As a dedicated movie fan, awards season is one of the highlights of the year. While some of the glamorous awards shows can be rather dull, the excitement of debates, predictions, and the build-up to the Academy Awards is unmatched. This year marks the 97th annual Oscars, and I've maintained my tradition of watching every nominee.
The 2025 Oscars promise to be a spectacular showcase of cinematic excellence. The major categories, including Best Picture, Director, Acting, and Screenplay, are packed with outstanding contenders. While "Emilia Pérez" has been the outlier, the rest are exceptional. Here are my personal favorites from this year's lineup, spanning genres from sci-fi blockbusters to heartfelt dramas.
Nominations (6): Best Picture, Director (Sean Baker), Actress (Mikey Madison), Original Screenplay, Film Editing
"Anora" stands as a frontrunner for Best Picture, having secured numerous wins at precursor awards. Directed by Sean Baker, this drama combines energetic storytelling with dark comedy and social commentary. Mikey Madison delivers a star-making performance, complemented by Yura Borisov's outstanding support.
The film follows "Anora," a young sex worker in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach, who becomes entangled with the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. Their transactional relationship escalates into a whirlwind marriage, leading to unforeseen complications.
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Nominations (10): Best Picture, Director (Brady Corbet), Actor (Adrien Brody), Supporting Actor (Guy Pearce), Supporting Actress (Felicity Jones), Original Screenplay, Original Score, Production Design, Cinematography, Film Editing
"The Brutalist" is a period drama with a runtime of 215 minutes, which might deter some viewers, but its epic storytelling is worth every second. Directed by Brady Corbet, the film explores the immigrant experience with exceptional performances, especially from Adrien Brody.
Brody plays László Tóth, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who moves to the U.S. with dreams of a brighter future. He starts working for a wealthy industrialist aware of his architectural talents, leading to a story that takes viewers through emotional highs and lows.
Nominations (8): Best Picture, Actor (Ralph Fiennes), Supporting Actress (Isabella Rossellini), Adapted Screenplay, Original Score, Production Design, Costume Design, Film Editing
A gripping thriller, "Conclave" centers on the secretive selection process for a new Pope. Based on the 2016 novel, the film is driven by its surprising narrative twists and a remarkable cast, including Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini.
The story begins with the Pope's death, leading to political gamesmanship within the Catholic Church. Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) uncovers dark secrets that could shake the institution's foundations.
Nominations (5): Best Picture, Sound, Production Design, Cinematography, Visual Effects
"Dune Part Two" may excel in technical categories but is largely overlooked in other major fields. Despite this, it's a must-watch sci-fi movie, continuing the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he seeks revenge and finds love with Chani (Zendaya).
With a cast of A-listers, the film combines blockbuster spectacle with thoughtful storytelling.
Nominations (5): Best Picture, Director (Coralie Fargeat), Actress (Demi Moore), Original Screenplay, Makeup and Hairstyling
"The Substance" was a pleasant surprise, offering a compelling body horror experience. Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former Hollywood star who experiments with a drug that transforms her into a younger version of herself, leading to unexpected consequences.
This dark thriller keeps viewers on edge with its surprising twists.
Nominations (3): Actor (Colman Domingo), Adapted Screenplay, Original Song
"Sing Sing" is a prison drama focusing on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Colman Domingo's captivating performance highlights this overlooked contender, exploring the humanity of inmates through a therapeutic stage production.
The film incorporates real-life stories, creating a powerful narrative of hope and redemption.
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Nominations (2): Supporting Actor (Kieran Culkin), Original Screenplay
"A Real Pain" exceeded high expectations with its delightful comedy-drama. Kieran Culkin shines as Benji, a loveable slacker masking inner darkness, while Jesse Eisenberg, who also writes and directs, plays an important role as Benji's cousin, David.
The film follows the relatives on a journey across Poland, reflecting on personal roots and family history.
For more insights and recommendations, visit Tom's Guide.
