Oscar Nominations 2025 Academy Awards: What happened?

The Academy Awards, a cornerstone of Hollywood’s glittering calendar, have unveiled the Oscar nominations 2025 academy awards, stirring excitement, debate, and a fair share of surprises. This year’s 97th Academy Awards nominations celebrate cinematic excellence across genres, with some jaw-dropping inclusions—and notable exclusions—setting the stage for an unforgettable Oscars 2025.

Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist Dominate the 2025 Oscar Nominations

Leading the charge this year is Emilia Pérez, a bold and unapologetically unique film that earned a remarkable 13 nominations. From Best Picture to individual acting nods, it has cemented itself as a frontrunner. Meanwhile, the critically acclaimed drama The Brutalist amassed 10 nominations, underscoring its resonance with Academy voters.

Both films have sparked widespread discussion, with many lauding their innovative storytelling while some critics claim their dominance has left other deserving titles in the shadows.

Snubs That Stunned the Industry

While celebrations abound, the 2025 Oscar nominations also delivered heartbreak for a few notable talents.

• Selena Gomez, widely anticipated to be nominated for her role in Emilia Pérez, was shockingly left out, despite her co-stars receiving recognition.
• Luca Guadagnino’s dual releases, Challengers and Queer, failed to secure any nominations, leaving fans and critics puzzled.
• Angelina Jolie, who wowed audiences in Maria, missed the cut for Best Actress—a surprise to many who considered her a lock for the category.

Surprises Stealing the Spotlight

Among the biggest shocks was the success of genre films. Horror, often underrepresented at the Oscars, made a mark this year.

• The Substance, a horror-thriller, landed five nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Demi Moore.
• Similarly, the gothic reimagining of Nosferatu secured four nods, cementing its place in Academy history.

Meanwhile, underdog performers like Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown) and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) thrilled fans by earning well-deserved recognition, proving that surprises at the Oscars are far from rare.

An Unpredictable Year for the Academy Awards 2025

This year’s Academy Awards 2025 is set against a backdrop of challenges and triumphs. The ceremony, scheduled for March 2, has weathered delays and criticism but promises to celebrate the magic of film with customary grandeur. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the show will honor not just the industry’s brightest stars but also the resilience of the city of Los Angeles, which continues to rebuild after devastating wildfires.

A Closer Look at Fan-Favorite Films

• Wicked: Despite earning 10 nominations, director Jon M. Chu was overlooked for Best Director—a controversial omission.
• Nickel Boys: While celebrated for its unique cinematography, it surprisingly missed out on a nod for the same category.
• A Real Pain: Kieran Culkin shines with a Supporting Actor nomination, but the film itself failed to break into the Best Picture category.

The Importance of Recognizing Diverse Voices

Films like Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist reflect a shift in Academy preferences, prioritizing bold narratives and underrepresented voices. While controversies surrounding snubs are unavoidable, the growing acknowledgment of diverse storytelling styles marks progress in Hollywood.

FAQs

Why was Selena Gomez snubbed in the 2025 Oscar nominations?
Despite being part of the widely celebrated Emilia Pérez cast, Selena Gomez missed a nod, likely due to stiff competition in her category.

What made The Brutalist a top contender?
The Brutalist impressed voters with its stunning cinematography, rich storytelling, and powerful performances, earning 10 Oscar nominations.

What is the release date for the Academy Awards 2025?
The Oscars will air live on March 2, 2025, hosted by Conan O’Brien.

Why were horror films like The Substance and Nosferatu nominated?
Both films broke genre barriers with innovative storytelling and striking visuals, captivating audiences and Academy voters alike.

Who hosted the 2025 Oscar nomination announcement?
Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott revealed the nominations in a live broadcast from Beverly Hills.

What are the key surprises from the 2025 Oscar nominations?
Genre films like The Substance and Nosferatu received unexpected recognition, while stars like Selena Gomez and Angelina Jolie were notably snubbed.

Conclusion

The 2025 Oscar nominations are a testament to the evolving landscape of Hollywood. With groundbreaking films like Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist leading the charge, alongside surprising nods for horror and underdog actors, this year’s Academy Awards promise to be a spectacle of talent, creativity, and drama. As March 2 approaches, audiences worldwide will eagerly await to see who takes home the coveted gold statuettes.

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