B. J. Novak is, as they say, a triple threat — and then some. This writer-producer-director-star of “The Office” – he plays Ryan Howard, the overreaching, under-loving employee – has made his name as an uncommonly adroit observer of human foibles. For his Oscar ballot he picked the films and performances he liked best, in a year in which he was pleased to see the boundaries between comedy and drama erased. Not that he has high expectations for cinema. “A simple idea done well, that’s really all I need,” he said. “I love a gimmick.”

Here’s his ballot and here are excerpts from the conversation:

Q. You really liked “The Artist,” picking it for best picture and best director. Why?

A. I expected it to be a simple gimmick done well, and that actually would’ve been enough for me, it really could’ve coasted on that. But it went so many levels beyond that. I think anyone with a Hipstamatic app thinks they’re a genius for playing with a format. And this director — I wish I could pronounce his name – made it go further. This was so careful and sweet and thoughtful.

Q. Did you identify with any of the characters?

A. I don’t know if I’m either a rising or a falling star — I’m like a guy quietly in the middle. I don’t know if I identify with either character. I think sort of regret and denial were played beautifully and powerfully on his side and sort of mercy and goodness as well as sparkle and lightness were played on her side. Without a word said! Imagine if it had had dialogue, what this movie would’ve been.

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