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2025 Oscar nominations predictions: See contenders for Best Picture and acting, from Demi Moore to Wicked
A Noteworthy Legacy
Remember the legendary Barbenheimer Awards gauntlet of 2024? In a similar burst of excitement, Entertainment Weekly has now unveiled its predictions for the 2025 Oscar nominations. In this fresh outlook, a vibrant yet slightly less pink crop of contenders is introduced, each set to battle for cinematic supremacy. Moreover, the industry buzz is fueled by a renewed energy as these predictions add a new twist to the race, capturing both the glamour and the grit of the awards season.
Furthermore, the festival circuit has been an immense source of inspiration and success, ushering in strong candidates for Best Picture and acting categories. For instance, figures such as Anora and Emilia Pérez, along with the success of last year’s TIFF award-winning film “Sing Sing”, have illuminated the path for many. Not only did these achievements signal promising futures for director Sean Baker and actress Mikey Madison, but they also elevated the standing of the Pérez ensemble in the broader cinematic community. Additionally, Colman Domingo emerged as a prominent figure by earning his first ever career Academy Award nomination for the film “Rustin”, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.
In addition to these established names, the end of year nominations from respected awards such as the Golden Globes, Gotham Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Indie Spirits have further stirred the pot. Consequently, these accolades have helped spotlight emerging talents who previously flew under the radar. Specifically, under-the-radar contenders such as Fernanda Torres, recognized for her performance in I’m Still Here, and director Payal Kapadia, acclaimed for All We Imagine as Light, have now stepped into the limelight. Thus, the shifting accolades from multiple awards bodies have not only reshuffled the deck but have also ensured that fresh faces and innovative creative efforts are given the recognition they deserve.
Best Actress Spotlight

All eyes remain glued to the fiercely competitive Best Actress race, which has become even more thrilling thanks to Angelina Jolie’s remarkable performance as legendary opera singer Maria Callas. She demonstrates incredible range by transforming her body, voice, and soul to fully embody Callas in the film “Maria”. This title was initially considered a strong frontrunner in an increasingly crowded category, as many awards predictor pegged Jolie’s portrayal as a force to be reckoned with. However, everything took a surprising turn when the year 2025 Golden Globes winners were announced, abruptly shaking up industry expectations and causing even seasoned Oscars watchers to readjust their predictions for the prestigious acting honor.
In light of the Golden Globes outcome, the race for Best Actress became more unpredictable, capturing the attention of critics and film fans worldwide who are eagerly anticipating further developments. Some newcomers gained steam after the Globes ceremony, leaving experts to wonder whether Angelina Jolie’s once-solid lead might be under threat. Yet, Jolie’s riveting portrayal as Maria Callas continues to capture headlines, fueling a lively conversation about who will emerge victorious on Oscars night in March. With each new regional critic award and major guild announcement, the intrigue grows, ensuring there will be no shortage of drama leading into the grand finale.
Predictions for Big Categories
Meanwhile, Entertainment Weekly is providing comprehensive coverage of the awards season, highlighting the state of the race in all of the big six Oscars categories. From Best Picture to each of the major acting brackets, EW’s 2025 Oscar nominations predictions serve as a running guide for film enthusiasts, updating continuously to reflect shifting dynamics as new honors and accolades are handed out. These carefully curated predictions aim to capture the essence of the ever-changing competition, offering insight into which cinematic achievements could receive the Academy’s highest accolades. Viewers, critics, and industry insiders are keeping a close watch on these forecasts, hoping to gain clarity on the films, directors, and performers primed for glory.
Even though the awards season is always full of speculations, it is common knowledge that the most awaited moment will come when the year 2025 Oscars will be broadcasted on Sunday, March 2nd on ABC. The broadcast will start at (7 p.m. ET; 4 p.m. PT) and will be preceded by the official red carpet activities that will kick off at (6:30 p.m. ET; 3:30 p.m. PT). Fans can eagerly look forward to the most charming and fabulous figures in the entertainment industry who will be coming down the red carpet in fabulous attire, looking so cool, and even giving profiles of the way they carry themselves.
This, on top of that, will be the first time Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony alongside building additional momentum among the attendees who are already members of a star-studded event. Film fans worldwide are in the middle of the countdown while they can’t wait to see who the ultimate winner to take home the Oscar Antiquue will be.
Leading Contenders for Best Picture

The race for Best Picture at the Oscars showcases a remarkable lineup of films that have captivated audiences and critics alike, highlighted by festival darlings such as “Anora,” which clinched the Cannes Palme d’Or, and Edward Berger’s “Conclave.” Both films emerged early as frontrunners in a competitive field. Adding to the mix is “The Brutalist,” which has rapidly gained momentum following its impressive performance during the Golden Globes telecast. These films have not only excelled in capturing the attention of the global cinema community but also set the stage for a heated contest in the awards season.
Reflecting on the previous year, Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” maintained its awards circuit buzz from Cannes all the way to the Oscars and made a significant impact at the European Film Awards. This historical success underscores the ongoing trend where films that excel in European festivals continue to do well in broader international arenas. Currently, “Emilia Pérez” seems poised to follow a similar trajectory, garnering substantial behind-the-scenes support. Having stood out at the European Film Awards and led the recent Golden Globes with four wins, “Emilia Pérez” is strategically positioned to capture significant acclaim, benefiting from the Academy’s increasingly international voting base and its crossover with European Film Award voters.
Emerging Dark Horses in the Race
While established titles lead the pack, “A Complete Unknown” is quickly emerging as a dark horse in the Best Picture category. This film is drawing attention from various industry groups that overlap with the Academy’s voting demographics, including the Directors Guild of America (DGA). Here, filmmaker James Mangold made a surprising entry over Coralie Fargeat, director of “The Substance,” highlighting the film’s growing appeal within influential circles. This is very possible as “A Complete Unknown” may be the one to baffle the traditional forecasts, develop its own support, and become a heavyweight as the competition goes on.
The best picture category in the Oscar’s list is huge and diversified, which reflects many topics and storytelling styles that are in line with the tastes of the public as well as the critics. Notable entries include “Emilia Pérez,” “The Brutalist,” “Conclave,” “Anora,” and “Wicked,” each bringing unique artistic visions to the forefront. Additionally, films like “A Complete Unknown,” The film made a significant impact with its inclusion in the Golden Globe Awards, where Margaret Qualley won a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and the screenplay contributed greatly as well. Because of this, it became difficult to debate the film’s central idea and allowed the director to see himself as indispensable.
The Best Director Predictions
Predicting the outcome of the Best Director category at the Oscars is basically risky, akin to making a “safe bet” that’s anything but safe. The voters in this particular branch of the Academy tend to follow a consistent pattern, generally supporting directors whose films have garnered widespread acclaim throughout the year. However, the category is known for its occasional surprises. Each year, one or two unexpected nominees emerge, reflecting the Academy’s efforts to diversify its membership by including more international voters. This broader, more global voting pool sometimes favors an international director who surpasses more established names in the industry, adding an element of unpredictability to the race.

This year, one of the standout directors who might defy expectations is Coralie Fargeat, known for her genre-defying film “The Substance.” This film not only stood out at Cannes, appealing to the prestige crowd, but it also brought Fargeat to the forefront of the Best Director conversation. Her chances were further bolstered when she was recognized in the Golden Globes’ Best Director category. The Substance also made various waves and took a more permanent place in the Golden Globe Awards, as Margaret Qualley got a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and the film also left a stronger mark through the screenplay, which practically made it an unavoidable topic and gave the director every reason to think of himself as irreplaceable.
Open Opportunities and Challenges
Despite her rising profile and accolades, Fargeat faced a setback when she did not receive a nomination from the Directors Guild of America (DGA). The DGA’s membership largely consists of domestic voters, representing a more general perspective compared to the Academy’s directors branch, which leans more international. This difference in voter base composition suggests that while Fargeat missed out on a DGA nomination, her innovative work in “The Substance” could still resonate with the Academy’s directors branch. Her inclusion in the Oscars’ Best Director category would not only underscore the expanding influence of international filmmakers but also highlight the industry’s growing appreciation for diverse, visionary storytelling.
In the intricate dance of predicting Oscar contenders, it’s always prudent to consider directors of the most universally acclaimed films as likely nominees. Jon M. Chu, with his remarkable direction of “Wicked,” exemplifies such a candidate. Despite its absence in Golden Globes wins, “Wicked” demonstrated substantial endurance through the latter part of the year and achieved overwhelming commercial success, factors that might catch the eye of the Academy’s directing branch. Additionally, Payal Kapadia, who directed “All We Imagine as Light,” has also emerged as a significant figure. Her film has consistently been recognized in International Feature categories across various awards, helping her carve out a distinct reputation among this year’s directorial talents.
The Golden Globes’ Predictable Choice
Ultimately, the Golden Globes opted for what seemed like the safest choice by awarding the Best Director honor to Brady Corbet, an actor-turned-director who delivered a historic drama that spanned three-and-a-half hours. In contrast, “Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, surprisingly did not secure any awards at the Globes, leaving much to ponder about its reception and perceived merits among different awards bodies. This divergence in outcomes highlights the unpredictability of awards seasons and the varying criteria across different voting bodies.
This year’s list of potential nominees for Best Director is both diverse and illustrious, featuring a mix of established names and rising stars in the filmmaking world. Among them are Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist”, Jacques Audiard for “Emilia Pérez,” Edward Berger with “Conclave,” Sean Baker for “Anora” and Coralie Fargeat for her work on “The Substance.” Other notable directors in contention include James Mangold for “A Complete Unknown,” Payal Kapadia for “All We Imagine as Light”, Jon M. Chu for “Wicked” Denis Villeneuve for “Dune: Part Two,” and RaMell Ross for “Nickel Boys.” Each of these filmmakers has brought a unique vision and execution to their projects, enriching this year’s cinematic landscape and contributing to a robust competition in the Best Director category.
Leading Men in the Best Actor Category

This year’s Best Actor race at the Oscars showcases a range of compelling performances, some of which involve portraying historical figures or representing significant cultural narratives, like the characters in “Queer.” However, the excitement doesn’t stop with these roles. The field is full of dynamic and impactful performances that captivate and resonate. Colman Domingo, recently nominated for his role in “Rustin,” is back with another acclaimed performance in “Sing Sing.” This film, which premiered on the festival circuit last year, continues to receive praise and support, maintaining its boost into this year’s awards season.
Many of the male actors appearing in the films nominated for Best Picture will also be participating in the Best Actor category. Among them, Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, and Timothée Chalamet are expected to be the nominee, with “Complete Unknown,” a Bob Dylan biopic, being the project that earned Chalamet a spot among the possible contenders. All three actors deliver their characters in such a way that their personalities are multifaceted through their performances. Each one of them contributes to the strength of the movies they are part of and strengthening their cases for an Oscar nod.
Influential Moments Leading Up to Nominations
Adrien Brody, for example, was the center of attention at the event, Golden Globe, where his performance in “The Brutalist” not only was recognized with an award but also with a speech that profoundly moved everyone who saw it. At the same time, the actors should not be neglected by the Academy voters who are now in the final stages of their voting. On top of it, The Screen Actors Guild also released its list of nominations, Best Actor, and this basically displayed five actors who have been in the running for a long time.
The race for Best Actor includes notable names such as Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist,” Ralph Fiennes in “Conclave,” and Colman Domingo for “Sing Sing.” Timothée Chalamet’s remarkable transformation in “A Complete Unknown” and Sebastian Stan’s role in “The Apprentice” also place them firmly in contention. Daniel Craig, featured in “Queer,” rounds out the list as a strong contender, showcasing the diverse range of performances that are being recognized this year. These actors have not only demonstrated exceptional skill but also brought a profound impact to their films, making this year’s Best Actor category one of the most watched and anticipated in the Oscars.
The Best Actress Race: A Blend of Established and Rising Stars
In the Best Actress category, the competition showcases a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talent. Pablo Larraín, known for directing stars to Oscar nominations in roles as real-life cultural figures, saw moderate success with his 2021 film “Spencer”, which secured Kristen Stewart’s first-ever acting nomination. In contrast, Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of the ill-fated opera singer Maria Callas in “Maria” stands on firmer ground. With Netflix having acquired distribution rights after the film’s successful festival debut, Jolie’s established superstar status—bolstered by her two Oscars, one competitive and one honorary—adds significant clout to her candidacy this year.

On the flip side of the spectrum, Mikey Madison represents the newer generation of actresses with her leading role in “Anora”. Her performance, if nominated, would mark her first Oscar nod, highlighting her burgeoning career. This tendency to honor emerging talents in the Best Actress category could also lead to a historic moment for Karla Sofia Gascón, the star of Emilia Pérez. If nominated, Gascón would be the first trans woman recognized in this category, representing a significant milestone in Oscar history.
Veteran Actresses in the Limelight
The category also features performances from established actresses in critically acclaimed films. Saoirse Ronan and Tilda Swinton deliver standout performances in “The Outrun” and “The Room Next Door”, respectively. Still, Swinton’s stardom has just acquired a new level – the one of the actor who is part of the group of collaborators of Pedro Almodóvar, who also acted in movies starring Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz who have already acquired nominations for the Oscar. Furthermore, Nicole Kidman is still at the pedestal of her career, managing to get a Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her role in the movie Babygirl.
Cynthia Erivo, however, sped through the film with her impeccable performance as Elphaba in “Wicked” and everyone – the audience and the critics were equally captivated. Along with the film, the box office success has been a real help to her career since the film has gained her a lot of attention, and she is a contender for the Best Actress nomination. Erivo’s dynamic portrayal in a commercially successful blockbuster not only enriches her career profile but also emphasizes the diversity and depth of talent competing in this year’s Best Actress field.
I’m Still Here star Fernanda Torres dramatically disrupted the Best Actress competition when she secured a surprise Golden Globes nomination. Her intense behind-the-scenes campaign propelled her into the spotlight at a critical time, causing many to reconsider their predictions. The sudden emergence of Torres in such a crowded field injected fresh energy into the race, proving that a last-minute surge can still upend the established order among Hollywood’s most coveted awards.
Moore Triumphs at the Globes
The 2025 Golden Globes winners list truly shook the Best Actress lineup in surprising ways. The Substance’s Demi Moore staged a jaw-dropping upset over Mikey Madison—long viewed as the strongest Musical or Comedy contender for Anora—by delivering a stirring acceptance speech at exactly the right moment ahead of Oscars voting. Equally shocking was Fernanda Torres overtaking Angelina Jolie in the Drama bracket, signifying a dramatic shift in the race that left industry insiders buzzing about what such developments might mean for the remainder of awards season.
Things went from bad to worse for Jolie on SAG nominations morning, when she failed to land a coveted Best Actress nod from the guild. While unexpected twists are commonplace in the awards world—recalling how Kristen Stewart slipped into the final Best Actress group after a sporadic journey—Jolie’s omission could signal the end of her high-profile 2025 campaign. This outcome stands in stark contrast to the early momentum Maria enjoyed, suggesting that the Globe losses and the SAG snub might indeed be her final notes in this season’s race.
At present, Demi Moore (The Substance), Mikey Madison (Anora), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) stand at the forefront of the category. Nevertheless, other possibilities remain on the horizon, including Angelina Jolie for Maria, Pamela Anderson for The Last Showgirl, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste for Hard Truths. This eclectic mix of performances and star power showcases a lively, unpredictable competition that film fans and industry veterans alike will be watching with rapt attention as the final Oscars voting approaches.
Best Supporting Actor

The aftermath of HBO’s Succession has its stars, Jeremy Strong and Kieran Culkin, transitioning smoothly into their post series endeavors. Both actors find themselves potentially vying for the Best Supporting Actor award, Strong for his role in “The Apprentice” and Culkin in “A Real Pain”. However, Strong’s chances have been hampered by limited box office traction from “The Apprentice”, as its distributor, Briarcliff, struggled to garner significant attention. There remains hope that the Screen Actors Guild Awards might revive interest in his portrayal of Roy Cohn, setting the stage for a possible Oscar buzz if the guild gives it a nod.
In this year’s Best Supporting Actor category, the more secure bets are associated with Best Picture frontrunners. Guy Pearce in “The Brutalist” and Yura Borisov in “Anora” represent the spectrum of experience and novelty. Pearce, long overdue for recognition, and Borisov, relatively new to the broader voting audience, both benefit from their films’ strong standing. Meanwhile, Denzel Washington continues to captivate audiences with his role in “Gladiator II”, emerging as a top contender, especially after a notable acceptance speech at the Golden Globes.
Culkin’s Rising Odds and Surprise Nominees
Kieran Culkin stands out as the frontrunner, having consistently impressed across various precursor awards, positioning him as the favorite in this category. Moreover, the Academy has occasionally surprised by nominating individuals who were not previously favored in the awards circuit discussions. Stanley Tucci, featured in Conclave, could potentially be one of these dark horse nominees, as support for the film grows and his charming performance captures the affection of voters.
The Best Supporting Actor race showcases a dynamic array of talents including Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”), Yura Borisov (“Anora”), Edward Norton (“A Complete Unknown’), and Guy Pearce (“The Brutalist”). Jeremy Strong’s participation in “The Apprentice” adds depth to the category. Other notable actors in the mix are Clarence Maclin for ‘Sing Sing”, Denzel Washington for “Gladiator II”, and Stanley Tucci for “Conclave”, each bringing their unique strengths to a highly competitive field. This diversity of performances enriches the category, making it one of the most unpredictable and exciting aspects of this year’s Oscars.
The Best Supporting Actress

Danielle Deadwyler experienced a significant oversight at the Oscars when she was overlooked for her powerful performance in 2022’s “Till”. Hopes were high that this year would bring a rectification from the awards committees with her role in the adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson”. Unfortunately, the anticipated course correction did not materialize, as Deadwyler faced continued exclusion from key nominations, much to the disappointment of her supporters and film enthusiasts who admired her work.
Unexpectedly on the rise in the Best Supporting Actress category as a result of her interaction with the artistic team of “The Last Showgirl,” Jamie Lee Curtis has earned recognition. Following her late-season acceptance by such industry giants as the Screen Actors Guild and the British Academy of Film, and Television Arts, Curtis has been irreversibly added to the victory. These organizations, known for their overlap in membership with the Academy, play a crucial role in influencing Oscar nominations and wins.
Amidst the evolution of the category this year, the Best Supporting Actress group’s standout members are the cast of “Emilia Pérez”. The film’s two main leads, Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez being quite successful at their roles, are getting their first Oscar nominations sooner rather than later after they were the ones who turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival. However, both are excellent contenders, and Zoe Saldaña, in particular, could really be the top name if she does not miss the Oscar after the Golden Globe win. It is worth noting that with her performance not only being critically acclaimed but also being well-received by audiences and people inside the industry, she is going to be one of the top candidates to look forward to in this category.
Felicity and Ellis-Taylor’s Uncertain Prospects
Felicity Jones is in the mix for a supporting actress nod with her role in The Brutalist, aligning her with the film’s strong male cast, yet her nomination is not guaranteed. Similarly, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s performance in Nickel Boys stands at a crossroads. Despite the film’s director, RaMell Ross, receiving early nods in the precursor awards, the film itself only garnered a single Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture — Drama. This limited recognition raises questions about Ellis-Taylor’s chances of securing a nomination, reflecting the unpredictable nature of award season dynamics.
The competition for the remaining spots in Best Supporting Actress category remains highly competitive and dynamic. Selena Gomez could benefit from a growing wave of support for Emilia Pérez, potentially carrying her toward a nomination. Similarly, Isabella Rossellini’s brief yet profoundly impactful role in Conclave has surprisingly captured the hearts of the industry, making her a dark horse in the race. These scenarios highlight the varied paths to Oscar nominations, influenced by both the strength of the films they are in and the narratives built around their performances.
The list of contenders in this year’s Best Supporting Actress race includes notable performances across a spectrum of films: Zoe Saldaña in “Emilia Pérez”, Ariana Grande in “Wicked”, Isabella Rossellini in “Conclave”, Felicity Jones in “The Brutalist”, and Jamie Lee Curtis in “The Last Showgirl”. Additionally, other actresses like Margaret Qualley in “The Substance”, Danielle Deadwyler in “The Piano Lesson”, Selena Gomez also in “Emilia Pérez”, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in “Nickel Boys”, and Monica Barbaro in “A Complete Unknown” are all vying for recognition. This mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers, alongside the unpredictability of nomination trends, sets the stage for a compelling and unpredictable race in Best Supporting Actress category.
