The 97th Academy Awards nominations have sparked widespread discussion, showcasing a dynamic mix of celebrated frontrunners, groundbreaking milestones, and surprising omissions. As anticipation builds for the March 2 ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the nominees and the key moments defining this year’s Oscars.
Best Picture Nominees: A Celebration of Storytelling
This year’s Best Picture category features ten exceptional movies that reflect the richness and diversity of global cinema:
- Anora: Sean Baker’s moving exploration of identity and redemption.
- The Brutalist: Brady Corbet’s sweeping post-World War II architectural epic.
- A Complete Unknown: Timothée Chalamet stars in this biographical drama about Bob Dylan.
- Conclave: Ralph Fiennes shines in this gripping Vatican-set thriller.
- Dune: Part Two: Denis Villeneuve continues his sci-fi masterpiece with breathtaking visuals.
- Emilia Pérez: Jacques Audiard’s record-breaking musical drama about a transgender gangster.
- I’m Still Here: A Brazilian drama that celebrates resilience and cultural heritage.
- Nickel Boys: A poignant adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winning novel.
- The Substance: Coralie Fargeat’s provocative and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller.
- Wicked: The beloved Broadway hit comes to life in this stunning adaptation.
Major Acting Nominations: Stellar Performances Take Center Stage
Best Actor in a Leading Role
The Best Actor nominees delivered transformative performances that captivated audiences:
- Adrien Brody (The Brutalist): A masterful portrayal of a visionary architect.
- Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown): Seamlessly embodies the spirit of Bob Dylan.
- Colman Domingo (Sing Sing): A heartfelt performance grounded in authenticity.
- Ralph Fiennes (Conclave): Delivers a nuanced, commanding role.
- Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice): A bold performance as a young Donald Trump.
Best Actress in a Leading Role
This year’s Best Actress nominees reflect a wide spectrum of powerful, emotionally resonant performances:
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked): A magical portrayal of Elphaba.
- Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez): A groundbreaking nomination as the first openly transgender actor in this category.
- Mikey Madison (Anora): Captures raw emotion in a deeply personal role.
- Demi Moore (The Substance): A chilling, transformative performance.
- Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here): A poignant exploration of identity and love.
Best Director: Recognizing Visionary Talent
The Best Director category honors filmmakers who have pushed creative boundaries:
- Sean Baker (Anora): Brings humanity and heart to the screen.
- Brady Corbet (The Brutalist): Directs with bold ambition and precision.
- James Mangold (A Complete Unknown): Seamlessly blends music and narrative.
- Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez): Masterfully orchestrates a complex and compelling story.
- Coralie Fargeat (The Substance): Delivers fearless and thought-provoking direction.
Record-Breaking Milestones
Emilia Pérez Leads the Pack
With 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez has set a new record for non-English language films at the Oscars. This groundbreaking musical drama not only showcases the Academy’s growing embrace of diverse storytelling but also cements its place in cinematic history.
Karla Sofía Gascón Makes History
Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination for Best Actress is a landmark moment, making her the first openly transgender actor recognized in this category.
Surprises and Snubs: What We Didn’t Expect
Surprises
- Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice): His daring portrayal of Donald Trump stunned critics and earned him a Best Actor nod.
- Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here): A heartfelt performance recognized in the Best Actress category.
- Wicked and The Brutalist Tie with 10 Nominations Each: Both films dominated with nominations across major categories.
Snubs
- Angelina Jolie (Maria): Despite critical acclaim, her omission from Best Actress remains puzzling.
- Nicole Kidman (Babygirl): A standout performance that surprisingly went unrecognized.
- Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez): Overlooked in a film that garnered historic nominations.
Conclusion: An Oscars Season to Remember
The 2025 Oscars nominations celebrate a transformative year in cinema, with historic firsts, stunning performances, and a slate of films that reflect the power of storytelling. As the ceremony approaches, the world eagerly anticipates which nominees will take home the coveted awards. Share your thoughts—who are you rooting for this Oscars season?
