LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 (WE) – The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, set to air on March 2, 2025, have been unveiled, sparking excitement and fierce debates among film enthusiasts. Leading the pack is Netflix’s ambitious musical Emilia Perez, which earned 13 nominations—the highest for any film this year and a record for a non-English language film. The nominations signal another strong year for diverse storytelling and cinematic innovation.
Close contenders include The Brutalist, a historical drama chronicling the life of a Holocaust survivor turned architect, and Wicked, a cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Both films secured 10 nominations each. All three are vying for the coveted Best Picture trophy, alongside seven other nominees.
A Groundbreaking Year for Netflix and International Cinema
Emilia Perez marks a significant milestone for Netflix and international cinema. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jacques Audiard, the French-Spanish musical tells the vibrant story of a Mexican drug lord who transitions to a woman to start a new life. The film’s success underscores the growing recognition of non-English language cinema, following in the footsteps of Parasite (2020) and All Quiet on the Western Front (2023).
Netflix has yet to win a Best Picture Oscar, despite previous nominations for Roma and The Irishman. The streaming giant continues to release its films in theaters for limited runs to qualify for awards, and its strategy may finally pay off this year.
The Best Picture Race
This year’s Best Picture lineup showcases a variety of genres and themes, reflecting the broadening scope of the Academy’s tastes. Here are the ten nominees:
- Emilia Pérez: A colorful musical exploring identity and reinvention.
- The Brutalist: A visually stunning drama about ambition and personal sacrifice.
- Wicked: A magical prequel to The Wizard of Oz, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
- A Complete Unknown: A biopic about a young Bob Dylan, featuring Timothée Chalamet.
- Dune: Part Two: Denis Villeneuve’s continuation of the sci-fi epic.
- Anora: An indie dark romantic comedy.
- Conclave: A gripping drama about the papal selection process.
- Nickel Boys: A poignant racial drama.
- I’m Still Here: A Brazilian political docudrama.
- The Substance: A chilling horror film.
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Record-Breaking Milestones
Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Academy Award. Her portrayal of a complex, charismatic character has been hailed as a groundbreaking achievement for representation in Hollywood.
In the Best Director category, Coralie Fargeat received a nomination for The Substance, joining the ranks of past trailblazers like Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) and Chloé Zhao (Nomadland). Her nomination highlights the increasing recognition of women directors in a traditionally male-dominated category.
Snubs and Surprises
While the nominations celebrated many deserving films, some omissions sparked conversation. Notably absent were Greta Gerwig (Barbie) and Celine Song (Past Lives) in the Best Director category, despite critical acclaim for their work.
On the other hand, Mikey Madison’s Best Actress nomination for Anora was a delightful surprise. The indie film, which had flown under the radar during awards season, now enjoys a spotlight.
Acting Categories: Stellar Performances Shine
Best Actress Nominees:
- Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez): A vibrant and heartfelt portrayal of a woman reinventing herself.
- Demi Moore (The Substance): A career-defining performance as a fading celebrity.
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked): Captivates as Elphaba, blending powerful vocals with emotional depth.
- Mikey Madison (Anora): A raw and authentic portrayal of a young woman grappling with loss.
- Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here): Delivers an emotionally riveting performance in a story of resilience.
Best Actor Nominees:
- Adrien Brody (The Brutalist): A visionary architect balancing ambition and sacrifice.
- Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown): Transforms into a young Bob Dylan in a captivating biopic.
- Ralph Fiennes (Conclave): A cardinal navigating faith and politics.
- Colman Domingo (Sing Sing): A deeply empathetic performance as a prison theater director.
- Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice): A magnetic portrayal of Donald Trump in his formative years.
Technical Excellence
The technical categories highlight extraordinary innovation and artistry this year:
- Best Cinematography: Films like The Brutalist, Dune: Part Two, and Emilia Pérez stand out for their visually stunning compositions.
- Best Visual Effects: Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two continues to set new standards for immersive world-building.
- Best Original Score: Composers Hans Zimmer (Dune: Part Two), Jonny Greenwood (The Brutalist), and Alberto Iglesias (Emilia Pérez) are among the contenders.
Challenges Amid Wildfires
This year’s Oscar nominations were announced against the backdrop of ongoing wildfires devastating parts of Los Angeles. The fires, which delayed the nominations twice, have clouded Hollywood’s awards season and disrupted several red-carpet events.
Despite the challenges, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences remains committed to celebrating the resilience of Los Angeles and the film industry. “We will honor the talented filmmakers nominated today, pay tribute to our brave first responders, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Los Angeles and cinema,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer.
Oscar Night: What to Expect
The 97th Academy Awards will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien and broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The ceremony promises an evening of glamour, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Fans can look forward to performances of the Best Original Song nominees, including El Mal and Mi Camino from Emilia Perez and Never Too Late from Elton John: Never Too Late.
How to Watch and Participate
The Oscars will air live on ABC and be available for streaming on the network’s official platforms. Fans are encouraged to join the conversation using the hashtag #Oscars2025.
As the countdown to Oscar night begins, anticipation builds for one of Hollywood’s most glamorous events. With groundbreaking nominations and a fierce Best Picture race, the 97th Academy Awards promises to be a celebration of cinematic excellence and resilience. For more details and the complete list of nominees, visit the official Oscars website.
Stay tuned as Hollywood prepares for an unforgettable evening, and may the best films win!
