The highly anticipated 2025 Oscar nominations were unveiled on January 23, marking a pivotal moment in an awards season fraught with challenges.
Despite calls to postpone or cancel the event due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided to press forward, showcasing the resilience of the film industry during a difficult time.
Originally scheduled for January 17, the nominations announcement was delayed twice due to the catastrophic wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County starting January 7. The fires claimed at least 27 lives and destroyed over 16,000 structures, disrupting countless events and TV productions across the city. Amid this tragedy, some prominent voices in Hollywood, including Jean Smart, called for the cancellation of this year’s awards season, urging networks to redirect resources to wildfire relief efforts.
Nevertheless, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the importance of moving forward. “During this year’s ceremony, we will honor the talented filmmakers nominated today, pay tribute to our brave first responders, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Los Angeles and the film industry,” Kramer stated during the nominations announcement at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Here are some of the highlights from the nomination announcement.
Emilia Pérez Leads the Pack
The French production Emilia Pérez emerged as the frontrunner with 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Jacques Audiard, Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña.
Close behind were The Brutalist and Wicked, each earning 10 nominations. Both films made significant impacts, with The Brutalist gaining nods for Best Picture, Best Director (Brady Corbet), and Best Actor (Adrien Brody), while Wicked secured nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo), and Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande).
A Morning of Surprises and Snubs
The announcement, hosted by Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang, was not without its surprises. Challengers, despite being a strong contender throughout awards season, was entirely shut out, leaving fans and critics puzzled. Notable snubs included Denzel Washington (Gladiator II), Selena Gomez, Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, and Angelina Jolie. Films like Babygirl, Queer, and Maria, which had garnered considerable buzz, also failed to secure significant nominations.
Conversely, Monica Barbaro surprised audiences with a Best Supporting Actress nod for her performance in A Complete Unknown.
Honoring Creativity Amid Adversity
The 2025 Oscar ceremony, set for March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, promises to be both a celebration and a reflection of the resilience of the entertainment industry. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event will feature tributes to first responders and those affected by the wildfires, alongside the celebration of cinematic achievements.
Key Nominations
Best Picture:
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Best Director:
Sean Baker (Anora)
Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)
Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)
Best Actress:
Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)
Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
Mikey Madison (Anora)
Demi Moore (The Substance)
Best Actor:
Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)
Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)
Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)
Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)
As the industry gears up for Oscar night, the spotlight will remain not just on the nominees but also on the broader challenges facing Los Angeles and the resilience of its creative community. The 2025 Oscars promise to be a night of recognition, reflection, and celebration in the face of adversity.
