The 2025 Oscars have made history, and the spotlight is shining brightly on “Emilia Pérez”, Jacques Audiard’s musical sensation. This groundbreaking film has set a new record, bagging 13 nominations, the most ever for a non-English language film. The achievement surpasses previous records held by “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2001) and “Roma” (2018), both with 10 nods each.
The recognition of Karla Sofía Gascón as Best Actress also makes history, marking the first Oscar nomination for an out transgender actor. Audiard’s film has captured the hearts of voters across categories, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Jacques Audiard)
- Best Actress (Karla Sofía Gascón)
- Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldaña)
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best International Feature
- Best Original Score
- Two nominations for Best Original Song
- Technical categories like Editing, Cinematography, and Makeup and Hairstyling
A Musical That Breaks Barriers
“Emilia Pérez” follows the story of a Mexican gangster who transitions to escape the mob. Its heartfelt performances and powerful narrative have resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film’s use of AI to enhance Gascón’s singing voice has sparked debate but hasn’t dimmed its achievements.
The Brutalist and Wicked Shine with 10 Nominations Each
Trailing just behind “Emilia Pérez” are “The Brutalist” and “Wicked”, each earning an impressive 10 nominations.
- “The Brutalist”, Brady Corbet’s epic drama about a Hungarian architect (played by Adrien Brody) who migrates to the U.S. post-WWII, is a cinematic marvel. Despite controversy over AI voice-cloning to refine accents, Corbet defended his cast, stating, “Adrien and Felicity’s performances are completely their own.”
- “Wicked”, the musical blockbuster based on the Broadway hit, continues its triumphant run. With nominations spanning categories like Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Cynthia Erivo), and technical achievements, it’s a crowd favorite.
Major Acting Nominations: Surprises and Snubs
This year’s acting categories have brought both surprises and disappointments:
Best Actress
The Best Actress race is heating up with:
- Karla Sofía Gascón (“Emilia Pérez”)
- Demi Moore, now the frontrunner after her Golden Globe win for “Babygirl.”
- Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”)
- Mikey Madison (“Anora”)
- Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here”)
Notably, veterans Nicole Kidman (“Babygirl”) and Angelina Jolie (“Maria”) were snubbed, leaving fans shocked.
Best Actor
The Best Actor category is led by:
- Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”)
- Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”) for his portrayal of Bob Dylan
- Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”)
- Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”)
- Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”), for his portrayal of Donald Trump
Denzel Washington’s showstopping performance in “Gladiator II” missed the mark, failing to secure his 11th Oscar nomination. Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel managed only one nod for Best Costume Design.
Supporting Categories
- Kieran Culkin leads Supporting Actor nominations for his role in Jesse Eisenberg’s Holocaust tour comedy “A Real Pain.”
- Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”) is a strong contender for Supporting Actress, solidifying her status as a favorite.
International and Animated Features: Oscars 2025 A Global Celebration
The Best International Feature category is headlined by:
- “Emilia Pérez”
- “I’m Still Here” (Brazil)
- “The Girl With the Needle” (Denmark)
- “The Seed of a Sacred Fig” (Iran)
- “Flow” (Latvia)
In Best Animated Feature, frontrunners include:
- “Inside Out 2”
- “Memoir of a Snail”
- “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”
- “The Wild Robot”
- “Flow”
Documentary Highlights
The Best Documentary category features weighty contenders:
- “No Other Land”, about the destruction of Masafer Yatta
- “Porcelain War”, focusing on artists in Ukraine
- “Black Box Diaries”, centered on a seminal sexual harassment case in Japan
- “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat”, a jazz-fueled investigation into the assassination of Patrice Lumumba
- “Sugarcane”, exposing Canada’s Indian residential school system
Hollywood’s Resilience: A Ceremony to Remember
The Academy emphasized unity and resilience after the California wildfires caused delays in voting. In a joint statement, CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said:
“We will honor Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century.”
This year’s Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place on March 2. In a shift from tradition, live performances will be replaced with tributes to songwriters, acknowledging their often-overlooked contributions.
With an exciting mix of groundbreaking films, history-making nominations, and heartfelt stories, the 2025 Oscars promise to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data at the time of publication. All opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not reflect the official stance of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. For official updates, visit the Oscars’ official website.
