The 2025 Oscars are creating much anticipation among viewers and people who work in film production as this is a way of celebrating many different achievements from movies released throughout the year. From new categories to potential new trends this year’s show has a unique approach.
- The 2025 Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 2 with a list of movies already having made a great deal of impressions.
- There were many snubs and surprises which created discussion of potential winners among both the film critiques and regular viewers of different styles.
- The new format for film and TV is also creating new ways to distribute as various platforms are now showing new content including films made on previous platforms as they move forward.
- Viewership in traditional broadcast is down although people seem more engaged online which adds to all other elements when discussing award winning content.
- The “Emilia Pérez” earned 13 nominations as a foreign film, tying past records. However there is much contention from viewers.
- This year features a variety of categories from short film and documentaries to lead acting roles along with technical achievements like sound, visual effects and score.
Key Nominations and Early Frontrunners
The nominations were released after many delays due to weather complications which had previously disrupted many large scale productions. Some of the most notable nominations in the main categories included "The Brutalist" "Conclave" "Wicked" and “Emilia Perez”
Emilia Pérez and its Oscar Nominations
"Emilia Pérez," secured 13 nominations this year's Academy Awards ceremony making it a major competitor, although it is controversial. The large list of nominations include acting directing and best picture, which has caused it to be a favorite to win even with the reviews. While that seems promising its reviews have been drastically different on what critics thought vs the general audience. Some believe that it has more nominations than it deserved .
Other Top Nominees
The list included other movies that garnered a lot of traction. Other notable projects in contention for nominations were “Wicked,” with 10 nominations in various fields, and "The Brutalist" securing ten nominations.
Notable Acting Nominations
This year featured a plethora of talent both well established along with some rising stars within the field. Some of the performances highlighted had created the conversation amongst those who pay close attention to film.
Female Lead Performances
The nominations were varied and included Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked” and a first timer Demi Moore for "The Substance," whose win was memorable to many for her unique acceptance speech. They were joined by other well known names who created memorable characters with dynamic backstories. Also Karla Sofía Gascón received a major honor of being the first ever transgender actor to be nominated in her category.
Male Lead Performances
The male nominations had Adrien Brody for his performance in The Brutalist who also brought up the immigrant experience while accepting his reward, while Timothee Chalamet is again considered for his role in a Bob Dylan Bio Pic, A Complete Unknown and also Sebastian Stan is noted for his unique character portrayals. These particular performances gave more range into different actors abilities and how well they can shift in their craft.
Technical Achievement and Genre Variety
The Oscars have many ways that movies are looked at, including cinematography, sound and visual effects. All elements bring up all creative processes that combine for the ultimate final project.
Animation, Documentary and Genre Highlights
The list of nominations included genres across a wide spectrum, including the first dialogue free animated film in “Flow” also short film and documentary recognition. All the nominations show a commitment to rewarding great creativity no matter what type or genre the film has delivered, they all are unique in the method of approach and content they bring forth.
Exploring Sound, Score and Visuals
Technical aspects of cinema will be acknowledged for score, sound and cinematography which makes the full film experience one of technical expertise that can be difficult to accomplish. Those in charge of the process also get highlighted in the ceremonies in order to demonstrate what work was required. Many movies such as “Dune Part 2” for visual and "Challengers" with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have had an incredible amount of recognition as a stand out category to recognize for a truly immersive cinematic event.
Streaming Influence and Viewing Options
Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” also showcased that traditional viewing platforms are becoming a unique playing field for award winning shows as more streaming services compete for that type of content. Those interested to watch their nominated picks must adapt to these platforms.
The Availability of Nominated Films
Some nominated movies can be streamed online making access easier than ever for those to choose who to support. With many available on-demand through different platforms, they reach a wide amount of viewers and will create additional engagement within public conversations.
A Look at Potential Upsets and Snubs
With "Emilia Perez" dominating the nominations some thought it would have also been seen as a snub as those who review the film and its merits may not be in agreement on its quality. Several different movies in the lineup could potentially be upsets to those who predicted previous contenders.
The Importance of Representation
Although the Golden Globes had the more historical win many wondered how that might effect an outcome as a win like that would make waves in different demographics. For those looking at new and inclusive elements this has been one to watch.
Challenges Within The Modern Entertainment World
The recent years of film had both major financial and political complications that will effect the way content is distributed. A shift in old media traditions into streaming content continues the debate for both fans and film critics.
Decline of Viewership on Traditional Television
Traditional tv has seen a downturn while some awards are shown online and it is up for debate on how this may impact their popularity. However the engagement and conversations online have grown during the age of streaming services for content.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Oscar nominations included films with a variety of styles and themes which include new contenders and notable industry leaders.
- The film "Emilia Pérez" leads the nominations, which has sparked discourse from differing opinions.
- The streaming services has influenced viewership and are now major components of what it means to be included in discussions with well acclaimed productions.
- The awards season provides space for cultural shifts and representation of diversity within the film community.
- The Golden Globes are seen to have many of the major categories overlap with some subtle differences however what will remain a test will be how other award shows will deliver in comparison.