Movie buffs get ready! The 97th Academy Awards are almost here and let me tell you this year it is anyone's game. Usually by this point in awards season things feel pretty set in stone. But 2025? Nope! We have got major categories like Best Picture Best Actor and Best Actress all still totally up in the air. Forget predictable this year's Oscars are bringing the drama and we are here to break down who might actually take home those golden statues.
Best Picture Showdown: 'Anora' vs 'Conclave' - Is an Upset Brewing?
Okay let's dive right into the big one: Best Picture. At the start it looked like Netflix's Emilia Pérez was the frontrunner racking up nominations left and right. But then controversy hit and its momentum stalled. Suddenly Sean Baker's indie darling Anora started picking up steam winning big at the Producers Guild Awards Directors Guild Awards and Writers Guild Awards. Was Anora a lock?
Not so fast! Just when we thought we had it figured out Conclave swooped in and snagged wins at the BAFTAs and Screen Actors Guild Awards. So now it seems to be a two-horse race between Anora and Conclave. Some experts are leaning towards Anora because of those key guild wins especially the Producers Guild which often lines up with the Oscars. They argue that the Producers Guild favoring a smaller indie film over a studio production could be telling. Plus many see Anora as a real masterpiece.
However others think Conclave could pull off an upset. They point to its BAFTA and SAG wins and argue it might be the "consensus" pick a movie that everyone likes even if it is not their absolute favorite. It is also seen as a more "establishment" choice. Could we see a surprise winner? In this unpredictable year anything is possible!
Best Actress Race: Demi Moore's Comeback Story vs. Mikey Madison's Breakthrough Moment
The Best Actress category is also looking super close. Demi Moore for The Substance has a strong narrative going for her. It's a comeback story and her fearless performance in a wild body-horror movie is getting major attention. She even won at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Could this be her year?
But then there is Mikey Madison for Anora. She won the BAFTA and her performance is being called a true breakthrough. Her speech at the BAFTAs was also very well-received. Some think the award might go to Madison as a sign of celebrating fresh talent especially since it has been a while since a younger actress won this award. It's a tough call but many are giving a slight edge to Demi Moore's comeback narrative and that powerful speech she is bound to deliver if she wins.
Best Actor: Is it Finally Timothée Chalamet's Time or Will Adrien Brody Take the Crown?
For Best Actor Adrien Brody for The Brutalist was considered a frontrunner for a long time. His performance as a post-war architect was seen as a classic Oscar-worthy role. Some even saw it as a bookend to his previous Oscar win for The Pianist. However Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown seems to be gaining momentum. He snagged the SAG Award and there is a feeling that the Academy might want to celebrate Hollywood's "crown prince".
While Brody's performance is definitely respected Chalamet's win at the SAG Awards could be a major turning point. Some argue that the Academy might be ready to embrace a younger star this year and Chalamet's portrayal of Bob Dylan even if some critics are not fully convinced is definitely generating buzz. It could come down to a choice between a veteran's gravitas and a rising star's charisma.
Supporting Actress and Actor: Locks and Loaded or Potential Upsets?
In the Supporting Actress category Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez seems to be the clear frontrunner. She has been consistently winning awards throughout the season including the BAFTA and SAG. Despite the Emilia Pérez controversy Saldaña's performance is still being highly praised and she has a strong narrative going for her. However do not completely count out Isabella Rossellini for Conclave. Even though she has limited screen time her performance is impactful and she is Isabella Rossellini a Hollywood legend in her own right.
For Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain is widely expected to win. His acceptance speeches have been a highlight of the awards season and his manic charisma seems to have won over voters. While it is a strong category with other great performances Culkin seems to have this one locked down.
Best Director and Beyond: Other Key Races to Watch
Sean Baker for Anora is the predicted winner for Best Director after taking home the Directors Guild Award. While it is not always a guarantee the DGA often aligns with the Oscar for Best Director. However Brady Corbet for The Brutalist could be a potential spoiler. It is notable that all the Best Director nominees this year are first-timers bringing fresh perspectives to the category.
Best Documentary is a tough one to predict. Top contenders seem to be No Other Land a film about Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Porcelain War a documentary about Ukrainian artists. Some are leaning towards Porcelain War as it could be a poignant moment given the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
Best International Film was once thought to be an easy win for Emilia Pérez but now it is much less certain. I'm Still Here a Brazilian film is gaining momentum and could pull off an upset. Flow from Latvia is the predicted winner for Best Animated Film despite strong competition from bigger studio films like The Wild Robot and Inside Out 2. Some think Flow's unique and artistic approach might give it the edge.
Oscars Host and Ceremony Details: Conan O'Brien to Bring the Laughs Amidst Wildfire Aftermath
Get ready to be entertained by Conan O'Brien who is hosting the 97th Academy Awards. He is known for his dry humor and quick wit and he is sure to bring some levity to the ceremony. Executive producer Katy Mullan described Conan as a "great exciting warm hug" who will "guide us through the night" and has some "surprises up his sleeve".
This year's Oscars are happening in a unique context. The devastating Southern California wildfires forced delays in the nominations announcement and the show will acknowledge the impact of the fires. However the focus will still be on celebrating the achievements in film and giving nominees their moment to shine. The Oscars ceremony will be held on Sunday March 2nd and will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu.
Oscar Predictions List: Who Are the Frontrunners?
- Best Picture: Anora (Slight Edge) or Conclave
- Best Actress: Demi Moore, The Substance (Slight Edge) or Mikey Madison, Anora
- Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown (Slight Edge) or Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
- Best Director: Sean Baker, Anora
- Best Documentary: Porcelain War (Possible Slight Edge) or No Other Land
- Best International Film: Emilia Pérez (Slight Edge) or I'm Still Here
- Best Animated Film: The Wild Robot (Likely) or Flow (Possible Upset)
Get Your Popcorn Ready: The 2025 Oscars Are Going to Be Unpredictable!
So there you have it folks a sneak peek at the rollercoaster that is the 2025 Oscars race . With so many categories still close calls and potential for surprises Sunday night is shaping up to be truly exciting. Will Anora or Conclave take Best Picture? Will Demi Moore or Mikey Madison win Best Actress? Will Chalamet or Brody walk away with Best Actor? Tune in to find out and get ready for some potential jaw-dropping moments. It is going to be an Oscars night to remember!