The excitement surrounding the Oscars has officially entered the air as the nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards have been announced. This year, the standout film is ‘Emilia Pérez,’ a captivating narco-musical from Netflix that has received a historic 13 nominations, making it the most nominated non-English language film ever. Meanwhile, the popular musical ‘Wicked’ and the intriguing film ‘The Brutalist’ have both secured 10 nominations, showcasing their talent and popularity. However, this year’s nominations were slightly delayed due to the devastating impact of wildfires in California, but the Academy is determined to proceed with the awards ceremony, scheduled for March 2nd.
AP AUDIO: Emilia Pérez Tops Oscar Nominations
‘Emilia Pérez’ not only leads the nominations but also brings attention to significant achievements in diversity within the film industry. One of its nominations includes Karla Sofía Gascón, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first openly trans actor ever nominated for an Oscar. This recognition reflects a broader change in the industry, emphasizing the importance of representation and storytelling from diverse perspectives.
Last Year, Oppenheimer Rolled. This Year is Different
While last year’s Oscars perhaps echoed the grandeur of films like ‘Oppenheimer,’ this year paints a very different picture. The nominations highlight a more eclectic mix of genres and stories, emphasizing a greater range of human experiences. Additionally, surprise nominations like ‘I’m Still Here’ and ‘Nickel Boys’ showcase rising voices and innovative storytelling in cinema, much to the delight of audiences eager for fresh narratives.
Oscars Push Ahead, Despite Fires
Despite the devastation brought on by the wildfires that occurred in the Los Angeles area, the Oscars seem set to carry on. Many film industry figures had called for the ceremony to be postponed, considering the significant impact of these disasters. However, the Academy has made it clear that the show must go on, ensuring that the achievements of filmmakers, actors, and stories are recognized, especially during such challenging times.
Blockbusters (Mostly) Sit It Out
This year’s awards saw some unexpected exclusions. Major blockbusters like ‘Sing Sing’ and ‘A Real Pain’ found themselves on the outside looking in for the Best Picture category, highlighting that the Oscars can sometimes favor quieter films over crowd-pleasers. Notably, Jon M. Chu, who directed ‘Wicked,’ did not receive a nomination, raising eyebrows among fans and critics alike regarding the Academy’s choices. Even as they secured 10 nominations overall, one can’t help but wonder if bigger productions are sometimes left behind in the race.
Major Nominations and Notable Snubs
| Film | Nominations |
|---|---|
| Emilia Pérez | 13 |
| Wicked | 10 |
| The Brutalist | 10 |
The buzz around the nominations doesn’t just come from excitement; it also comes from discussions about who missed out. Many were surprised to see actors like Selena Gomez, who starred in ‘Emilia Pérez,’ not receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. On the other hand, Sebastian Stan earned accolades for his performance in ‘The Apprentice,’ surprising many with his standout portrayal.
Looking Ahead: The Ceremony
As the spotlight turns towards the ceremony itself, fans and critics alike are gearing up for a night that is bound to showcase stellar performances, unforgettable speeches, and perhaps a few surprises. With the awards mere weeks away, the anticipation is palpable, and everyone is eager to see which films and stars will take home the coveted golden statuettes. The 2025 Oscars promise to be a memorable night filled with celebration, recognition, and the magic of cinema.
