The 97th Academy Awards are set for March 30, 2025, honoring the best films, performances, and cinematic achievements of the past year. This year’s Oscars are shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history, with diverse nominations, record-breaking moments, and major surprises.
Top Contenders for Best Picture
The Best Picture category features a mix of musicals, biopics, dramas, and sci-fi epics, making it an exciting and unpredictable race:
- Emilia Pérez – A French-Mexican musical crime drama about a cartel leader’s transformation. It leads with 13 nominations, making it the most nominated film of the year.
- The Brutalist – A powerful story exploring architecture, ambition, and sacrifice.
- Wicked – The highly anticipated adaptation of the Broadway musical, bringing Oz to the big screen.
- A Complete Unknown – Timothée Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan in this biographical drama.
- Anora – A character-driven drama that has received critical acclaim.
- Conclave – A political-religious thriller centered on the secretive process of electing a new pope.
- Dune: Part Two – The sci-fi epic continues, expanding the world of Arrakis.
- The Substance – A psychological drama that has stunned audiences and critics alike.
Predictions: With Emilia Pérez leading the pack with 13 nominations, it is a strong frontrunner, but Dune: Part Two and The Brutalist could still shake up the competition.
Best Actor & Best Actress Nominees
Best Actress Nominees
- Cynthia Erivo – Delivers a standout performance in a critically acclaimed role.
- Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez) – Makes history as the first openly transgender performer nominated for Best Actress.
- Mikey Madison (Anora) – A breakout performance that has wowed critics.
- Demi Moore (The Substance) – A career-defining comeback.
- Fernanda Torres (I'm Still Here) – A deeply emotional and gripping performance.
Historical Moment: Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination is groundbreaking, marking a major milestone for transgender representation at the Oscars.
Best Actor Nominees
- Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) – Takes on the role of Bob Dylan in one of the year’s most talked-about films.
- Joaquin Phoenix – Delivers yet another transformative performance.
- Other notable nominees – Feature some of the most compelling performances in cinema this year.
Fun Fact: Chalamet becomes the youngest two-time Best Actor nominee since James Dean.
Where to Watch the Oscar-Nominated Films
Many of this year’s Best Picture nominees are already available on streaming platforms or for rent:
- Emilia Pérez – Available on Netflix.
- Dune: Part Two – Streaming on Netflix, Max, Apple TV, Prime Video, and YouTube.
- Anora – Available on Apple TV, Prime Video, and YouTube.
- Wicked – Can be rented or purchased on Prime Video.
- The Brutalist – Streaming on Prime Video.
- Conclave – Available on Prime Video.
- A Complete Unknown – Streaming on Prime Video.
- The Substance – Available on Prime Video.
Historical Milestones & Record-Breaking Moments
- Karla Sofía Gascón – First openly transgender performer nominated for Best Actress.
- Emilia Pérez – Sets a record for the most nominations for a non-English-language film at the Oscars.
- Timothée Chalamet – Becomes the youngest two-time Best Actor nominee in decades.
What to Expect on Oscars Night
With unexpected nominations and historic firsts, the 97th Academy Awards are set to be a memorable celebration of cinema. As Hollywood gears up for the biggest night in film, all eyes will be on who takes home the biggest prizes of the night.