As the curtains rise on the 97th Academy Awards, the film industry is abuzz with the announcement of the 2025 Oscar nominees, showcasing a diverse array of films that have captured the hearts and minds of both critics and audiences alike. This year’s nominations reflect an evolving landscape in cinema, emphasizing inclusivity, technical prowess, and narrative innovation. Here’s a deep dive into the films and performances that are setting the stage for Hollywood’s grandest night.

Best Picture
The race for Best Picture is as competitive as ever, with a lineup that includes:

• “Anora”: Sean Baker’s poignant narrative about love and class in America, which has solidified its place with its nuanced storytelling and raw performances.
• “Conclave”: A gripping tale of political intrigue set within the Vatican, directed by Edward Berger, known for his meticulous attention to detail and atmosphere.
• “The Brutalist”: Brady Corbet’s historical epic, which has been lauded for its grand scale and the depth of its character studies, also taking home several awards at the Golden Globes.
• “Emilia Pérez”: Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical has swept awards, including four Golden Globes, for its unique blend of crime and melodious storytelling.
• “Dune: Part Two”: Denis Villeneuve returns with another visually stunning chapter, likely to capture nominations for its cinematography, score, and acting.
• “Wicked”: A musical adaptation that has charmed with its performances, particularly by Cynthia Erivo, and its ambitious production values.

This selection showcases a blend of indie darlings and blockbuster hits, highlighting the Academy’s broad tastes this year.

Directing
The directors nominated this year have pushed the boundaries of film:

• Sean Baker for “Anora”
• Edward Berger for “Conclave”
• Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist”
• Jacques Audiard for “Emilia Pérez”
• Payal Kapadia for “All We Imagine as Light”

These directors have not only crafted compelling stories but have also used the medium to explore new visual and narrative techniques.

Acting Categories

Best Actor
The nominees for Best Actor are a testament to the variety of roles that have resonated this year:

• Adrien Brody in “The Brutalist”
• Timothée Chalamet in “A Complete Unknown”
• Colman Domingo in “Sing Sing”
• Ralph Fiennes in “Conclave”
• Sebastian Stan in “The Apprentice”

Each performance brings something unique to the table, from historical portrayals to deeply personal character explorations.

Best Supporting Actor

• Yura Borisov, Anora
• Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
• Jeremy Strong, Apprentice
• Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
• Guy Pearce, The Brutalist

Best Actress
The leading actresses this year have delivered performances that are likely to be remembered:

• Demi Moore for “The Substance”
• Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked”
• Mikey Madison for “Anora”
• Karla Sofía Gascón for “Emilia Pérez”
• Fernanda Torres for “Ainda Estou Aqui”

These actresses have shone brightly, tackling roles that span genres and emotional depths.

Best Supporting Actress

• Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown
• Jamie Lee Curtis, The Last Showgirl
• Ariana Grande, Wicked
• Isabella Rossellini, Conclave
• Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Perez

Supporting Categories
Supporting roles have been equally compelling, with actors like:

• Zoe Saldaña in “Emilia Pérez”, who has sparked debate about her category placement due to her impactful performance.

The supporting actor and actress nominations are filled with performances that enrich the films they inhabit, providing both contrast and depth to the lead roles.

Technical and Artistic Achievements
Best Original Score features a diverse list with entries like “Challengers”, “Emilia Pérez”, and “Gladiator II”, showcasing the power of music in storytelling.

Best International Feature Film includes films like “All We Imagine as Light”, which, despite not being India’s official submission, has made a significant impact on the global stage.

Concluding Thoughts
The 2025 Oscar nominees represent a year in cinema that was both reflective and forward-looking. From the bold narratives of “Anora” and “The Brutalist” to the fantastical realms of “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two”, the films and performances nominated encapsulate the breadth of human experience and the art of filmmaking. As we await the Oscars ceremony, the anticipation is not just for who will win but for how these stories continue to influence and inspire the cinematic landscape.

The Academy Awards this year will undoubtedly be a celebration of the art form’s ability to entertain, challenge, and connect us all.