2025 Oscars : Full list of Nominees

The Oscars are back with their usual glitz, glamour, and excitement, and the 97th Academy Awards promises to be a night to remember. Hosted by the ever-charming Conan O’Brien, the ceremony will broadcast live on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. With nominees spanning a variety of genres, themes, and cultural representations, this year’s Oscars celebrate the best of filmmaking, offering both surprises and expected nods.

Let’s dive into the full list of nominations, unpack the top contenders, and explore what makes these nominees standout in a year of stellar films.

Best Picture Nominees

The Best Picture category is packed with ten extraordinary films that have captivated audiences and critics alike. Each nominee tells a unique story, reflecting the creativity and resilience of filmmakers in 2025:

Anora – A touching story of redemption directed by Sean Baker. Known for his naturalistic storytelling, Baker’s depiction of complex human emotions has made this film an awards-season favorite.

The Brutalist – With its striking visual style and poignant narrative, this film by Brady Corbet has garnered significant attention.

A Complete Unknown – James Mangold brings the story of Bob Dylan’s transformation to life with standout performances, particularly from Timothée Chalamet.

Conclave – A gripping political drama filled with intrigue and moral dilemmas.

Dune: Part Two – Denis Villeneuve’s continuation of the epic saga dazzles with its scale, visuals, and depth.

Emilia Pérez – A vibrant, genre-blurring masterpiece with a breakout performance by Karla Sofía Gascón.

I’m Still Here – A deeply emotional Brazilian feature tackling themes of loss and resilience.

Nickel Boys – Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winning novel, this film explores racial injustice with unflinching honesty.

The Substance – Coralie Fargeat’s bold and visually arresting sci-fi thriller has audiences talking.

Wicked – Marc Platt’s adaptation of the beloved musical has proven to be a crowd-pleaser.

Each nominee in this category represents a unique vision, making it difficult to predict the ultimate winner. Will the Academy lean toward the ambitious spectacle of Dune: Part Two, the emotional weight of Nickel Boys, or the narrative originality of Anora?

Notable Acting Performances

The acting categories this year feature a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Here are the highlights:

Actor in a Leading Role

Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) delivers a career-defining performance as a complex architect grappling with existential questions.

Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) channels the essence of Bob Dylan with uncanny precision, cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest.

Colman Domingo (Sing Sing) showcases vulnerability and strength in a transformative role.

Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) is at his best, bringing gravitas to the film’s intense drama.

Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) surprises audiences with his nuanced portrayal of ambition and betrayal.

Actress in a Leading Role

Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) mesmerizes as Elphaba, combining powerhouse vocals with emotional depth.

Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez) breaks barriers with her captivating performance.

Mikey Madison (Anora) is a revelation, portraying a character’s journey from despair to hope.

Demi Moore (The Substance) takes on a bold and challenging role in this sci-fi thriller.

Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) brings authenticity and heart to her portrayal of a grieving mother.

These performances are a testament to the talent and diversity within the industry, showcasing actors who continue to push boundaries and redefine excellence.

Directing Excellence

The Best Directing category sees seasoned auteurs competing alongside rising talents:

Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez) blends genres seamlessly, creating a cinematic experience that is both daring and entertaining.

Sean Baker (Anora) captures raw human emotions with his signature indie sensibility.

Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.

Coralie Fargeat (The Substance) stands out as a bold female voice in sci-fi filmmaking.

James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) masterfully balances the intimate and the epic in his exploration of Dylan’s life.

With such a diverse lineup, this category underscores the richness of global storytelling in 2025.

Technical Categories: A Showcase of Craftsmanship

The technical categories this year highlight the artistry that goes into filmmaking:

Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke’s haunting visuals in Nosferatu and Greig Fraser’s stunning work in Dune: Part Two lead the pack.

Production Design: From the intricate world-building of Dune: Part Two to the period authenticity of Conclave, this category is brimming with excellence.

Costume Design: Films like Wicked and Nosferatu showcase the transformative power of wardrobe in storytelling.

The behind-the-scenes magic of these crafts elevates the cinematic experience, proving that every detail matters.

Music and Animation

Original songs and scores have always been integral to the Oscars, and 2025 is no different:

El Mal from Emilia Pérez and Never Too Late from Elton John: Never Too Late are crowd favorites for Original Song.

For Original Score, The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez are strong contenders.

In animation, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 faces stiff competition from Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and The Wild Robot. The category showcases innovation and storytelling brilliance in animated filmmaking.

Diversity and Representation

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 Oscars is the increased diversity among nominees. From Karla Sofía Gascón’s trailblazing role in Emilia Pérez to the powerful narratives in Nickel Boys and I’m Still Here, this year’s nominees reflect a broader spectrum of voices and experiences.

The inclusion of international features like Flow (Latvia) and The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany) further highlights the global nature of storytelling.

Predictions and Surprises

While it’s impossible to predict the winners with certainty, a few frontrunners have emerged:

Dune: Part Two is a strong contender in multiple categories, including Best Picture, Cinematography, and Visual Effects.

Anora and The Brutalist are poised to make waves in the acting and directing categories.

Emilia Pérez stands out for its originality and cultural significance, making it a dark horse in several categories.

Unexpected nominations, such as Guy Pearce in The Brutalist and Ariana Grande in Wicked, have added an element of surprise to the lineup.

Conclusion

The 97th Academy Awards celebrate a year of bold storytelling, groundbreaking performances, and technical mastery. With Conan O’Brien at the helm, the ceremony is sure to be a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

As we eagerly await March 2, the 2025 Oscars remind us of the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and unite audiences around the world.

Disclaimer

This blog is a fictionalized representation of the 2025 Oscars nominations based on hypothetical scenarios. While the information reflects the provided prompt, it should not be taken as an official source of Academy Award nominations or outcomes. All details, including film titles, nominations, and individuals mentioned, are derived from the supplied text and creative imagination. For official updates, please refer to trusted sources such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.