It’s almost time for the 2025 Oscar nominations. The excitement is palpable within the film industry as critics and audiences look back at great performances, amazing storytelling, and artistic innovations in filmmaking from the past year. Let’s take a peek at the most likely contenders based on expert predictions, critical acclaim, and audience buzz.
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2024
Best Picture
The Best Picture race this year is heating up with a diverse range of films.
- Wicked: Universal’s adaptation of the hit Broadway musical is a vibrant spectacle. Its stunning visuals and strong performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have generated immense buzz following its recent release.
- Gladiator II: Paramount’s sequel to the 2000 Oscar-winning classic is a grand epic with stunning action. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it has been a major topic of conversation.
- Dune: Part Two: A technical masterpiece from director Denis Villeneuve, this film has been lauded for its epic scale, sound design, and cinematography, making it a strong contender in many categories.
- The Wild Robot: DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed animated feature has earned praise for its emotional storytelling and unique visual style, positioning it as a potential dark horse.
- A Real Pain: Jesse Eisenberg’s intimate and heartfelt drama has earned critical praise, especially for its poignant performances.
Prediction: While the race is still wide open, Wicked seems poised to be a major player. Its combination of box office success and strong audience reception makes it a frontrunner for a Best Picture nomination.
Best Director
The Best Director race this year showcases the diversity of cinematic vision.
- Jon M. Chu (Wicked): Chu’s successful translation of the beloved musical into a cinematic event has been a huge talking point, demonstrating his skill in handling a massive production.
- Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two): Villeneuve’s technical genius and command of cinematic scale have earned him universal praise.
- Ridley Scott (Gladiator II): At 86 years of age, Ridley Scott proves he is still a master craftsman, delivering a compelling and action-packed historical epic.
- Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain): Eisenberg’s direction of this intimate, character-driven drama has been lauded for its subtlety and emotional depth.
Prediction: Denis Villeneuve for Dune: Part Two is a strong frontrunner for a nomination, given the immense critical acclaim for his technical and visionary direction.
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Best Actor
The Best Actor category is stacked with career-defining performances.
- Colman Domingo (Sing Sing): Domingo’s powerful and moving performance has been a critical favorite since its festival debut, making him a major contender.
- Paul Mescal (Gladiator II): Mescal steps into a huge role and delivers a commanding performance that has impressed critics and audiences alike.
- Ralph Fiennes (Conclave): Fiennes gives a layered, compelling performance that has put him squarely in the awards conversation.
- Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain): Eisenberg’s turn as a man grappling with his past in this intimate drama has earned him significant praise.
Prediction: The award most likely goes to Colman Domingo for his critically acclaimed and deeply moving performance in Sing Sing.
Best Actress
The Best Actress category looks extremely promising this year with some of the industry’s finest giving memorable performances.
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked): The movie is anchored by Erivo’s powerhouse singing and acting, which defines the emotional journey of her character.
- Angelina Jolie (Maria): Jolie’s transformative performance as Maria Callas has earned early critical raves and positioned her as a strong contender.
- Nicole Kidman (Babygirl): Kidman’s stunning performance in this psychological thriller has been singled out as some of her best work.
- Lady Gaga (Joker: Folie à Deux): Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn has been a major point of discussion, showcasing her fearless acting and musical talent.
Prediction: Cynthia Erivo is a strong contender, given the immense success of Wicked, but the race is still too close to call.
Best Supporting Actor
- Austin Butler (Dune: Part Two): Butler proves his acting prowess with a truly transformative and chilling performance as Feyd-Rautha.
- Denzel Washington (Gladiator II): Washington delivers a powerful performance as a former slave turned successful entrepreneur in this historical epic.
- Barry Keoghan (Saltburn): Keoghan’s hyper-reactive, charismatic performance was a standout moment in the film.
Prediction: Austin Butler for Dune: Part Two is the frontrunner, having received universal acclaim for his memorable and menacing performance.
Best Supporting Actress
- Ariana Grande (Wicked): Grande was charismatically effervescent as Glinda, delivering a performance full of surprise and charm.
- Naomi Scott (Smile 2): Scott’s unsettling and committed performance has been praised as one of the best of the year.
- Toni Collette (Mickey 17): Collette gives a memorable performance in the sci-fi thriller.
Prediction: Ariana Grande is a strong contender, but this category is still taking shape as more films are released.
Best Original Screenplay
- A Real Pain (Jesse Eisenberg): An intimate and heartfelt script that has earned significant critical acclaim.
- Anora (Sean Baker): The film’s unique and bold story has garnered critical buzz for its sharp writing.
- Twisters (Mark L. Smith): A high-octane script that has thrilled audiences.
Prediction: Anora is a strong contender for its unique vision.
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Best Adapted Screenplay
- Dune: Part Two (Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts): An intricate and masterful adaptation of the second half of Frank Herbert’s classic novel.
- Gladiator II (David Scarpa): A fresh and engaging script that builds upon the original’s legacy.
- Wicked (Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox): A loyal yet fresh take on the beloved musical masterpiece.
Prediction: Dune: Part Two is a solid frontrunner for its dense yet accessible screenplay.
Best Animated Feature
- The Wild Robot (DreamWorks Animation): A visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that is a clear frontrunner.
- Inside Out 2 (Pixar): The sequel has been a massive commercial hit, and its emotional depth makes it a major contender.
- Despicable Me 4 (Illumination): A box office juggernaut that could snag a nomination.
- Flow (GKids): A beautiful and silent film that has captivated critics.
Prediction: The Wild Robot is the clear favorite to win, given its critical acclaim and emotional depth.
https://awardswatch.com/2025-oscars-eligibility-lists-for-animated-feature
Best Original Song
- “Supernatural” (The Wild Robot): A powerful and memorable song.
- “What a Time” (Wicked): A showstopper and a fan favorite.
- “Kiss the Sky” (The Wild Robot): Another song from the film that was generating significant buzz.
- “A Little Bit of Luck” (Despicable Me 4): A charming, catchy song.
Prediction: “What a Time” from Wicked is set to surely win the hearts of voters and audiences at large.
https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/12/03/2025-oscars-best-original-score-predictions/
Conclusion
With films as remarkable as those that have been done this year, the 2025 Oscars will surely be one of the best of all time. Whether Wicked dominates all the awards or an underdog like A Real Pain or Anora tops the night, the magic of cinema shall always be there. The stage is all set, and the world waits.
