Upcoming Glitz and Glamour of the 2025 Oscars
With the 97th Academy Awards approaching, the buzz is palpable. This year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, featuring a mix of major Hollywood productions, international films, and indie favorites. Unlike previous years, when we typically see a clear frontrunner emerge early, this time the competition feels wide open—and that unpredictability is what makes this year so thrilling.
One of the major talking points this season is Emilia Pérez, a French-language film that’s taken the industry by storm, breaking records with 13 nominations—the most ever for a non-English language film. It’s a unique blend of crime, musical, and social commentary, and critics can’t stop talking about it. But it’s far from the only film in the running for Best Picture. The Brutalist, an emotionally charged drama about a Jewish architect rebuilding his life after World War II, and Wicked, the long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway musical, both have strong momentum, each earning 10 nominations.
Then there is Anora, an indie film that’s been gaining traction in recent weeks. There are the phenomenal productions of Conclave, a political thriller with high stakes, and A Complete Unknown, which brings the early life of Bob Dylan to the screen. With so many great films in the mix, it’s impossible to predict who will ultimately take home the biggest award.
The acting categories are just as competitive. Adrien Brody is drawing a lot of attention for his role in The Brutalist, which could earn him his second Oscar, but Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown has sparked its wave of excitement. Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) and Colman Domingo (Sing Sing) both delivered performances that could shake up the race, while Sebastian Stan’s role as Donald Trump in The Apprentice has been controversial, but captivating.
On the actress side, Demi Moore’s performance in The Substance is being hailed as a career-best, making her a serious contender. However, Mikey Madison’s performance in Anora has made waves, and her recent wins at other award shows might give her the edge. One of the biggest stories this year is Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination for Emilia Pérez, which makes her the first openly transgender actor to be nominated in any acting category. If she wins, it would be a monumental moment for the Oscar.
“Emilia Perez is a movie that is very different from most, being that it is a movie that conveys Mexican culture along with finding your gender identity. Sofia Gascon’s acting and open identity should be awarded,” said Melanie Bermudez, a 10th Grade.
Another standout aspect of this year’s race is in the directing category, where all five nominees are first-timers, which hasn’t happened since 1998. Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Sean Baker (Anora), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), and James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) have all impressed with their distinct filmmaking styles and storytelling approaches.
If you’re looking to catch up on some of the nominees before the big night, several films are already available for streaming. Emilia Pérez is on Netflix, while Wicked is available for rental or purchase. People’s predictions are varying; with a lot of mixed opinions-
Victoria Paez, an 11th grader, says, “I think all are amazing and truly deserve the honor to be at the Oscars. I think Wicked is going to win because of how much that movie has really impacted the lives of others, emotionally and/or physically.”
Anora and Conclave are still playing in theaters but should be available to stream soon. The diversity of this year’s lineup means there’s something for everyone, making it easier than ever to check out the films everyone will be talking about come Oscar night.
With no clear frontrunner this year, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a wild ride. Whether we witness groundbreaking history, unexpected upsets, or a clean sweep, one thing is for sure—this year’s ceremony is going to be one to remember.