The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the nominations for the 97th annual Academy Awards, set to take place on March 2, 2025. Leading the pack is Jacques Audiard’s genre-bending musical Emilia Pérez, which garnered an impressive 13 nominations. Close contenders include Wicked and The Brutalist, each securing 10 nominations.
Best Picture Nominees
The coveted Best Picture category features a diverse array of films:
- Emilia Pérez: A unique musical narrative that has captivated audiences and critics alike.
- Wicked: The much-anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.
- The Brutalist: A compelling drama that delves into the complexities of modern architecture and personal ambition.
- A Complete Unknown: James Mangold’s biographical exploration of Bob Dylan’s transition to rock music.
- Conclave: Edward Berger’s thriller set against the backdrop of a papal election.
- Anora: A raw and intimate portrayal of life in Brooklyn, praised for its authentic storytelling.
- Dune: Part Two: The continuation of Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction saga.
- The Nickel Boys: An adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, shedding light on a dark chapter in American history.
Acting Categories
The acting categories this year are filled with remarkable performances:
Best Actor:
- Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown: Portraying Bob Dylan during a pivotal era, Chalamet’s performance has been lauded for its depth and authenticity.
- Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice: Taking on the role of a young Donald Trump, Stan becomes the ninth actor nominated for portraying a U.S. president.
- Ralph Fiennes for Conclave: Delivering a nuanced performance in a high-stakes narrative.
- Colman Domingo for Sing Sing: A powerful portrayal that has resonated with audiences.
- Adrien Brody for The Brutalist: Bringing complexity to his role in this architectural drama.
Best Actress:
- Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: Showcasing her vocal prowess and acting chops in this adaptation.
- Ariana Grande for Wicked: Delivering a standout performance alongside Erivo.
- Demi Moore for The Substance: Her role has garnered significant critical acclaim.
- Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez: Making history as the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Oscar.
- Mikey Madison for Anora: Delivering a raw and compelling performance.
Predictions and Insights
Industry analysts are closely watching Emilia Pérez, given its leading number of nominations. However, Wicked and The Brutalist are formidable contenders, each with strong support across multiple categories. In the acting races, Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan has been highlighted as a standout, potentially giving him an edge in the Best Actor category.
The 2025 nominations also reflect a notable engagement with political and social themes, with several films exploring complex narratives that resonate with contemporary issues.
As the ceremony approaches, anticipation builds to see which films and performances will ultimately be honored. The diverse range of nominees underscores the dynamic storytelling and artistic excellence present in cinema today.
