The 2025 Academy Awards nominations are here, and as expected, the announcement has sparked controversy and conversation within the film community. The nominations for the 97th annual Academy Awards were unveiled on Thursday morning, following delays caused by the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles. Announced by comedians Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, viewers can catch the playback on the Oscars' YouTube channel.
This year's nominations have drawn attention not just for the films recognized but for notable snubs and surprises. The eligibility criteria required films to be released between January 1 and December 31, 2024, with at least a seven-day theatrical run prior to being considered.
Leading the pack this year is Netflix's Emilia Pérez, which garnered 13 nominations, including Best Picture, as it explores the life of a Mexican cartel leader who fakes their own death and undergoes gender-affirming surgery. Following it closely are The Brutalist and Wicked, both of which picked up 10 nominations each. The ceremony is set for March 2, 2025, and will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu.
While the competition remains fierce for the top honors, notable omissions left audiences buzzing. Among the most discussed snubs are film icons such as Pamela Anderson, who was snubbed for her role in The Last Showgirl, and Danielle Deadwyler, who was overlooked entirely after her powerful performances this awards season.
Also left out was Selena Gomez, who fans had hoped would catch the Academy’s eye for her supporting role. The conversations surrounding the nominations reflect the unpredictable nature of the awards season, where perceived favorites stumble and underdogs emerge. The Apprentice, featuring Sebastian Stan as young Donald Trump, saw unexpected recognition as it prepares to challenge strong contenders. Similarly, Monica Barbaro's nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Joan Baez offers hope for A Complete Unknown, which also received eight nods.
This year's Oscars appear devoid of any clear front-runner, unlike previous years where films like Oppenheimer took the lead early on. This fragmented sentiment may pave the way for surprises as campaigns ramp up leading to the ceremony.
The snubs aren't just limited to actors; notable categories like Best Director also saw contention. Jon M. Chu, celebrated for his work on Wicked, was surprisingly absent from the nominations, leading many to question the Academy's preferences. Meanwhile, films like Dune: Part Two—previously tipped for success—were also left out of key categories.
Critics have pointed out various dynamics, including the Academy's historical biases and the prevailing narrative surrounding films deemed too lengthy or complex. The Brutalist, for example, has been criticized for its long run-time, potentially aliening Academy voters. Even Wicked, which celebrated high box office success, faced questions about its narrative fitting with Oscar voters' tastes.
On the other hand, nominations like Kieran Culkin's nod for A Real Pain and Diego Torres for I'm Still Here suggest there is still room for fresh talent and intriguing stories to capture voters' hearts.
Veteran actress Demi Moore finally received Oscar recognition for her work, shedding light on long-awaited outcomes for many performers. The nominations also celebrate diversity, as Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first openly transgender woman nominated for Best Actress. Her performance has not only garnered attention within the Academy but across social media platforms, exciting many within the LGBTQ+ community.
But it’s not just films and performers being discussed—fans of Challengers are voicing their discontent over the film's absence from the nominations, citing its acclaimed score and significant popularity. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film had previously generated buzz and expectations, making its omission all the more notable on the day of announcement.
Now, as the Oscars build toward the ceremony on March 2, all eyes are on how nominees will campaign and connect with voters. This final stretch will likely feature strategic initiatives from studios and publicists to sway opinions, fostering conversations about the relevance and emotional resonance of the nominated works.
The anticipation for the Oscars continues, with many unsure how the evening will play out. The formal nominations are only the beginning of the conversation about who will win big this year, as the industry holds its breath for what the result will reveal about film culture and the ever-changing dynamics of recognition.
Regardless of the outcome, the Oscars as always will serve as the industry’s reflection, highlighting both celebrated achievements and the inevitable disappointments along the way.