Emilia Pérez, the Spanish-language crime musical directed by Jacques Audiard, has made headlines by leading the nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards with 13 nominations, setting records along the way.
The nominations were announced on Thursday, amid the backdrop of devastating wildfires affecting Los Angeles, which had previously delayed the announcement. The film not only captivated audiences but also broke the record for the most nominations received by a non-English-language film, surpassing the previous record held by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Roma, both of which received 10 nods.
Among its nominations, Emilia Pérez is recognized for Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Director for Audiard, marking significant milestones for trans representation in cinema. Lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón received accolades as she became the first openly transgender performer nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars.
The film has been characterized as both audacious and polarizing, telling the story of a Mexican cartel leader who undergoes gender-affirming surgery to escape her past. The narrative encompasses complex themes surrounding identity and transformation, with critics divided on its cultural portrayal and artistic merits.
Notably, the film’s strong showing at the Oscars is juxtaposed against criticisms of its representation of Mexico and its depictions of trans experience. Despite the backlash, supporters highlight its achievements as emblematic of the shifting dynamics within the Academy's voting body, which has increasingly embraced international stories and diverse voices.
Accompanying Gascón’s nomination, Zoe Saldaña is also recognized for her supporting role, contributing to the film’s overall acclaim. Audiard expressed his excitement on the nominations, noting the importance of telling such stories through the celebrity lens.
This year's nominations come after the Academy faced scrutiny last year over diversity issues, prompting changes aimed at inclusivity. The exceptional performance of Emilia Pérez has drawn attention not only for its artistic endeavors but also as a significant step forward for LGBTQ representation.
The announcement ceremony itself was marked by somber undertones due to the wildfires ravaging the region. Academy CEO Bill Kramer emphasized their commitment to honoring resilience through the upcoming ceremony scheduled for March 2, stating, “We will reflect on the recent events and celebrate the strength, creativity, and optimism defining our industry.”
Among other films competing for the coveted Best Picture Oscar are The Brutalist, Wicked, and A Complete Unknown, all of which garnered significant attention with 10 and eight nominations respectively. The diversity of this year's nominees showcases the Academy's broader range, with films aimed at various audiences across the globe, showcasing compelling narratives both seen and lesser-known.
Despite its leading status, Emilia Pérez is not without competition. The awards race reflects not only artistic merit but also broader cultural dialogues. Critics have noted the film's polarizing reception, highlighting it as indicative of wider trends within the cinematic community where bold narratives are celebrated, yet just as often criticized.
Interestingly, historical patterns show mixed outcomes for the most-nominated films. A significant number of movies with 13 or 14 nominations have historically failed to take home the Best Picture award. This year’s race is wide open, and predictions range on whether Emilia Pérez can convert its nods to actual wins.
Time will tell whether the film's accomplishments will stand the test of the Oscar night’s scrutiny or be offset by competing narratives and performances from films like The Brutalist, which has quickly become another contender driven by its artistic direction and storytelling.
With five weeks remaining until the awards, many anticipate fierce competition across categories, especially for Best Actress, where Gascón and veteran Demi Moore confront notable challengers. Moore has been delivering strong performances, and her recent Globe win positions her as a formidable opponent.
Overall, Emilia Pérez remains at the forefront of conversations surrounding cinema's evolution, embodying the cultural shifts seen at this year’s Oscars. Praise for its storytelling and innovative portrayal of underrepresented groups speaks to the industry’s willingness to embrace narratives once sidelined.
Wildfires have also underscored the fragility of the industry, as many grapple with the heartbreaking reality of loss. Therefore, this year's Oscars represent more than just awards; they are about resilience, regeneration, and the collaboration of diverse voices amid adversity, making the outcome both unpredictable and highly anticipated.