The 97th Academy Awards are set to capture global attention as the American Film Academy prepares to announce the nominees for the highly anticipated Oscars 2025. Scheduled for March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the event promises to attract not only cinema enthusiasts but also celebrities, critics, and viewers from around the world.
After some delays due to rampant wildfires earlier this year, the Oscar nominees will be revealed live, exciting film fans across various platforms. Among the significant categories, the race for Best Picture features ten contenders, including films like Anora, Brutalist, and Wicked: The Musical. This year, it highlights notable international submissions and films showcasing powerful performances.
One of the highlights of the nominations is Russia's Yura Borisov, competing for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Anora. Borisov shares the spotlight with established actors such as Kieran Culkin, Guy Pearce, Edward Norton, and Jeremy Strong. This recognition marks Borisov as the first Russian actor nominated for this category following the dissolution of the USSR, bringing him significant media attention as speculation about his chances surges.
Nina Romodanovska, chief editor of ProfiCinema, expressed strong support for Emilia Pérez, another favorite among competitors. "After the Cannes festival, I was disappointed when the film did not win any awards. I believe it has earned this recognition with its multiple nominations, and I'm optimistic it will finally receive accolades at the Oscars," she stated.
Meanwhile, Brutalist leads with ten nominations overall, including Best Director for Brady Corbet, who is alongside Sean Baker for Anora, Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez, Coral Farja for Substance, and James Mangold for Bob Dylan: The Perfect Stranger. The competition for Best Actress sees contenders like Mikey Madison for Anora and Demi Moore for Substance, among others.
Coming back to Borisov’s nomination, he shared his personal aspirations relating to this milestone. "If I win, I plan to give my Oscar to my mom, who keeps all my awards," he mentioned, emphasizing the importance of his family during such milestones.
On the flip side, the awards have drawn intense scrutiny from critics. David Schneider, another film critic, pointed out the unique challenges Borisov faces, acknowledging the formidable competition he encounters. “If he has been recognized with so many prestigious awards already, the prospect of winning the Oscar shouldn’t be ruled out. His performance has been exceptional, particularly after receiving accolades from the elite Cannes Festival,” Schneider remarked.
While some industry leaders maintain high confidence concerning Borisov’s prospects, others, like blogger and critic Yevgeny Bazhenov, caution about the limitations of Borisov’s role, stating it does not allow him to showcase his full potential as seen in his past performances. “The key issue with this nomination is the strong competition, and unfortunately, the role he played does not allow him to be fully expressive,” Bazhenov noted.
The anticipation for the Oscars is palpable on the cinema scene. Following the announcement, the conversation shifts to box office expectations as well. The pre-Oscar weekend has reported record-low box office results this year, estimating only $56 to $57 million—a significant drop, mostly attributed to the release strategies which have seen many nominees already available for viewing.
No new blockbusters surfaced before the nominations, leading to sluggish performances across theaters. The Marvel movie Captain America: A Wonderful New World, struggling to push numbers forward, noted a mere $15 million gross during its third weekend, underlining the challenges facing studios hoping for boosts around Oscar season.
Adding to the Oscar festivities is the unique gift bag titled “All Win,” which each nominee will receive. The luxurious package is valued at $216,000 and includes amenities such as home restoration service for wildfire victims, gifting up to $50,000 for building structures, vacation packages, and more—a gesture reflecting the Academy's recognition of its nominees and the broader Hollywood community. Notably, Yura Borisov will be among the select contenders receiving this extravagant gift.
The Academy has long been subject to critique for its voting process, and the impending awards ceremony is expected to stir discussions once more. How projects are selected for nomination, the voting methods employed, and the influence of perceptions on outcomes will be under scrutiny. The drama tends to ratchet up each year, adding layers of anticipation as Oscar enthusiasts prepare for Oscar night.
With the Oscars just around the corner, excitement builds for the big night, echoing with the perennial question: who will take home the prestigious golden statues this year? Movie lovers can only watch and wait as the nominations are officially unveiled!