The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, generating excitement among film enthusiasts as the ceremony approaches. This year, the film Emilia Pérez leads the nominations with 13 nods, establishing itself as the frontrunner for several prestigious awards. Following closely are The Brutalist and Wicked, each receiving 10 nominations.
Scheduled for March 2, 2025, the ceremony will mark the first time late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien will take the helm as the awards show’s moderator, taking over from Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted the event for four consecutive years. News of the nominations, initially set to be announced on January 17, was delayed due to wildfires impacting Los Angeles.
The various nominated films showcase a diverse array of genres and storylines. Emilia Pérez, recognized for its creative storytelling, also emerges as a favorite for Best Picture, Best Director for Jacques Audiard, and numerous acting categories as well. The film’s unique blend of musical elements and powerful narrative has captivated audiences, solidifying its place among this year’s contenders.
Unlike Emilia Pérez, which enjoyed widespread acclaim, The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, has earned recognition for its artistic vision, leading to its 10 nominations. Meanwhile, Wicked, a vibrant adaptation of the beloved musical, has captivated viewers and critics alike, showcasing performances by stars such as Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both of whom have been nominated for their roles.
The nominations list also reveals potential Oscar winners, spotlighting established actors alongside rising stars. Adrien Brody for The Brutalist and Ralph Fiennes for Konklave are among the prominent names vying for Best Actor, representing the timeless talent of seasoned performers. Conversely, the Best Actress race appears competitive, featuring both Demi Moore (i>The Substance) and Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez).
Germany can take pride during this year’s awards, as the film Die Saat des heiligen Feigenbaums has been categorized as Best International Feature Film contender, providing hope for recognition on the global stage.
Filmmakers and industry insiders express various hurdles and milestones during this Oscar season. Edward Berger’s Konklave, with eight nominations, presents as another highlight. Many anticipated the film to be more successful, especially in the directing category, emphasizing the unpredictability of awards season.
The nominations have sparked debates about potential upsets and missed opportunities. One notable exclusion is Pamela Anderson’s expected nomination for her role in The Last Showgirl, which surprisingly failed to secure any nods, leaving some experts and fans disappointed.
The Academy Awards nominations heavily reflect previous award outcomes, especially considering the influence of the Golden Globe Awards, which often serve as indicators for Oscar potential. Excitement builds as fans begin speculation on frontrunners and dark horses alike.
Below is the comprehensive list of 2025 Oscar nominations across the main categories:
Best Picture: Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, Wicked, Konklave, Dune: Part Two, Like A Complete Unknown, A Complete Unknown, Nickel Boys, I’m Still Here, Die Saat des heiligen Feigenbaums
Best Director: Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), Sean Baker (Anora), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), James Mangold (Like A Complete Unknown)
Best Actress: Demi Moore (The Substance), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Mikey Madison (Anora), Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Ralph Fiennes (Konklave), Timothée Chalamet (Like A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)
Best Supporting Actress: Ariana Grande (Wicked), Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Isabella Rossellini (Konklave), Monica Barbaro (Like A Complete Unknown)
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), Edward Norton (Like A Complete Unknown), Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice), Yuriy Borisov (Anora)
Best International Feature Film: Emilia Pérez (France), Die Saat des heiligen Feigenbaums (Germany), Flow (Latvia), I’m Still Here (Brazil), The Girl with the Needle (Denmark)
This exciting announcement sets the stage for what promises to be another unforgettable night at the Oscars, as viewers around the world tune in to find out who will take home the coveted gold statuettes.