Oscars 2025 Shortlists: A Deep Dive into the Contenders

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlists for the 97th Academy Awards, setting the stage for a thrilling awards season. This year's contenders showcase a diverse range of films, from musical extravaganzas to poignant documentaries, promising a captivating race to the finish line. Among the frontrunners are the musical sensation Emilia Pérez and the highly anticipated Wicked, both of which have secured multiple nominations across various categories.

Documentary Feature Film: A Look at the Shortlisted Documentaries

Fifteen films have made the cut in this category, out of a pool of 169 eligible documentaries. These films represent a broad spectrum of storytelling, addressing social issues, exploring historical events and offering intimate portraits. The shortlist includes titles like “The Bibi Files,” “Eno,” and “Hollywoodgate,” indicating a diverse range of narratives that are up for consideration. The Documentary Branch members will now cast their votes to narrow the list down to the final five nominees, creating an intense competition amongst these compelling films, from the hopeful and tragic “I’m Still Here” to the politically charged thriller “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” Notably absent from the shortlist are critically acclaimed titles like “The Commandant’s Shadow”, “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found”, and “Mediha,” signaling surprise omissions from this competitive category. The final nominees will be selected by the Documentary Branch members, who will view and review all fifteen shortlisted films before casting their votes.

International Feature Film: A Global Celebration of Cinema

The International Feature Film category received submissions from 85 countries. The Academy has selected fifteen finalists that are set to compete for a nomination. This year's lineup boasts remarkable diversity, with films representing a wide array of cultural backgrounds and storytelling styles. From the poetic minimalism of Latvia's animated “Flow” to the audacious musical fusion of France’s “Emilia Pérez,” this selection promises a diverse viewing experience. Noteworthy inclusions are the rebellious biopic “Kneecap,” and the timely thriller “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,”. Several prominent films were excluded this year, including “Grand Tour,” “Sujo,” and “Lucky Ladies,” raising questions about the Academy’s selection criteria. This extensive list, ultimately reduced to the five best by Academy members, showcases the impressive variety of global cinema. The nominated films must be viewed by Academy members of all branches to qualify for the next round of voting.

Makeup and Hairstyling: Transforming the Screen

Ten films have made the shortlist in this category, each showcasing remarkable transformations. The list includes expected entries like Dune: Part Two, Maria, and Nosferatu, alongside unexpected inclusions such as Waltzing with Brando, which made its appearance despite a limited release and generating significant buzz within the industry. The transformations in these films range from fantastical creatures to accurate portrayals of real-world figures. Sebastian Stan’s dual appearance, once as a controversial figure and another in a challenging role, highlights the transformative power of makeup in storytelling. The omission of several high-profile films like Bob Marley: One Love and Sasquatch Sunset adds another layer of intrigue to this competitive category. Academy members will choose the nominees by viewing selected excerpts from the nominated films, carefully scrutinizing the artistry involved in each transformation.

Music (Original Score): A Symphony of Sound

Twenty scores will compete for nominations this year, a notable increase from previous years. The expanded shortlist reflects the growing diversity and innovation within the field of film scoring. This year's category showcases a noteworthy presence of female composers, including Chanda Dancy, Camille, Tamar-kali, Andrea Datzman, and Amelia Warner. Their inclusion demonstrates a welcomed shift towards greater representation within this category. Notably absent are the scores for popular films such as “Here,” “The Piano Lesson,” and “Saturday Night,” raising questions about the selection process. The Music Branch members will select five nominees from the twenty shortlisted scores to continue their journey to the Oscars.

Music (Original Song): A Chorus of Creativity

Fifteen songs have made the cut in the original song category, selected from an initial field of eighty-nine. Emilia Pérez distinguishes itself with two original song entries, “El Mal” and “Mi Camino,” reflecting its musical nature. The inclusion of songs from lesser-known films like Kneecap and Sing Sing adds an element of surprise to the competition, showcasing the wide range of musical styles present in the finalists. The possibility of a song by Lin-Manuel Miranda securing an EGOT status further enhances the thrill of the selection. Several notable songs, including Miley Cyrus’ “Beautiful That Way,” failed to make the shortlist, emphasizing the high level of competition in this category. Music Branch members, carefully assessing all the finalists, will carefully decide on the nominees from this competitive pool.

Animated Short Film, Documentary Short Film, and Live Action Short Film: Showcasing Cinematic Excellence in Short Form

The short film categories—Animated, Documentary, and Live Action—each have fifteen finalists, each representing a wide array of techniques and thematic approaches. Several of the shortlisted films are previous Student Academy Award winners, adding prestige to the competition. These categories highlight not only the skill and creativity involved in short filmmaking but also the importance of giving a platform to a variety of different approaches to the art form. The nominees will be selected by Academy members from the appropriate branches after reviewing all fifteen submissions, ensuring a fair and comprehensive selection process.

Sound: An Immersive Aural Experience

Ten films made the shortlist in the Sound category, showcasing the varied approaches to sound design. The lineup includes some popular blockbusters alongside less-anticipated films, underscoring the category’s surprising diversity. The inclusion of the animated feature “The Wild Robot” stands out as a notable inclusion. The Sound Branch will carefully assess the listed submissions, evaluating the mastery involved in sound effects and its contribution to the overall film experience. The final nominees will be chosen following a series of viewing sessions arranged for branch members across different locations, reflecting the global nature of film production.

Visual Effects: Shaping the Impossible

Ten films are in contention for a Visual Effects nomination. The selection demonstrates a departure from the usual focus on artificial intelligence and de-aging, choosing instead to celebrate films with realistic visual effects that effectively enhance the narrative. The Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee carefully curated the shortlist, with films like “Civil War” and “Twisters” chosen for their stunning and ground-breaking visual effects. The branch members will select five finalists from this already narrowed list, after carefully reviewing the shortlisted films and the artists' work behind them.

The Final Countdown: Oscars 2025

The Academy Awards are only a few months away, and the nominations voting period will begin on January 8th and conclude on January 12th. The anticipation builds as we await the official nominations announcement on January 17th. The Oscars ceremony, to be hosted by Conan O'Brien, will take place on March 2nd at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The awards will be broadcasted live on ABC, streamed on Hulu, and shown in over 200 territories worldwide.

A Noteworthy Outcome: The Unprecedented Success of Emilia Pérez

Emilia Pérez's impressive achievement in securing nominations across multiple categories is a testament to its cinematic excellence. Its widespread recognition and multiple nominations highlight the film’s considerable impact across various areas of filmmaking, creating a landmark moment for the film and its talented team. The film's success underscores its impact on the industry and its potential for future accolades. The results demonstrate a broad range of artistic and technical merit that is rarely seen in any single production.