The nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards are set to be revealed on Thursday morning, marking a significant moment in an awards season marred by unprecedented challenges. Films such as "The Brutalist," "Emilia Pérez," and "Conclave" are anticipated to lead the pack, despite delays caused by devastating fires in Los Angeles. This year's ceremony promises to be unpredictable, with several key contenders emerging from a competitive field of nominees.
This year's Golden Globe winners, "Emilia Pérez" and "The Brutalist," are expected to dominate the nominations, particularly in major categories like Best Picture and Best Director. Industry insiders predict that both films will secure around ten nominations each. Other notable entries vying for prestigious accolades include "A Complete Unknown," "Anora," "Dune: Part Two," and "The Substance." The latter, directed by Coralie Fargeat, is tipped to be one of the few female-led directorial nominations this year.
In the acting categories, the competition is fierce. Sebastian Stan, who portrays President Donald Trump in "The Apprentice," may earn a Best Actor nomination just days after his inauguration. He faces strong competition from Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, and Colman Domingo. Meanwhile, the Best Actress category is described as one of the most competitive, with actresses like Cynthia Erivo, Mikey Madison, Demi Moore, Karla Sofía Gascón, Fernanda Torres, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste all in contention.
The announcement of the Oscar nominations will take place at 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, streamed live on the Academy’s social media platforms and website. Actors Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang will unveil the list. The 95th Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien for the first time, is scheduled for March 2 on ABC and Hulu.
Prior to the Oscars, several other award ceremonies remain on the calendar. The Critics Choice Awards, initially planned for January 12 but delayed due to the Los Angeles fires, will now take place on February 7. Following this, the Screen Actors Guild Awards on February 23 and the British Academy Film Awards on February 16 will offer further insights into potential Oscar winners.
The wildfires in Los Angeles have significantly impacted the awards season. Voting periods were extended, and many productions were paused. Some celebrities called for the cancellation of the Oscars, but the event will proceed as planned. Additionally, controversy has surrounded two leading Best Picture contenders, "The Brutalist" and "Emilia Pérez," over their use of artificial intelligence in post-production. While AI was used to refine Hungarian dialogue and vocal ranges, it has sparked debate within the industry, reflecting broader concerns about technology's role in filmmaking.
The upcoming Oscars promise to be a memorable event, blending anticipation, controversy, and a renewed focus on the craft of cinema. With so much uncertainty and innovation shaping the landscape, the 2025 Academy Awards will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the film community and audiences alike.