2025 Oscar nominations revealed: all eyes on Emilia Pérez.
The 97th Academy Awards are shaping up to be a cinematic showdown, with five exceptional films leading the pack as this year’s top contenders. Emilia Pérez takes centre stage with an impressive 13 nominations, followed closely by The Brutalist and Wicked with ten nominations each. Meanwhile, A Complete Unknown and have also garnered widespread acclaim, securing eight nominations respectively.
With competition fiercer than ever we break down the films set to dominate Hollywood’s biggest night:
Emilia Pérez
Best Picture
Directing: Jacques Audiard
Actress in a Leading Role: Karla Sofía Gascón
Actress in a Supporting Role: Zoe Saldaña
Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Jacques Audiard; In collaboration with Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius, and Nicolas Livecchi
Cinematography: Paul Guilhaume
Film Editing: Juliette Welfling
Makeup and Hairstyling: Julia Floch Carbonel, Emmanuel Janvier, and Jean-Christophe Spadaccini
Music (Original Score): Clément Ducol and Camille
Music (Original Song):
“El Mal” (Music by Clément Ducol and Camille; Lyric by Clément Ducol, Camille, and Jacques Audiard)
“Mi Camino” (Music and Lyric by Camille and Clément Ducol)
International Feature Film: France
Sound: Erwan Kerzanet, Aymeric Devoldère, Maxence Dussère, Cyril Holtz, and Niels Barletta
Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez dazzles with a bold, genre-defying narrative, earning a remarkable 13 nominations. Led by Karla Sofía Gascón's transformative performance and Zoe Saldaña's compelling support, this French production blends drama, musical flair, and political intrigue. With its powerful storytelling, stunning visuals, and haunting original songs, Emilia Pérez is poised to make waves across the Oscars landscape.
The Brutalist
Best Picture
Directing: Brady Corbet
Actor in a Leading Role: Adrien Brody
Actor in a Supporting Role: Guy Pearce
Actress in a Supporting Role: Felicity Jones
Writing (Original Screenplay): Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold
Cinematography: Lol Crawley
Film Editing: Dávid Jancsó
Production Design: Judy Becker; Set Decoration: Patricia Cuccia
Music (Original Score): Daniel Blumberg
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist delivers a striking portrait of ambition and resilience, earning 10 nominations. Featuring a powerhouse performance by Adrien Brody and standout supporting roles by Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce, the film pairs its emotionally charged screenplay with breathtaking cinematography. A masterclass in craftsmanship, The Brutalist firmly cements Corbet’s place among visionary filmmakers.
Wicked
Best Picture
Actress in a Leading Role: Cynthia Erivo
Actress in a Supporting Role: Ariana Grande
Film Editing: Myron Kerstein
Costume Design: Paul Tazewell
Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales
Makeup and Hairstyling: Frances Hannon, Laura Blount, and Sarah Nuth
Music (Original Score): John Powell and Stephen Schwartz
Sound: Simon Hayes, Nancy Nugent Title, Jack Dolman, Andy Nelson, and John Marquis
Visual Effects: Pablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, David Shirk, and Paul Corbould
The stage-to-screen adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked prepares to enchant the Oscars with 10 nominations. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shining in leading roles, the film reimagines the untold story of Oz with breathtaking production design, dazzling costumes, and a memorable score by John Powell and Stephen Schwartz. A visually and emotionally stunning journey, Wicked is a magical contender this awards season.
A Complete Unknown
Best Picture
Directing: James Mangold
Actor in a Leading Role: Timothée Chalamet
Actor in a Supporting Role: Edward Norton
Actress in a Supporting Role: Monica Barbaro
Writing (Adapted Screenplay): James Mangold and Jay Cocks
Costume Design: Arianne Phillips
Sound: Tod A. Maitland, Donald Sylvester, Ted Caplan, Paul Massey, and David Giammarco
James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown captures the mystery and allure of Bob Dylan’s life, earning 8 nominations. Featuring Timothée Chalamet’s magnetic performance as the iconic musician, the film expertly blends biographical drama with introspective storytelling. With standout contributions in directing, screenplay, and costume design, A Complete Unknown delivers an unforgettable exploration of identity and artistry.
Conclave
Best Picture
Actor in a Leading Role: Ralph Fiennes
Actress in a Supporting Role: Isabella Rossellini
Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Peter Straughan
Costume Design: Lisy Christl
Film Editing: Nick Emerson
Production Design: Suzie Davies; Set Decoration: Cynthia Sleiter
Music (Original Score): Volker Bertelmann
Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, captivates with its intense portrayal of a Vatican power struggle, earning 8 nominations. Ralph Fiennes leads the cast with a commanding performance, supported by Isabella Rossellini’s subtle brilliance. With exquisite production and costume design complementing its gripping screenplay, Conclave transforms intrigue and secrecy into cinematic excellence.