Oscar Nominations 2025: A Surprising Race for Best Picture

The 97th Academy Awards nominations were announced on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, amidst the backdrop of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. This year's nominations showcase a diverse range of films, with a surprising lack of a clear frontrunner in the Best Picture category. Unlike last year's clear victor, "Oppenheimer," multiple films are vying for Hollywood's top prize.

Emilia Pérez: A Trans Identity Musical Makes History

Netflix's "Emilia Pérez," a Spanish-language, French-made musical exploring trans identity, emerged as a major contender, securing an astounding 13 nominations – the most received by any film this year. This makes it the most nominated non-English language film ever, surpassing Netflix's own "Roma." This achievement is further amplified by Karla Sofía Gascón's nomination for Best Actress, marking the first-ever nomination for an openly trans actor. The film's success also extends to nominations for directing, original screenplay, and multiple original songs. The film's director, Jacques Audiard, expressed his excitement in a statement, calling the recognition a celebration of the diverse world we live in. Despite Netflix's prominent role in Hollywood, it has never won a Best Picture Oscar. "Emilia Pérez," however, presents its strongest chance yet to break that barrier. The film's success highlights the Academy's growing recognition of diverse narratives and talented performers.

Netflix's Best Chance Yet?

Netflix has had numerous high-profile nominations in past years, with movies like “Mank,” “The Irishman,” and “Roma,” earning many nominations, but only winning a handful of awards. "Emilia Pérez" might be different. Its thirteen nominations suggest that it may finally be Netflix's year to win Best Picture. The sheer number of nominations shows the Academy's appreciation for the film's artistic merit and impactful story.

Wicked and The Brutalist: Strong Contenders

Two other films secured a commanding presence in the nominations: "Wicked," the lavish Broadway adaptation, and "The Brutalist." "Wicked," a musical adaptation of the famous story, collected 10 nominations, including nods for Best Picture and acting awards for its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film's success reflects the enduring appeal of the source material and the quality of the adaptation. Meanwhile, Brady Corbet’s "The Brutalist," a three-and-a-half-hour epic exploring themes of immigrant trauma and antisemitism, also received 10 nominations. This powerful film earned nominations in major categories, including Best Picture and Best Director. Its impressive recognition underlines the Academy’s willingness to acknowledge films that tackle complex social and political issues. Both films, despite their success, failed to secure nominations in crucial categories like directing and screenplay.

A wide-open Best Picture race

This year’s Best Picture race is exceptionally competitive. The ten nominees demonstrate a remarkable range in style and subject matter, including: "Anora," a Cinderella story with a twist; "The Substance," a feminist body horror film; "Nickel Boys," a historical drama about a racist reform school; "I’m Still Here," a Brazilian drama; and the Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown." The inclusion of diverse films signals a shift towards a more inclusive representation of cinematic storytelling, marking a change from the dominance of large studio productions. These nominations reflect the Academy's desire for a more varied and representative range of narratives. The wide range of films nominated points to a Best Picture race that's far more unpredictable and exciting.

Unexpected Successes

Among the surprises were "I’m Still Here," a Brazilian film portraying political resistance, and "Nickel Boys," a daring first-person perspective drama. These lesser-known films secured nominations in significant categories, indicating a shift in the Academy's preferences toward lesser-known but critically acclaimed works. Both films tackle complex themes and offer unique perspectives, showcasing the Academy's willingness to embrace different cinematic styles and narratives. Their presence in the nominations underlines the Academy's openness to diverse voices and filmmaking styles.

The Aftermath of Wildfires and Hollywood's Resilience

The nominations announcement came after devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, significantly impacting the film industry. The Academy extended its voting window and postponed the announcement twice, and while some called for the Oscars to be canceled altogether, the Academy pressed on, citing the economic impact on Los Angeles and the importance of resilience as a symbol for the industry. This year’s Oscars will be a celebration of resilience, acknowledging both the devastating wildfires and the film industry’s strength in the face of adversity. The ceremony will serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity for the city and its creative community. The show itself will reflect upon recent events while highlighting the strength and creativity that characterizes both Los Angeles and the film industry. The ceremony will be a testament to the power of film to unite and inspire during challenging times.

A Year of Upheavals and Unexpected Triumphs

The 2024 movie year was a rollercoaster, marked by post-strike production delays, widespread unemployment, and the tragic wildfires. The presidential election added another layer of complexity, with the return of Donald Trump to office. Despite these challenges, several galvanizing films achieved great success, including "Wicked" and several billion-dollar Disney films. However, only "Wicked" and "Inside Out 2" garnered Oscar nominations, indicating that box office success doesn't always translate to Academy recognition. The nominations showcased a range of films—some widely seen, some little-noticed—highlighting the diverse landscape of contemporary cinema. This spread reflects the uncertain state of the film industry, with successes found in both mainstream blockbusters and more independent and critically-acclaimed releases.

The Future of the Oscars

The nominations demonstrate that the Academy is open to a wide array of films. However, some feel that it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue into future years. Ultimately, only time will tell how representative the Academy Awards are of the current state of filmmaking.