The 97th Academy Awards, set for March 2, 2025, are raising the stakes as film enthusiasts and critics alike are making bold predictions about the evening's winners. With several front-runners and surprises predicted, excitement is palpable as the voting members of the Academy gear up to finalize their selections.
Leading discussions is the highly acclaimed film Anora, directed by Sean Baker, which has taken the industry by storm. Many believe it’s poised to win Best Picture after dominating various award shows, including the Producers Guild, Directors Guild, and Writers Guild. According to Manny the Movie Guy, who has been vocal about Anora’s potential, "Anora will win best picture." This sentiment is echoed among many critics, as Anora explores complex themes around class and privilege through the eyes of its protagonist, who is embroiled with the world of Russian oligarchs.
But Anora is not alone at the top. The Brutalist and Conclave are close contenders vying for the prestigious award. Conclave highlighted its own strengths with wins at the BAFTA and strong performance at the Screen Actors Guild awards, fueling speculation about its chances. Meanwhile, The Brutalist has been praised for its poignant narrative centered around a Holocaust survivor's dreams of the American Dream, stirring audiences and Academy members alike.
With the Oscar race tightening, predictions for Best Director are just as heated. Sean Baker is widely seen as the front-runner, supported by significant wins previously mentioned, along with praise for his immersive storytelling and unique cinematic approach. Critics expect Baker could achieve multiple nominations not just for directing but also for producing, writing, and editing, echoing the success of Walt Disney with industry records. Still, Brady Corbet, director of The Brutalist, is viewed as potential competition based on his imaginative storytelling and ambitious film project.
Acting categories are generating their own set of apprehensions and predictions. For Best Actress, Demi Moore is considered the likely winner for her heartwarming portrayal in The Substance. Likewise, Mikey Madison’s stirring performance as the lead character in Anora cannot be discounted; there’s credible buzz around her chances following accolades at BAFTA. Critics assert there’s significant affection within the industry for Moore's performance, making this category particularly noteworthy.
Adrien Brody is almost unanimously favored to win Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist. His compelling performance as David is stirring discourse on the Academy's inclination toward veteran actors, particularly as Brody previously won an Oscar for his portrayal of another Holocaust survivor. This time, the question arises whether voters are ready to reward him again. Some pundits suggest it might be time for more youthful competitors such as A Complete Unknown’s Timothée Chalamet to get their due.
The supporting categories also showcase fierce competition. Best Supporting Actor is owned by Kieran Culkin from A Real Pain, who has captured the Academy’s attention with his multi-faceted performance. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña is expected to take home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Her performance has been highlighted across various award shows for its magnetic charm and depth.
The animated categories present more excitement, with The Wild Robot seen as the likely winner for Best Animated Feature after sweeping the Annie Awards. Critics note it’s poised to capture children and families with its heartwarming message about nature and technology centered on adorable robotic characters. The creative works of Flow are anticipated to put up a fight, hinting at the international influence as the Academy recognizes the diversity of storytelling.
Other categories will warrant attention on awards night, including Best Original Song, where predictions center on whether Emilia Pérez’s “El Mal” will take home the gold, or if Diane Warren’s “The Journey” will finally earn her competitive Oscar recognition. Due to the intimate nature of songs and how they resonate emotionally with voters, this is one of the category’s ultimate nail-biters.
There’s never any guarantee of outcomes during Oscar night. Recapping the predictions reminds us all of the ever-shifting dynamics of voters, the controversies, and the feeling within Hollywood about each nominee’s performance. A handful of nominees every year catches the Academy's eye, and the dartboard method of playing havoc with expectations provides anticipation. Ensuring viewers are glued to their screens this time, the Academy Awards ceremony promises the enchantment and unpredictability characteristic of Oscar night.
Viewers should tune in to witness the excitement and emotions as competitors vie for affirmation of their hard work. The 2025 Academy Awards will surely be memorable, filled with surprises and notable wins, all under the bright lights of Hollywood's biggest night.