2025 Oscar Nominations: The Films, Performances, and Talent Poised for Academy Recognition
As the 2025 Academy Awards season heats up, excitement is building over the potential Oscar nominees. With a variety of compelling films and standout performances, this year’s race for nominations is one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Among the front-runners for the 2025 Oscars are Emilia Perez, The Brutalist, Anora, A Complete Unknown, Wicked, Conclave, and Rachel Sennott. These names are already being discussed in industry circles, with many experts predicting they could dominate the upcoming nominations.
This article takes a closer look at the key films, performances, and talent that have the potential to shine in the 2025 Oscar nominations, diving deep into why they’re favorites for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and more.
Emilia Perez: The Rising Star to Watch for Best Actress
In the year of breakthrough performances, Emilia Perez is emerging as one of the most talked-about names for the Best Actress category in the 2025 Academy Awards. Known for her role in A Complete Unknown, a drama that centers around identity, personal transformation, and existential reflection, Perez’s performance has been widely praised for its emotional depth and vulnerability.
Perez’s character in A Complete Unknown grapples with societal expectations, exploring what it means to reclaim one’s identity in a world that demands conformity. Her nuanced and powerful portrayal of this journey has captivated critics and audiences alike. It’s not just her emotional range that stands out, but the subtlety with which she conveys complex inner turmoil. As Perez continues to earn praise for her impeccable acting, many believe that she is poised to secure her first Oscar nomination in 2025.
Why Emilia Perez Could Be Nominated:
- Critical Acclaim: Perez’s performance has received rave reviews from major film critics, including Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
- Strong Presence: As an emerging talent, she has quickly become a recognized face in Hollywood, with other roles slated for the near future.
- Academy’s Focus on New Talent: With the Academy’s recent push to recognize fresh voices, Perez is a prime candidate to be acknowledged for her outstanding performance.
The Brutalist: A Cinematic Masterpiece Poised for Best Picture
Another title generating considerable Oscar buzz is The Brutalist. This cerebral drama is already being pegged as one of the most innovative and thought-provoking films of the year. The film explores complex themes of love, isolation, and modern architecture, set against the cold, stark backdrop of brutalist buildings.
The director, known for his meticulous and visually arresting style, uses architecture not just as a setting but as a metaphor for human isolation. The film has drawn comparisons to other critical darlings like Parasite and The Master for its bold approach to storytelling and cinematography.
The Brutalist is currently being lauded as a serious contender in several categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. The film’s sharp direction, coupled with the intense performances of its cast, creates a cinematic experience that is both haunting and mesmerizing.
Why The Brutalist Could Secure Nominations:
- Innovative Cinematography: The striking use of brutalist architecture as a narrative tool could earn the film a nomination for Best Cinematography.
- Directorial Excellence: The director’s precision in crafting an atmospheric, visually stunning film makes it a strong contender for Best Director.
- Best Picture: Early industry feedback suggests that The Brutalist will be a serious contender for Best Picture, with its multifaceted storytelling and unique concept.
Anora: The Indie Gem That Could Surprise at the Oscars
While major studio films often steal the spotlight during awards season, indie films like Anora are consistently proving they deserve their time in the sun. This powerful independent film tells the story of a young woman’s journey to self-discovery, navigating societal pressures, family expectations, and the complexities of modern relationships.
The lead performance in Anora has been described as extraordinary, with many critics arguing that it could land the actress in the Best Actress race. The film has earned significant praise for its honest portrayal of vulnerability and resilience, with a story that speaks to universal themes.
Why Anora Could Break Into the Oscar Nominations:
- Strong Lead Performance: The lead actress’s compelling portrayal is gaining widespread recognition and could land her an Oscar nomination.
- Emotional Resonance: Anora’s exploration of universal themes like identity and growth makes it a strong candidate for Best Original Screenplay.
- Indie Film Love: The Oscars have recently shown more love for indie films, and Anora fits the profile of a film that could surprise at the nominations.
Wicked: The Musical Adaptation that Could Take Over the Oscars
No discussion about the 2025 Oscars would be complete without addressing the highly anticipated adaptation of Wicked. Based on the popular Broadway musical, this film has already made waves due to its star-studded cast, lavish production, and loyal fan base. With Rachel Sennott playing a key role in the film, many are speculating that Wicked could earn Oscar nods for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Picture, and Best Actress.
While musical adaptations have had mixed success at the Oscars, Wicked has the potential to become a major contender if it can strike the perfect balance between dazzling spectacle and genuine emotional depth. If it succeeds, it could follow in the footsteps of other iconic musicals like Les Misérables and La La Land.
Why Wicked Could Secure Multiple Oscar Nominations:
- Stellar Cast: With performances from top-tier talent, particularly Rachel Sennott, Wicked could be a major player in the acting categories.
- Cinematic Spectacle: If Wicked captures the magic of the stage production while adding new cinematic elements, it will have a good chance of landing nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture.
- Broadway Success: The film adaptation of Broadway hits has proven successful in the past, and Wicked could follow suit.
Conclave: The Political Thriller with Oscar Potential
Conclave is a political thriller that revolves around the complex and secretive process of electing a new pope. The film’s intense plotting, tight character dynamics, and timely commentary on power structures make it an intriguing contender for the 2025 Oscar nominations.
With a talented ensemble cast and a script that dives deep into the nuances of political maneuvering, Conclave has the potential to earn nods in Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor/Actress.
Why Conclave Could Stand Out in the Oscar Race:
- Political Relevance: The film’s timely exploration of power dynamics in a religious and political setting could strike a chord with Academy voters.
- Ensemble Cast: Conclave boasts an ensemble cast, and any of its supporting actors could be in contention for Best Supporting Actor or Best Supporting Actress.
- Intense Storytelling: The film’s intricate narrative and focus on character-driven storytelling could earn it Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay nominations.
Rachel Sennott: A Rising Star Ready for Oscar Recognition
Rachel Sennott has already proven herself as a versatile actress, shifting seamlessly between comedic and dramatic roles. Known for her roles in Shiva Baby and Bodies Bodies Bodies, Sennott is making waves for her powerful performance in A Complete Unknown. Many believe this could be the role that finally lands her an Oscar nomination, likely in the Best Supporting Actress category.
Sennott’s ability to bring humor, vulnerability, and emotional depth to her roles has made her a standout talent, and her growing presence in Hollywood positions her as one to watch in 2025.
Why Rachel Sennott Could Secure an Oscar Nomination:
- Diverse Range: Sennott’s ability to transition between genres makes her an appealing choice for voters who seek versatility in acting.
- Critically Acclaimed Performances: Her performance in A Complete Unknown has earned her early praise from industry critics, making her a strong contender for a nomination.
- Rising Talent: As a rising star, Sennott’s growing recognition could put her in a prime position for Best Supporting Actress.
Conclusion: The 2025 Oscar Nominations Will Be Unpredictable and Exciting
The 2025 Oscar nominations promise to be an exciting and unpredictable race. With films like The Brutalist, Anora, and Wicked shaping up to be major contenders, and breakout performances from talent like Emilia Perez and Rachel Sennott, this year’s Academy Awards will showcase a diverse array of stories and performers.
As the Oscars draw closer, it’s clear that these films and performances have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the 2025 Academy Awards. Whether you’re rooting for the indie underdog, the musical adaptation, or the emotional powerhouse, the 2025 Oscar nominations will surely have something for everyone.
