Like every other year, 2025 Oscar nominations have also given us plenty to discuss. It is a pleasant mix of surprises and notable snubs. This blend has left many movie enthusiasts buzzing. Let's dive into the most talked-about moments from this year's Oscars shortlist.
Surprise: 'Emilia Pérez' Dominates the Nominations
From the Academy Award for best picture and running to supporting artists, Emilia Pérez has taken the lead with 13 nominations. It is also the first film in history to have bagged the most Academy Award nominations while being non-English-language.
One of its kind: Spanish musical tells the story of a Mexican cartel boss who transitions and attempts to start anew. Not only was this movie surrounded by a handful of controversies due to its portrayal of trans issues and Mexican culture, but it also had low viewer ratings. This primarily becomes the reason behind the surprise element. Despite the debates, the film's recognition is undeniable.
Snub: A-List Actors Left Out in the Cold
It might be a huge surprise, but some Hollywood heavyweights did not make it to this year's annual nominations. Angelina Jolie, who received critical acclaim for her role in Maria, and Nicole Kidman, who celebrated for Babygirl, were overlooked. Daniel Craig's performance in Queer did not get any nods at this year's Oscars.
Despite stealing all the spotlight in the film, Denzel Washington's role in Gladiator II also failed to bag any nominations, leaving fans and critics alike scratching their heads.
Surprise: 'I'm Still Here' Breaks Through
The Brazilian drama I'm Still Here defied all the expectations by securing a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. It is not only the first Brazilian film in this category but it has also been named in two other major categories, Best Actress in the Leading Role and Best International Feature.
The project gained momentum after Fernanda Torres won her first-ever Golden Globe, highlighting her compelling performance. This widespread recognition marks a considerable achievement for international cinema as it reached the 2025 Oscar nominations.
Snub: 'Challengers' Shut Out
Zendaya’s film ‘Challengers’ had a $90 million+ collection at the box office and a good viewer rating. Despite that and being a favorite among industry insiders, it was entirely overlooked by the Academy jury. It is considered one of the biggest oscar snubs of the year because it was highly praised for its complex storytelling.
However, it failed to secure even a single nomination across all categories, leaving many questioning the Academy's decision-making process.
Surprise: Sebastian Stan's Nod for 'The Apprentice'
In a move that few saw coming, Sebastian Stan received a Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice. The film, which delves into Trump's early days in New York real estate, had a tumultuous journey to the screen, making this recognition all the more unexpected and has made it to the list of Oscar surprises.
Snub: Selena Gomez Overlooked for 'Emilia Pérez'
While Emilia Pérez garnered numerous nominations for her supporting role in the film, Selena Gomez was not among them. Many had anticipated a nod for Gomez, given her compelling performance, but the Academy chose to recognize other supporting actresses this year. Some might even consider this one of the biggest Oscar snubs of all time.
Surprise: Animated Film 'The Wild Robot' Breaks Barriers
The Wild Robot, produced by DreamWorks Animation, won big time at the annie awards. This solidifies its nomination in the race for the Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. It has also bagged a nomination for sound effects and the best original score (for composer Kris Bowers). This achievement directly highlights the film's global popularity and the Academy's growing appreciation for animated storytelling.
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Snub: Marianne Jean-Baptiste for 'Hard Truths'
Mike Leigh returns with his contemporary storytelling in this film that features the remarkable Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Pansy, a woman grappling with inner turmoil and quick to unleash her frustrations on those around her, including her husband and son. On the contrasting side, her younger sibling (portrayed by Michele Austin) leads a more harmonious life as a single mother, surrounded by warmth and support from her salon clients and daughters.
Given Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s previous accolades and the film's powerful narrative, many expected her to be a strong contender this year, but they proved wrong.
The Legacy Continues
As with every awards season, the 2025 Oscar nominations have sparked discussions about the most prominent Oscar snubs and surprises. The award ceremony takes place on March 3rd, 2025. While some films and performances received the recognition many felt they deserved, others were conspicuously absent. These unexpected turns serve as a reminder of cinema's ever-evolving landscape and the subjective nature of awards.
As we approach the ceremony, it will be interesting to see how these nominations translate into wins and what they signal for the film industry's future.
FAQ’s
1. Who will host the 2025 Oscars?
Conan Christopher O'Brien is all set to host the 97th Academy Awards. He is a renowned TV host and comedian.
2. Where can I watch the Oscars 2025?
The 2025 Oscars will be multi-casted both on ABC and Hulu.
3. When are the 2025 Oscars?
The 97th Academy Awards take place on 2nd March 2025.
4. Who is performing at the Oscars in 2025?
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the Wicked duo, will be opening the Oscars with a performance on their “Defying Gravity” from their feature film.
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