“Challengers” the 2024 sports drama film has garnered much attention with a unique plot, complex characters and bold cinematography. While it received acclaim from viewers the movie’s absence from major nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards caused many to show their disappointment.
Plot and Setting of Challengers
Challengers centers around the life of Tashi Duncan played by Zendaya a tennis prodigy turned coach who navigates the dynamics of relationships with other characters. She coaches her husband Art and causes conflict between his friendship with his rival in a twisted love triangle. This set up has led to multiple conversations that challenge what people expect when seeing a sports themed movie.
Critical Reception Versus Oscar Snub
Despite glowing reviews that have been given, along with large box office numbers, and awards from other organizations “Challengers” did not get a single nomination for an Oscar . One article noted this as confusing because “The film was an exercise in electric film making and unique visual styles”. Other critics have noted that it should have gotten at least a nod for screenplay or its unique score. Its rejection however could signify other forces may have taken precedence this time around.
Snub in Various Categories
The film had the ability to receive nominations for acting, screenplay or direction but surprisingly received nothing at all. The fact that it was rejected from nominations also called into question that the committee did not agree on specific choices from their past nominations from 2025 award show wins. Most notably Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross who are two time Oscar winners previously, failed to earn a nomination for their musical contributions in “Challengers”.
Potential Reasons For The Snub
Some articles have mentioned several possibilities as for why "Challengers" was left out of the nomination race. Though no definitive answers, these theories range from the timing of the release to bias with certain genres, to name a few.
Release Date Timing
The movie was released on April 26th before most other popular releases therefore this may have played into a reason why the committee passed up this opportunity because other film releases were fresh in their mind. Whereas similar award hopeful films with a 2024 release that were nominated for an Oscar did come to the screen later in the year between October and December giving them time for recognition with a recency benefit.
Focus on Other Films
Some have made the argument that because the series was not in an established genre format the Academy chose not to reward something that was not as traditional. The academy may not see this as anything different then a traditional sports narrative where it might not fit their current preference.
Key Elements Not Recognized
Certain key elements such as Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross ’s pulsing score, which won them the Golden Globe for best original score, also went unmentioned which caused controversy in media and social media outlets. Many noted their contribution should have gotten higher praise than it had from not only an innovative and high quality but in general.
Performances and Acting
In particular, many social media viewers were focused on a supposed lack of recognition for the main star, Zendaya. She brought together a character that would be noted as unlike her usual roles that she played before and therefore has seen recognition at various platforms. Others in the cast such as Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor were also passed up for recognition in their individual roles as their connection on screen is said to have contributed greatly to the over all performance. The cast has not only proven their acting chops but how they created a movie that gave many layers of character exploration.
The Online Response
While the awards show results caused the usual shock, the reactions were seen across the internet and had an overall theme of disbelief over the news that “Challengers” did not receive a single nomination. There was mention that they seemed to look past talent which was shown by all individuals in this project and this prompted great response. Fans showed great support in an abundance of online comments expressing concern for the decision and calling out the need for change in the committee itself.
Focus on the Music
The lack of recognition for its soundtrack resonated greatly on social media platforms as well as among music lovers. Many of whom have put it into use when at the gym or during other routine activity because it captures tension and passion within one score. Viewers also gave notice to specific scenes being elevated with this score as a major aspect.
Past Recognitions and What's To Come
"Challengers” received nominations from other award shows like the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Awards and Grammys demonstrating how it was seen on several other popular media platforms and that there is some support. It still has a chance to win additional awards due to pending nomination periods which have yet to end.
The Impact of the Snub
This snub has put a new layer of conversations on award ceremonies. The public, many of whom who are creators themselves, seem to not always agree on results which makes it necessary to ask important questions for these platforms and their long lasting purpose. There are many questions coming up on how much bias does exist along with a strong conversation as to who is making the decisions.
Key Takeaways
- “Challengers” was overlooked with no Oscar nominations despite wide spread success with viewers and many film lovers.
- Key aspects of the movie such as its music direction and cast performances were not considered for nominations.
- The film performed well in its original showing receiving nominations with various other organizations.
- Many theories as to why the snubs occured include release timing as well as the genre of this particular film which did not line up with previous trends.
- The audience reactions and other recognition gives great reason for questions on all nomination choices and future approaches to film and television in general.