A year of milestones and masterpieces…
The most anticipated moment in cinema is upon us! The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 2025 Oscars will celebrate the best films and performances of 2024 on March 2nd, with a lineup of nominees that has already sparked excitement, debates, and historic milestones.
From breakout hits to cinematic epics, this year’s nominees offer an eclectic mix of storytelling, artistry, and innovation. Leading the charge with 13 nominations is Emilia Pérez, a bold and genre-defying crime musical that has cemented its place in Oscar history. Karla Sofía Gascón, nominated for Best Actress, becomes the first openly transgender actor to earn an Academy Award nod, marking a monumental moment for representation in Hollywood.
Following closely behind are The Brutalist and Wicked, tied with 10 nominations each. The Brutalist, an architectural period drama starring Adrien Brody, has positioned itself as a strong contender, while Wicked dazzles with its larger-than-life musical magic, moving the masses.
The Best Picture Race: A Battle of Visionaries
This year’s Best Picture category promises to be one for the ages, featuring a diverse slate of films:
- Anora
- The Brutalist
- A Complete Unknown
- Conclave
- Dune: Part Two
- Emilia Pérez
- I’m Still Here
- Nickel Boys
- The Substance
- Wicked
With Netflix’s Emilia Pérez and its controversial yet captivating narrative leading the nominations, the film is widely regarded as the frontrunner. However, The Brutalist could disrupt its path with its critical acclaim and poignant themes.
Acting Categories Are Made Up Of Fierce Competition And Fresh Faces
In the Best Actor category, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) seems set to claim his second Oscar, though Timothée Chalamet’s transformative portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown could make it a tight race.
The Best Actress category sees a thrilling lineup, with Mikey Madison (Anora), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), and Demi Moore (The Substance) delivering powerhouse performances. Meanwhile, history-making nominee Karla Sofía Gascón of Emilia Pérez could turn this category into an unforgettable moment. In fact, in the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) and Ariana Grande (Wicked) stand out as favorites, each delivering captivating performances that have captivated audiences and critics alike.
Historic Milestones And Genre Surprises
This year’s nominations highlight a shift toward bold storytelling, from the body-horror brilliance of The Substance to the lyrical depth of Nickel Boys. Notably, the Best International Feature Film category showcases a stellar lineup, including Emilia Pérez (France), Flow (Latvia), and I’m Still Here (Brazil).
Animation fans will be delighted to see Inside Out 2 and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl in contention for Best Animated Feature Film, alongside the critically acclaimed Flow and The Wild Robot.
Looking Ahead to Oscar Night
With such a competitive and groundbreaking slate of nominees, the 97th Academy Awards are shaping up to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and cinematic excellence. As the countdown to March 2nd begins, all eyes will be on the Dolby Theatre to see which films and artists take home Oscar gold.
Whether you’re rooting for the visionary artistry of The Brutalist, the sweeping spectacle of Dune: Part Two, or the cultural impact of Emilia Pérez, one thing is certain—the 2025 Oscars promise to be an unforgettable night for film lovers everywhere. Feel free to let us know your predictions for Hollywood’s biggest night!
