The 97th Academy Awards nominations were announced on January 23, 2025, and this year’s selection showcases extraordinary talents and films, particularly highlighting the exceptional achievements of non-English productions.
Leading the nominations is the crime musical thriller Emilia Perez, directed by Jack Audillard. Its 13 nominations include the prestigious categories of Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Karla Sofia Gascon. This milestone makes Emilia Perez the most-nominated film ever for any non-English production at the Oscars, setting the stage for a remarkable celebration of international cinema.
Following closely are two other major contenders, The Brutalist and Wicked: A New Musical, with 10 nominations each. The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbett, delves deep within the life of a Holocaust survivor and catching the attention of critics and audiences alike. Meanwhile, Wicked, the cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, continues to mesmerize audiences with its captivating performances, including nods for both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, respectively.
Honoring the growing influence of Japanese cinema, this year also features nominations for Shiori Ito’s documentary Black Box Diaries, which chronicles her personal investigation of her own trauma surrounding sexual assault. This film marks the first nomination for any Japanese-directed film for the Best Documentary Feature category. Collaboratively, the animated short film Magic Candies, directed by Daisuke Nishio, and the short documentary Instruments of a Beatings Heart, stemming from the feature Little School: A Small Society, also secured nominations, emphasizing Japan's significant presence this award season.
The nominations were proclaimed during a live-stream event on the Academy’s official YouTube channel, hosted by notable personalities Rachel Senott and Bowen Yang. Academy President Janet Yang stated, "This year's nominations reflect the diversity and talent within our film community," highlighting the broad range of stories presented this year.
With the awards ceremony set for March 2, 2025, at the glamorous Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, anticipation is building for the celebration of cinematic artistry. Audiences globally are eager to see how this year’s competitive lineup will turn out on the grand night, especially with no clear front-runner leading the pack, creating excitement and suspense among fans and filmmakers alike.
The nomination announcement not only highlights the stunning films proposed but also serves to recognize the passionate efforts of those who have brought these powerful narratives to life. From the impactful performances of the nominated actors to the creative minds behind the camera, the Academy Awards celebrates the magic of storytelling and creativity.
Here’s the complete list of notable nominations for the 97th Academy Awards:
- Best Picture: ANORA, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, The Pope's Election, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Perez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, Wicked: A New Musical
- Best Director: Sean Baker for ANORA, Brady Corbett for The Brutalist, James Mangold for A Complete Unknown, Jack Audillard for Emilia Perez, Coralie Fargeat for The Substance.
- Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Karla Sofia Gascon for Emilia Perez, Mikey Madison for ANORA, Demi Moore for The Substance, Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here
- Best Animated Feature: Flow, Inside Out 2, Memoir of a Snail, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, The Wild Island of Roz
- Best Documentary Feature: Black Box Diaries, No Other Land, Porcelain War, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat, Sugarcane
All eyes will be on the Dolby Theatre this March, where the glitz and glamour will not only celebrate past successes but look forward to the continued evolution of film.