, and everything was very subtle.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)
I’m going with Teyana Taylor, but it could have been Inga from Sentimental Value. I’ve never seen that kind of character before. Even though she is part of the first half hour, she’s dynamic, and it’s a true supporting role.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)
I’m still on Stellan Skarsgård, but I’m a little divided on that because I don’t think it’s a supporting performance. It’s really a lead. I had never seen him be so subtle. We could see the artist in a frustrated situation; not just an artist, but also a parent. My other option would be Sean Penn, who I thought was fantastic.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Hamnet
It’s simply my favorite film. I thought it was interesting that we’re talking about Shakespeare, and we’re not dealing with him really. It’s the female lead who is one of those characters who is of the earth, that takes care of everything, and nurtures everyone. I just thought it was magical.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Sinners
That came from lefty, a blues film about vampires and the South. I thought it was just really well done and very surprising.
