Emilia Pérez and Wicked lead the Oscars 2025 shortlist

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the shortlists for the 97th Oscars ceremony, and two films are emerging as frontrunners: Netflix's “Emilia Pérez” and Universal Pictures’ “Wicked”. The preliminary voting, which applies to categories including animated short film, documentary feature, documentary short, international feature, live action short, makeup and hairstyling, original score, original song, sound and visual effects, reveals a strong showing for both titles, along with several surprising inclusions and notable snubs.

Emilia Pérez's Triumphant Run

“Emilia Pérez” has secured an impressive six mentions, encompassing makeup, sound, original score, international feature, and two nominations for original song (“El Mal” and “Mi Camino”). This trans gangster musical, directed by Jacques Audiard, starring Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón, clearly resonated with Academy members during the preliminary voting round. Its success showcases the growing recognition of diverse voices and narratives in the film industry. The film's multiple nominations demonstrate its versatility across various technical and artistic aspects of filmmaking, making it a significant contender in the upcoming awards season.

A Global Cinema Showcase

The film's nomination for Best International Feature Film highlights the diverse storytelling that the Academy is celebrating this year. The shortlist for this category, selected from a total of 85 eligible submissions, truly exemplifies the rich tapestry of cinematic experiences found around the world. From the poetic minimalism of Latvia's animated “Flow” to the bold musicality of France’s “Emilia Pérez,” the selections offer a chance to experience cinema through an array of cultural viewpoints. The competitiveness of this year's lineup is notable, given that many shortlisted films have a strong potential for additional nominations beyond the International Feature category. The category showcases films like Ireland’s rebellious biopic “Kneecap,” Brazil’s poignant “I’m Still Here,” and Germany’s politically charged “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” The absence of several notable films, including Portugal’s “Grand Tour,” Mexico’s “Sujo,” and India’s “Lucky Ladies,” has generated considerable discussion amongst film critics.

Wicked's Magical Appeal

Following closely behind “Emilia Pérez” is Universal Pictures’ “Wicked,” which has earned four nominations. This musical adaptation, which made its way into the makeup and hairstyling and visual effects categories, has been praised for its stunning visuals and spectacular set pieces. While the film’s songs are not eligible for the Original Song category, as they are adaptations of existing songs, the film has made up for it in other categories. Its success highlights the enduring appeal of the popular Broadway musical and its ability to translate its captivating elements to the big screen. Its presence in the shortlists proves the film’s potential to capture multiple awards for its behind-the-scenes production.

Notable Snubs and Surprises

The shortlists also reveal some notable omissions. Among the surprising exclusions are Jon Batiste's score for 'Saturday Night' and a complete shutout of 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.' Additionally, the absence of several award contenders considered front-runners, including Anora and Nickel Boys, fueled discussion among industry analysts. While Anora's omission was especially striking due to its recognition at Cannes, some believe these snubs may not indicate any significant lack of interest from Academy members. Other notable exclusions include several highly-regarded documentary features such as HBO’s “The Commandant’s Shadow,” Magnolia’s “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found,” Together Films’ “Mediha” and the Lego-animated biography of Pharrell Williams, “Piece by Piece”. While some of these exclusions may seem surprising, they highlight the unpredictable nature of the awards process and suggest several other strong contenders are emerging in the race for the 97th Oscars.

The Road to the Oscars Ceremony

The Oscars voting process is currently underway, with Academy members voting to narrow down the contenders. This shortlisting phase serves as a critical step in the process. The final nominations in all 23 categories will be announced on January 17, 2025, and the Oscar ceremony itself will take place on March 2, 2025. Conan O’Brien will host the glamorous event. With the initial shortlists released, the anticipation for the final nominations, and the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, is reaching a fever pitch.

A Stellar Lineup Across Categories

The shortlists revealed a diverse range of films across categories. The Documentary Feature category features films like “The Bibi Files,” an insider's look at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption charges and “Eno,” a generative documentary about musician Brian Eno. The Makeup and Hairstyling shortlist is brimming with incredible transformations, from the jarring physical changes in “A Different Man” to the striking depiction of a young Donald Trump in “A Different Man”. In sound, the shortlist celebrates a musical bonanza, including blockbusters like “Wicked” and the genre-bending “Emilia Pérez”. The visual effects category is notable for its focus on realistic depictions of conflict and environmental disasters, moving past reliance on AI and de-aging techniques. In both the Original Score and Original Song categories, there is a noticeable presence of women composers and songwriters, a testament to the industry's evolving landscape.

The Final Countdown

The Oscars race is entering its final stages. With “Emilia Pérez” and “Wicked” leading the pack, it promises to be a captivating awards season. As the next round of voting begins, all eyes are on the Academy's final decisions, which will determine which films and artists will receive the prestigious awards. The race is truly on!