The 2025 Oscar nominations burst onto the scene with unexpected twists that have film fans and industry insiders buzzing. This year’s race defied expectations, proving once again that awards season is anything but predictable.
International Cinema Breaks Barriers
Brazilian drama “I’m Still Here” stole the spotlight, snagging a Best Picture nomination that few saw coming. Led by Fernanda Torres’ critically acclaimed performance, the film’s success underscores the Academy’s growing embrace of international storytelling. The nomination validates Bong Joon Ho’s famous call to overcome the “one-inch barrier of subtitles.”
Casting Coups and Controversial Campaigns
Sebastian Stan’s nomination for “The Apprentice” emerged as a political statement as much as an acting nod. By transforming his campaign into a broader narrative about corporate America, Stan outmaneuvered more established contenders like Daniel Craig.
Unexpected Rises and Falls
Rising Stars
- Monica Barbaro broke through in the Supporting Actress category for “A Complete Unknown,” proving that transformative performances—especially those involving vocal mimicry—can capture Oscar voters’ imaginations.
Notable Snubs
- Jamie Lee Curtis missed out on a nomination for “The Last Showgirl,” despite earlier awards season momentum.
- “Challengers” and “Hard Truths” were completely shut out, leaving cinephiles and critics puzzled.
- Both Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis were left out of the acting categories for their work in “The Last Showgirl”
- Angelina Jolie’s work in “Maria” has been regarded by many critics as the performance of the year, but Netflix seems to have put their PR power behind “Emilia Pérez”
- For all the love “The Brutalist” has received this year, it’s surprising to see Felicity Jones not nominated as the Best Supporting Actress
- Speaking of Best Supporting Actress, snubs also include Monica Barbaro in “A Complete Unknown,” Selena Gomez in “Emilia Pérez,” and Margaret Qualley in “The Substance.”
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
The director’s branch raised eyebrows by again overlooking Edward Berger, this time for “Conclave”—sparking whispers of potential insider cliquishness.
Emerging Narratives
The nominations reveal a shifting landscape:
- More international films are breaking through
- Traditional indie darlings are finding less room
- Transformation and innovation remain key to Oscar success
The Race Remains Wide Open
With Emilia Pérez leading nominations at 13 and no clear front-runner emerging, this year’s Oscar race promises to be a nail-biter right up to awards night.
