With just three months until the 97th Academy Awards ceremony on March 2, 2025, Hollywood’s biggest night is already taking shape — and the competition is fierce.
The nomination slate has set the stage for what’s shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable Oscar races in recent memory.
Emilia Pérez Makes History
The breakout drama Emilia Pérez has stormed into the spotlight with 13 nominations, making it the most-nominated non-English-language film in Oscars history. Directed by Jacques Audiard and starring Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldana, the film’s success marks a major milestone for global cinema. Its fusion of crime, gender identity, and redemption has struck a chord with critics and voters alike — propelling it to frontrunner status in the Best Picture and Best Director categories.
Wicked and The Brutalist Trail Close Behind
Musical fantasy Wicked and period drama The Brutalist follow closely with 10 nominations each, solidifying their positions as major contenders. Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has captivated audiences with its visual grandeur and emotional depth, while Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, led by Adrien Brody, continues to earn praise for its artistic precision and haunting storytelling.
The Race Dynamics
According to Oscar trackers like Gold Derby, early festival buzz and precursor awards are already influencing the tide. Films with both critical acclaim and mainstream appeal — like Emilia Pérez — are proving especially resilient.
Yet, external forces are also reshaping the season. Wildfires in California forced the Academy to delay the nominations announcement twice, disrupting campaign events and injecting uncertainty into an already volatile awards circuit.
Key Categories to Watch
Best Picture: Emilia Pérez currently leads, but Wicked and The Brutalist could stage late-season upsets.
Best Actress: History was made with Karla Sofía Gascón becoming the first openly trans actress ever nominated in the category.
Best Director: Audiard’s meticulous direction gives him a clear edge, though Corbet’s The Brutalist and Jon M. Chu’s Wicked remain serious threats.
A More Inclusive Oscars
This year’s nominations signal a continued evolution in the Academy’s approach to global storytelling and representation. From trans visibility to the prominence of international cinema, the 2025 Oscars appear to be embracing diversity more boldly than ever before.
The Countdown Begins
As the March ceremony approaches, the big questions remain: Will Emilia Pérez sustain its momentum? Can Wicked’s magic or The Brutalist’s artistic gravitas stage an upset? And how will Academy voters balance artistic risk with box-office reach?
One thing is certain — with less than 100 days to go, the 2025 Oscars are already a cinematic showdown for the ages.
