The confirmed nominees for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards have created considerable buzz within the cinematic community. The prestigious nominees include ten standout films, each inviting extensive discussion and comparison. This year's nominees are Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, and Wicked. With the Oscars scheduled to air on March 2, 2025, the anticipation is palpable.
ScreenRant readers have played a significant role by contributing to the ranking of these films through the ScreenRant Database (SRDB). Content Director Alex Leadbeater described the SRDB's build-up, stating, "We've been building SRDB for the past 6 months, and we now have over 128,000 pages of movies, shows, and episodes. With our user rating functions, it's giving an incredible eye on what our readers think about the latest releases." This innovative tool encourages more engagement from fans, providing them the means to express their opinions about the nominated films.
Among the nominees, Sean Baker's Anora, which has gathered acclaim, is generating significant discussion. Although it has not yet won any major awards, it is honored for its groundbreaking narrative exploring class struggles. This film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, signaling strong international recognition. Its nomination for Best Picture is emblematic of its rich storytelling.
On the other hand, The Brutalist is quickly becoming regarded as one of this year's frontrunners, boasting impressive nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. Directed by Brady Corbet, the film's epic scope delves deep, exploring themes of ambition and identity through the story of Laszlo Toth, played by Brody. A significant quote from Ryan highlights the allure of the film, stating, "The Brutalist gives the audience powerful performances from the cast especially Adrien Brody and an amazing score all thanks to Brady Corbet's creative direction." This articulation exemplifies the enthusiasm surrounding its artistic achievements.
Among other nominated films, A Complete Unknown stands out, with its engaging narrative revolving around music legend Bob Dylan. James Mangold’s biopic has gained traction rapidly and is being noted as popular entertainment for Academy voters. Analysts suggest this long-anticipated project has struck the right chord with audiences, capitalizing on nostalgia.
Likewise, the animated musical Wicked draws attention with its heartwarming narrative, bringing themes of acceptance and inclusion to the forefront. Many are excited about its nominations, which reflect its extensive viewership and connection with audiences, especially youth. One enthusiastic user praised the film stating, "A magical movie from beginning to end..." This acclaim resonates with broader sentiments shared by many viewers.
Dune: Part Two also stands as a formidable contender, recognized for its stunning visual style and immersive storytelling. Its nomination is indicative of the cinematographic excellence achieved by director Denis Villeneuve, alongside much-deserved recognition for its high-stakes narrative.
You could say the unpredictability of this year’s Oscars adds to the charm surrounding the event. The “Year Without the Frontrunner,” as aptly termed by Variety, reflects the diverse range of films competing for the top prize. With 13 nominations for Emilia Pérez and recent controversies clouding its potential, its place among the favorites creates debate on whether it can maintain its momentum as award season progresses.
Each nominee has the potential to surprise on Oscar night, as historical trends seldom guarantee wins. For example, films face challenges when they've been shut out of directing nominations—a fate faced by both Wicked and Conclave, which could hinder their chances, as only seven films have won Best Picture without such nods.
Trevor Matthews, co-producer of The Brutalist, remarked, "It's been fantastic to see the development of Wales as a filming location for some of the biggest movies and TV shows in recent years." This sentiment highlights not only personal pride but also the cultural strides within filmmaking. The reception of The Brutalist is particularly emblematic of how modern narratives are being shaped to resonate deeply with today’s audiences.
Many eagerly await the outcomes, especially considering the complex dynamics of audience preferences and industry precedents. Oscars season this year is shaping up to be fraught with speculation and excitement, echoing sentiments of past nail-biting contests like “Moonlight” versus “La La Land.” Such thrill culminates from viewers’ varying perspectives on these artistic expressions, fostering engagement across both traditional viewing spectacles and digital discussions.
With time drawing nearer to the ceremony, the excitement over potential outcomes is bound to escalate. The diverse range of nominees announces not just talent on display but the cultural evolution of storytelling through film. Therein lies the essence of the Oscars—a celebration of cinema's capacity to engage, inspire, and entertain through the years, leaving us wondering if perhaps this year’s winner will truly be the standout it deserves to be.