2025 Oscar Nominations: Breaking Records and Making History
The excitement for the 97th Academy Awards is officially here, with this year’s Oscar nominations announced on January 23, 2025. From record-breaking achievements to groundbreaking representation, the nominations reflect a vibrant year in cinema that brought a diverse array of stories to life. Let’s dive into the top highlights, standout performances, and historic moments from this year’s list.
Top Contenders for the 2025 Oscars
Emilia Pérez
Leading the nominations with an impressive 13 nods, Emilia Pérez has officially made history as the most-nominated non-English-language film in Oscars history. Directed by Jacques Audiard, this French musical drama has captivated critics and audiences alike.
Key nominations include:
• Best Picture
• Best Director: Jacques Audiard
• Best Actress: Karla Sofía Gascón
• Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña
Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination marks a watershed moment for representation, as she becomes the first openly transgender actress to receive an Oscar nomination.
Wicked
Fans of the beloved Broadway musical were thrilled with the film adaptation’s success, earning 10 nominations.
Highlights include:
• Best Picture
• Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
• Best Supporting Actress: Ariana Grande
Cynthia Erivo’s nomination is a milestone as she becomes the first out queer Black performer to be nominated for Best Actress.
The Brutalist
Tying with Wicked at 10 nominations, The Brutalist brought its A-game to this awards season. Directed by Brady Corbet, this period drama is a contender in several major categories:
• Best Picture
• Best Director: Brady Corbet
• Best Actor: Adrien Brody
Notable Acting Nominations
This year’s acting categories are filled with memorable performances.
Best Actress Nominees
• Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)
• Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
• Mikey Madison (Anora)
• Demi Moore (The Substance)
• Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
Best Actor Nominees
• Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
• Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) – playing Bob Dylan
• Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)
• Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)
• Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)
Historic Moments in Representation
The 2025 Oscars are being celebrated for breaking barriers:
• Karla Sofía Gascón: First openly transgender actress to receive an Oscar nomination.
• Cynthia Erivo: First out queer Black performer to be nominated for Best Actress.
These nominations reflect a growing commitment to showcasing diverse voices and stories on the global stage.
When and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars for March 2, 2025! The 97th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony, which will be broadcast live on ABC and, for the first time, streamed on Hulu.
Conclusion
The 2025 Oscar nominations are a testament to the evolving landscape of cinema, celebrating a wide range of stories, talents, and perspectives. As we approach the big night, anticipation is building to see who will take home the coveted golden statuettes.
Stay tuned for more updates as the awards season unfolds!