Hollywood, California – The 2025 Oscar nominations have been announced, and this year’s awards promise to be a celebration of diverse storytelling and groundbreaking cinematic achievements. Leading the pack is Emilia Perez, a genre-defying musical drama, with a record-breaking 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Pedro Almodóvar, and acting nods for its lead cast. Close behind are The Brutalist and Wicked, each earning 10 nominations and solidifying their status as awards-season heavyweights.
The Academy’s announcement has already set the stage for a highly competitive awards night, with some familiar names and a few surprise contenders dominating the conversation.
Emilia Perez Sweeps the Field
Emilia Perez, an ambitious musical blending elements of comedy, drama, and social commentary, has captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike. According to The New York Times, the film’s success is attributed to Almodóvar’s masterful direction and standout performances by its leads. The film also secured nods for Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and multiple technical categories, reflecting its broad appeal.
Pedro Almodóvar expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “This film was a labor of love, and it’s deeply humbling to see it resonate with the Academy and audiences around the world.”
The Brutalist and Wicked Shine Bright
The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, emerged as a strong contender with 10 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Variety highlighted the film’s success in capturing the intricacies of mid-century modernism and immigration, with striking performances by its ensemble cast.
Meanwhile, Wicked, the highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, dazzled with nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress for Ariana Grande, and Best Supporting Actress for Cynthia Erivo. The film’s lavish production design and sweeping musical numbers also earned it nods in several technical categories, as noted by Forbes.
A Year of Milestones and Firsts
This year’s Oscars also mark significant milestones. Greta Gerwig became the first woman to receive three Best Director nominations in her career, earning a nod for Little Women: The Sequel. The Best Actor category features first-time nominees like Paul Mescal (The Brutalist) and Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Chevalier), while veteran actor Denzel Washington received his 10th nomination for The Last Season.
Netflix continues its dominance in the awards space, with Emilia Perez and The Brutalist adding to the streaming giant’s growing list of accolades. Netflix Tudum reported that the company garnered a total of 22 nominations across various films, solidifying its place in the industry’s upper echelons.
Full List of Best Picture Nominees
The Best Picture category includes a mix of crowd-pleasers and critically acclaimed titles:
- Emilia Perez
- The Brutalist
- Wicked
- Little Women: The Sequel
- The Last Season
- Chevalier
- Falling Stars
- Beyond the Frame
- Under the Crescent Moon
- A Song for Tomorrow
Anticipation Builds for March 2025
The 97th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 9, 2025, with the ceremony set to air live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. As Yahoo Entertainment notes, this year’s Oscars are shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with strong representation across genres and platforms.
As Hollywood prepares for its biggest night, all eyes are on Emilia Perez, The Brutalist, and Wicked to see who will take home the top prizes in a year filled with cinematic brilliance.
