The much-anticipated nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced this week, setting the stage for one of the most exciting nights in Hollywood. Scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the ceremony promises to celebrate cinematic excellence from the past year, with significant anticipation surrounding the films and performances recognized this year.
This awards season has been particularly buzzworthy, mainly due to the controversies surrounding some of the leading contenders, most significantly the film "Emilia Pérez", which has amassed 13 nominations, the highest number this year. Despite its impressive haul, the film has faced significant scrutiny and debate, impacting its chances and sparking discussions across various platforms.
According to the Associated Press, "The awards season has been marked by controversies affecting 'Emilia Pérez', even with its leading 13 nominations." This sentiment reflects the mixed reception the film has faced, as it navigates both triumphs and challenges leading up to the Oscars.
On the other hand, the competition for the coveted Best Picture award seems particularly fierce this year. The frontrunners include the Cannes Palme d'Or winner "Anora", with six nominations, and the suspenseful thriller "Conclave", which boasts eight nominations. The latter has generated considerable intrigue, fueling speculation about its ability to seize the evening’s top honor.
Additional nominees for Best Picture include "The Brutalist", "Un parfait inconnu", "Dune: Deuxième Partie", "Je suis toujours là", "Nickel Boys", "The Substance", and "Wicked". Each of these films brings something unique to the table, showcasing the diverse storytelling and artistry present within the industry today.
For the Best Director category, notable nominees include Jacques Audiard for "Emilia Pérez", Sean Baker for "Anora", Brady Corbet for "The Brutalist", James Mangold for "Un parfait inconnu", and Coralie Fargeat for "The Substance". This pool of talent highlights the varying visions and interpretations of storytelling through film, emphasizing the award’s role as recognition of directorial innovation and achievement.
Among the nominees for Best Actress are Cynthia Erivo for "Wicked", Karla Sofia Gascon for "Emilia Pérez", Mikey Madison for "Anora", Demi Moore for "The Substance", and Fernanda Torres for "Je suis toujours là". Similarly, the Best Actor nominations feature esteemed talents like Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist", Timothée Chalamet for "Un parfait inconnu", Colman Domingo for "Sing Sing", Ralph Fiennes for "Conclave", and Sebastian Stan for "The Apprentice".
Supporting performances also shine this year, with contenders for Best Supporting Actress including Monica Barbaro for "Un parfait inconnu", Ariana Grande for "Wicked", Felicity Jones for "The Brutalist", Isabella Rossellini for "Conclave", and Zoe Saldana for "Emilia Pérez". On the flip side, nominees for Best Supporting Actor feature Yura Borisov for "Anora", Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain", Edward Norton for "Un parfait inconnu", Guy Pearce for "The Brutalist", and Jeremy Strong for "The Apprentice".
Notably, the International Feature Film category includes films such as "Emilia Pérez" (France), "Flow" (Latvia), "La jeune femme à l'aiguille" (Denmark), "Je suis toujours là" (Brazil), and "Les graines du figuier sauvage" (Germany), showcasing the global reach and influence of cinema.
This year also brings attention to animated features, with films like "Flow", "Vice-versa 2", "Mémoires d'un escargot", "Wallace et Gromit: La Palme de la vengeance", and "Le Robot sauvage" competing for the top honors. The Best Documentary feature nominees round out the offerings with "Black Box Diaries", "No Other Land", "Porcelain War", "Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat", and "Sugarcane: Les ombres d'un pensionnat" representing the depth and diversity of documentary filmmaking.
With so many films and performances vying for recognition, this year’s nominations provide insight not only and what won public acclaim but also on contemporary issues and themes reflected through cinema. The buildup to the Academy Awards is always rife with speculation, and this year seems no different.
On the horizon of Hollywood's night of nights, the anticipation is palpable. Will "Emilia Pérez" surge through the controversies to capture its moment of glory? Or will other films like "Anora" and "Conclave" redefine expectations and take the stage? Only time will reveal the answers as audiences worldwide tune in to witness the outcomes of this prestigious event. The upcoming Oscars promise to be nothing short of spectacular.