Award Season Buzz: Predictions and Surprises in This Year’s Nomination Race

The 2025 award season has been marked by unexpected twists and notable omissions, reshaping the landscape of this year’s nominations.

Leading the charge is “Emilia Pérez,” a Spanish-language musical that delves into the life of a Mexican cartel boss transitioning into a woman. The film garnered 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Jacques Audiard. Actresses Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldaña received nods for their performances, with Gascón making history as the first openly trans actor to be nominated.

“The Brutalist” and “Wicked” closely followed, each securing 10 nominations. “The Brutalist” earned accolades for Best Picture and Best Director, while “Wicked” received recognition for its adaptation from the beloved musical.

In a surprising turn, “I’m Still Here,” a Brazilian film, clinched a Best Picture nomination, marking a significant achievement for Brazilian cinema. The film also received nods for Best International Feature and Best Actress for Fernanda Torres.

The Best Actor category saw Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice” earning him a nomination, a testament to his transformative performance. However, notable absences included Denzel Washington for “Gladiator II” and Daniel Craig for “Queer,” both of whom were expected to be strong contenders.

The Best Director race is particularly competitive, with Coralie Fargeat becoming the only woman nominated in this category for “The Substance,” a film that also secured Best Picture and Best Actress nominations.

Animated features have also made a significant impact. “Flow,” a Latvian film, not only received a Best Animated Feature nomination but also made history by becoming the first Latvian film to be nominated in the Best International Feature category.

The 2025 award season has been a rollercoaster of surprises and snubs, reflecting the evolving tastes and dynamics of the film industry. As the ceremony approaches, anticipation builds to see which films and performances will ultimately take home the coveted awards.