- Emilia Pérez, a transgender cartel musical, is expected to dominate with nominations in multiple categories, including best picture and acting.
- The Brutalist, Conclave, and Wicked are also strong contenders, with notable performances from Adrien Brody, Ralph Fiennes, and Cynthia Erivo.
- The wildfires affecting Los Angeles may impact the voting process, potentially giving international films more influence this year.
This year’s Oscar race is shaping up to be diverse and unpredictable. The standout film, Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, is likely to dominate with its compelling story about a narco boss transitioning into a woman.
The film’s strong performances, particularly from Karla Sofia Gascon and Zoe Saldaña, position it as a frontrunner in multiple categories. Emilia Pérez could also break records as the most nominated non-English-language film, challenging past titans like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Roma.
Oscar Buzz 2025: Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist Lead the Charge
The Brutalist, a dark drama about an artist’s troubled life, features Adrien Brody’s intense performance and is expected to be a major contender in multiple categories. Directed by Brady Corbet, it has been well-received at early festivals, making it a likely nominee for best director and best actor.
Meanwhile, Conclave continues to garner attention for its gripping portrayal of power struggles within the Vatican, with Ralph Fiennes as a possible best actor nominee.
While Emilia Pérez leads the pack, other films such as Wicked—the musical adaptation of the beloved Broadway show—also promise a competitive race, especially with standout performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The buzz around these projects indicates that musicals, dramas, and international films could be at the center of this year’s nominations, making for a highly diverse Oscars field.
As Los Angeles grapples with devastating wildfires, the aftermath of the crisis may shift the Academy’s voting trends. With many local voters directly impacted by the tragedy, international films could find themselves with a greater influence on the outcome. This could lead to a more global representation at the Oscars, with films like Emilia Pérez potentially leading the charge.
The 2025 Oscar nominations are set to reflect a year of groundbreaking performances, diverse storytelling, and shifting voting dynamics, with Emilia Pérez leading the charge.
“It’s going to rack up a big number,” Pete Hammond, awards columnist for movie trade outlet Deadline, said about Emilia Pérez.
