The 2025 Oscars nomination announcements have set the stage for what is anticipated to be a dazzling ceremony on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences highlighted exceptional achievements across various categories, with noteworthy films and talents among the nominees.
Leading the nominations is the groundbreaking film Emilia Perez, which has garnered 13 nods, making it the most nominated non-English film of all time. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, explores the complex life of a Mexican drug trafficker's gender transition and has received much acclaim, not only for its narrative substance but also for its artistic direction. Audiard's response to the double nomination for both Best Film and Best Director suggests he is prepared for the pressure: "A strong campaign must be managed," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of strategic promotions for the film's recognition this award season.
Following closely are The Brutalist and Wicked, each securing 10 nominations. Directed by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist tells the poignant story of Jewish immigrant life, infused with depth and emotion, which has struck chords both with audiences and critics alike. Meanwhile, Wicked, the beloved musical adaptation, continues to win hearts and nominations, proving its impact on both the mainstream audience and the film industry.
The Best Director category mirrors the exceptional talent reflected throughout this year’s nominees. Alongside Audiard, strong contenders include Sean Baker for Anora, Corbet for The Brutalist, James Mangold for A Complete Unknown, and Coralie Fargeat for The Substance. This diverse lineup highlights the varying perspectives and styles represented this past year.
When it doesn't come to leading roles, the Best Actress category features standout performances from Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofia Gascón (Emilia Perez), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here). Gascón’s nomination is particularly historic as she has become the first openly transgender actress nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress, underlining the growing recognition of diverse narratives within the industry.
On the male side, nominees for Best Actor include Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice). Both the Best Actress and Best Actor categories reflect the exceptional performances this year across genres and narratives.
Supporting roles also shine with impressive nominees. For Best Supporting Actress, the competition includes Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Isabella Rossellini (Conclave), and Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez). Meanwhile, Yura Borisov (Anora), Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), and Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice) are all nominated for Best Supporting Actor, each bringing nuanced performances to their films.
Not to be overlooked are the films competing for Best International Feature, highlighting Emilia Perez (France), Flow (Latvia), The Girl with the Needle (Denmark), I’m Still Here (Brazil), and The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany). Each of these films pushes the boundaries of storytelling and showcases diverse narratives from around the globe. The category for Best Animated Feature includes five notable films: Flow, Inside Out 2, Memoir of a Snail, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and The Wild Robot.
Documentary films are also part of the recognition, with nominees such as Black Box Diaries, No Other Land, Porcelain War, Soundtrack to a Coup D'Etat, and Sugarcane showcasing the powerful stories impacting the world. This year’s nominations across music categories also highlight cinematic accomplishments, with the Best Original Score and Original Song categories filled with standout selections from the nominated films.
Overall, the Oscar nominations for 2025 encapsulate the creative spirit of the film industry and build excitement for the upcoming ceremony. With standout performances, innovative direction, and impactful storytelling, audiences are eagerly awaiting the Oscars and the celebration of cinematic excellence.