The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the nominations for the highly anticipated 2025 Oscars, set to take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This year's nominations celebrate the remarkable talents and cinematic feats of the past year, with 13 nominations for the film Emilia Pérez, breaking records as the most-nominated foreign film in Oscars history.
Leading the charge, Emilia Pérez received accolades for Best Picture, Best Director for Jacques Audiard, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón. Audiences are buzzing about the film's unique storytelling and LGBTQ+ themes, elements highlighted by its numerous nominations. The film industry is gearing up for what could be a landmark evening, with increased visibility for underrepresented voices.
The 2025 Oscars are also noteworthy for their strong representation of LGBTQ+ nominees, featuring Colman Domingo among the roster for his poignant performance as Divine G, the incarcerated playwright revitalizing the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing prison. Domingo has been praised for his portrayal, marking his second consecutive nomination for Best Actor following last year’s recognition for his role as Bayard Rustin in Rustin.
Following closely behind Emilia Pérez, both Wicked and The Brutalist are tied with 10 nominations each. Wicked, the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, includes nominations for Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo) and Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande). Critics have lauded both productions for their performances and technical achievements, noting their contributions to the year’s cinematic excellence.
The full list of nominees showcases several films and performances competing for top honors. Best Picture nominees include Anora, The Substance, and Dune: Part Two, alongside the aforementioned titles. Notably, Dune: Part Two, acclaimed for its sweeping visuals and compelling narrative, continues to be recognized for its cinematic prowess.
The announcement of nominations was initially scheduled for last week but faced delays due to recent wildfires affecting the Los Angeles region. Hosts Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang brought enthusiasm to the nomination reveal, emphasizing the importance of recognizing films making significant impacts.
Original Song nominations also spark interest this year, with tracks like “Never Too Late” by Elton John and “Like A Bird” from Sing Sing making the cut. The Academy is breaking from tradition as this year’s ceremony will include behind-the-scenes insights rather than live performances of nominated songs, as reported by Variety. The team behind Emilia Pérez, including nominees Clément Ducol and Camille, added depth to the song nominations with their contributions.
The list of nominees stands as evidence of Hollywood’s vibrant storytelling and inclusivity efforts, as seen with the emphasis on greater representation this year. The Oscar nominations for Emilia Pérez alone represent shifts within the industry, showcasing its demand for narratives exploring diverse experiences and perspectives.
Colman Domingo’s inspiring story reflects the gradual acknowledgment of diverse talents within the industry. While he aims for the Oscar this season, he is also undertaking ambitious projects, including directing and starring roles based on iconic figures like Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr., demonstrating his multifaceted contributions to film.
Opinions among critics indicate this year could be momentous, hinting at significant achievements for artists privately and publicly sharing their stories through cinema. The excitement surrounding the upcoming ceremony demonstrates the industry's growing diversity and commitment to showcasing compelling narratives.
With the event just days away, fans and industry insiders alike are preparing to celebrate the year's cinematic achievements and to honor those who have paved the way for more inclusive storytelling. Anticipation is building, and one can only wonder who will take home the coveted Oscars this year.
Whether nominees are walking away with awards or simply participating, the 2025 Academy Awards will undoubtedly shine a light on this year’s impressive crop of films and highlight the importance of diversity and representation within the film industry.