The 2025 Oscars just wrapped up and wow what a night! Conan O'Brien brought the laughs there were some history-making wins and a real sense of Hollywood celebrating resilience after some tough times in LA. But even as the confetti settles and the acceptance speeches fade there's already a bit of a whisper campaign starting about...next year's awards season. And guess which movie is starting to pop up in those early conversations? You got it: Joker: Folie à Deux aka Joker 2 .
Now hold on before you think we've got official nominations already. Of course it's super early. But with the first film Joker becoming a massive awards darling including Joaquin Phoenix's Best Actor win it's no surprise people are already wondering if the sequel could follow in its dark and twisted footsteps. Let's dive into why Joker 2 might be one to watch when the Oscar race heats up again.
Oscars 2025 Recap: Triumph and Touching Moments Amid Real-World Challenges
First off let's quickly recap some of the highlights from the 97th Academy Awards because it actually sets the stage for why Joker 2 could be relevant in the awards conversation. Sean Baker's indie darling Anora had a huge night making history with multiple wins. Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison took home acting prizes and Conan O'Brien as host kept things moving with his signature humor.
There was also a really moving tribute to first responders particularly the firefighters who battled those devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year. Even host Conan O'Brien acknowledged the impact of the fires and how Hollywood was celebrating resilience in the face of real challenges. This theme of overcoming adversity and finding strength in tough times really resonated throughout the ceremony.
Why Joker 2 Could Strike a Chord: Dark Themes and Powerful Performances in a Changing World
So how does this relate to Joker 2? Well think about the tone of the first Joker movie. It wasn't exactly a lighthearted superhero flick. It was a gritty intense character study exploring mental health societal issues and yeah some pretty dark stuff. And it connected with audiences and critics in a big way especially Joaquin Phoenix's performance.
Joker: Folie à Deux is shaping up to be even more ambitious. It's a musical for starters which is a bold move. Plus it's bringing in Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn alongside Joaquin Phoenix's Arthur Fleck. That's a pairing that screams "intense performances" and "potential for drama". In a time when movies are often going bigger and louder Joker stood out by going deep and exploring a complex character in a grounded way even within the comic book world.
Could Joker 2 with its musical elements and focus on Harley Quinn delve even further into those themes of isolation mental health and societal breakdown? If it does and if it delivers on the performance front it could very well be the kind of film that gets the Academy's attention just like the first one did.
Early Oscars Buzz: What's the Word on Joker: Folie à Deux?
Okay let's be clear there's no official "Oscar buzz" right now because it's still early days. But online and in film circles you can definitely sense a curiosity and anticipation around Joker: Folie à Deux. The combination of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in a musical sequel to a critically acclaimed film is just inherently buzzworthy.
People are wondering: Will Gaga be as transformative as everyone expects? Can a Joker movie actually work as a musical? Will Joaquin Phoenix deliver another awards-caliber performance? These questions alone are keeping Joker 2 on people's radars as a potential awards contender for next year. Plus let's be real comic book movies can win Oscars especially when they are willing to push boundaries and take risks like Joker did.
What to Expect from Joker: Folie à Deux - Key Elements to Watch For
While we wait for trailers and more official info here are a few things to keep in mind about Joker: Folie à Deux that could play into its awards potential:
- Joaquin Phoenix's Performance: He's already got an Oscar for Joker. Can he deliver again? Everyone will be watching.
- Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn: Gaga is a powerhouse performer and her take on Harley Quinn is highly anticipated. This could be an awards-worthy role.
- Musical Genre Twist: A comic book movie musical? That's different and could be seen as innovative and daring by the Academy.
- Dark and Thematic Depth: If the sequel continues to explore complex and relevant themes it could resonate with voters looking for films with substance.
- Director Todd Phillips: Phillips helmed the first Joker and knows how to navigate this universe. His direction will be crucial.
Is Joker 2 the Dark Horse for the 2026 Oscars? It's Definitely One to Watch
It is way too early to make any predictions of course. But Joker: Folie à Deux is definitely a film that has the potential to be a major player in the next awards season. Its predecessor proved that darker character-driven stories can break through even in the superhero genre. With Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga leading the way in a musical sequel Joker 2 has all the ingredients to at least spark some serious Oscars conversation. Whether it will actually take home the gold? That's a story yet to unfold. But keep this one on your radar movie fans it could be a wild ride.