The 2025 Oscar nominations are out, and, trust me, they did not disappoint. This year’s list of contenders is a cinematic fever dream of groundbreaking films, historic nominations and a little bit of controversy to keep things spicy. From Emilia Pérez making history, to Wicked bringing Broadway glam to the big screen and The Brutalist sparking debates about technology in film, it’s a lineup worth dissecting. So, let’s roll out the red carpet and break it all down.
Emilia Pérez: A record-breaking phenomenon
With 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez has emerged as the queen of the Oscars, tying the record set by The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001. Directed by Jacques Audiard, you can already see how this Spanish-language, musical-crime drama is one for the history books. It's vibrant, daring and unapologetically bold — a celebration of identity, resilience and rebellion. And then there’s Karla Sofía Gascón. Her nomination for Best Actress is monumental; she’s the first openly transgender performer to receive recognition in an acting category. Gascón's portrayal of Emilia — a woman who fakes her own death to transition and reclaim her life — is raw and electric.
But not everyone’s singing Emilia Pérez’s praises. Critics have pointed out pacing issues and questioned the film's blend of genres. Some have called it “out of touch.” Audiard, however, brushes off these critiques, stating that the film’s experimental nature was intentional. Love it or hate it, one thing is clear: Emilia Pérez isn’t here to play it safe.
Oh, and let’s not forget Selena Gomez’s performance in Emilia Pérez. While her role as a supporting character was anticipated to get her some recognition, it’s surprising — and a little disappointing — that she missed out on a nomination for Best Supporting Actress this year, especially after her Golden Globe nomination. The backlash around her performance has raised some eyebrows, but only time will tell if this will shift perceptions and change the way we view and think about films.
Wicked: Broadway magic on the big screen
With 10 nominations, Wicked has soared as high as Elphaba herself. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this long-awaited adaptation brought the Land of Oz to life in a spectacular way. Critics and fans alike have praised its dazzling visuals, heartfelt performances and the seamless translation of the iconic musical to film.
Speaking of Erivo, her nomination for Best Actress adds another layer of excitement. If she wins, Erivo will join the prestigious EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) club. If she clinches the Best Actress award, she’ll become one of the few performers in history to achieve EGOT status. Imagine sharing a table with Audrey Hepburn, Whoopi Goldberg and John Legend. Iconic doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Grande — with her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress — continues to prove she’s not just a pop star but a force to be reckoned with in the acting world. Grande's Glinda is bubbly yet layered, balancing humor with a surprising emotional depth. Her Oscar nod marks a major crossover moment and cements Grande’s status as a multi-talented powerhouse.
However, we should talk about Wicked's director. Despite the film's success, Chu surprisingly didn't make it to the Best Director category this year. The absence of his name alongside fellow nominees like Sean Baker and Coralie Fargeat raised questions, considering how Wicked is arguably one of the most visually ambitious films of the year.
The Brutalist: A technological marvel
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist — also with 10 nominations — has been hailed as a visually stunning masterpiece. The film follows an architect's journey through political and personal upheaval, blending historical drama with avant-garde storytelling. Adrien Brody’s gripping performance in the lead role is drawing significant buzz, solidifying him as a frontrunner for Best Actor.
However, it’s the film’s use of AI that’s sparked heated conversations. From voice-cloning to generating architectural designs, The Brutalist has pushed the boundaries of what technology can achieve in cinema. While some hail it as innovative, others worry about the ethical implications. Is AI enhancing art or eroding the human touch? The debate rages on.
Trailblazers and firsts
This year’s Oscars are more than a celebration of film — they’re a celebration of progress. Gascón’s historic nomination as the first trans actress in a leading category is a testament to how far the industry has come. Her trailblazing role in Emilia Pérez isn’t just a personal victory — it’s a milestone for representation.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Oscars have highlighted another trailblazer in a completely different way: The Substance. Demi Moore’s nomination for Best Actress after snagging the same award at the 2025 Golden Globes has sparked a wave of admiration. Her role in The Substance has resonated deeply with older actresses, who often find themselves overlooked by an industry that’s quick to elevate newer talent. Moore’s inspiring portrayal has breathed life into a character that’s both complex and deeply human, and her career comeback is a powerful reminder that there’s always room for reinvention.
Zoe Saldaña: A Latina shining bright
After 25 years in Hollywood, Zoe Saldaña has earned her first-ever Oscar nomination, securing a spot in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role as Rita Mora Castro in Emilia Pérez. Known for her roles in major franchises like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, Saldaña's recognition by the Academy highlights the evolving landscape of the film industry, where diverse stories and talents are increasingly celebrated.
This nomination is not just a personal milestone for Saldaña but also a significant moment for Latina representation in Hollywood. Known for her roles in major franchises like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, Saldaña's recognition by the Academy highlights the evolving landscape of the film industry, where diverse stories and talents are increasingly celebrated.
Saldaña herself acknowledged the importance of her nomination, saying in an interview, “I am thrilled to be among such talented companies.”
The Best Picture battle
The Best Picture category is a tight race, with heavy hitters like Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist and Wicked vying for the top honor. Joining them are A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Anora, Dune: Part Two, The Substance, Nickel Boys and I’m Still Here. It’s a diverse lineup that showcases the breadth of storytelling in modern cinema.
Another surprise this year? Inside Out 2 is back in the conversation, having earned a nod in the Best Animated Feature category alongside Flow, which shocked the Golden Globe voters by taking home the win. Flow — with its stunning visuals and emotionally charged story — could very well be a dark horse in the race. The animated feature category is shaping up to be one of the most exciting part of the awards night.
Snubs and surprises
No Oscars list is complete without a little drama. Last year, Barbie was notably snubbed, missing out on major categories despite its cultural dominance and massive box-office success. This year, fans are watching with bated breath to ensure Wicked doesn’t meet the same fate. Both films are adaptations of beloved properties, steeped in female empowerment and carrying massive fan bases. If Wicked delivers on the promise of its nominations, it could right the wrongs of Barbie’s snub and prove that commercial and critical success can go hand in hand.
But let’s face it: Oscars history hasn’t always been kind to musicals. For every Chicago that sweeps, there’s a Les Misérables that underwhelms. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Wicked has to defy not just gravity but the Academy’s past reluctance to fully embrace big-screen musicals.
Women in film: The year of triumph
It’s impossible to look at this year’s Oscars and not notice the overwhelming presence of women in the top categories: Actresses like Gascón, Erivo and Saldaña have dominated the conversation.
This year’s nominations are not just about individual achievements, they’re about rewriting the narrative. For decades, Hollywood has been criticized for sidelining female voices, but the 2025 Oscars feel like a pivotal moment of change. The stories being celebrated — centering on themes of identity (Emilia Pérez), resilience (Wicked) and ambition (The Brutalist) — are largely told from perspectives that have historically been ignored.
What’s next for the Academy?
As the countdown to Oscars night continues, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the Academy will embrace this moment of change or revert to its old habits. Will Wicked follow in Barbie’s footsteps as a fan favorite left out in the cold? Will Emilia Pérez make history as the first Spanish-language musical to win Best Picture? Can Erivo and Gascón turn their nominations into wins that shatter barriers?
Oh, and let’s not forget Timothée Chalamet’s seemingly never-ending streak of nominations without a win. Could 2025 be the year he finally breaks it? Only time will tell.
This year’s Oscars aren’t just about trophies, they’re about rewriting Hollywood’s legacy. And, with women leading the charge, the future of film looks brighter, bolder and more inclusive than ever. For more on the nominees and their films, check out the full list here.
