In what can only be described as a rollercoaster of anticipation and surprise, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the nominations for the 97th Oscars on a bright Thursday morning.
Amidst the backdrop of raging wildfires in Los Angeles and the kickoff of Sundance in Park City, the nominations came with their share of unexpected turns and heartwarming recognitions.
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Emilia Pérez Leads the Charge
The film “Emilia Pérez” has stolen the spotlight, securing an impressive 13 nominations, setting a new benchmark for films at this year’s Oscars.
Directed by Jacques Audiard, this cinematic gem has touched the hearts of critics and audiences alike, proving its mettle in various categories including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.
- Best Picture: A testament to its storytelling, “Emilia Pérez” is now in the running for the most coveted award of the night.
- Best Director: Audiard’s vision has not gone unnoticed, earning him a spot among the elite in film direction.
- Best Actress: Karla Sofía Gascón’s performance has been pivotal, capturing the essence of the character with profound depth.
The Brutalist and Wicked: Close Contenders
Following closely, “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” each received 10 nominations.
“The Brutalist,” a lengthy epic under Brady Corbet’s direction, has proven that patience with narrative pays off, while “Wicked,” despite its director Jon M.
Chu missing out on a nod, has showcased its strength across multiple technical categories, proving the magic of theater can translate powerfully to the screen.
- The Brutalist: With nominations from Best Picture to Best Actor for Adrien Brody, this film has excelled in both narrative and performance.
- Wicked: Although Chu didn’t cut Best Director, the film’s nominations in categories like Best Picture and Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo highlight its broad appeal.
Angelina Jolie and Maria
Angelina Jolie’s absence from the Best Actress nominations for her role in “Maria” was one of the morning’s biggest surprises.
Despite garnering some of the best reviews of her career for embodying the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, the Academy chose to look elsewhere in a highly competitive field.
The Legacy: With director Pablo Larraín having previously guided actresses to Oscar nominations, the oversight of Jolie’s performance has sparked conversations about the unpredictability of Academy voters.
Denzel Washington and Gladiator II
Denzel Washington, an actor with a storied history of Oscar recognition, was notably absent from the list for his role in “Gladiator II.”
Given his recent honor with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, this snub adds a layer of intrigue to the Academy’s selection process.
The Battle Missed: Washington’s performance was described as a “battle royale,” yet the Academy seemed to have different gladiators in mind.
Other Notable Absences in Oscar
- Nicole Kidman missed out on “Babygirl,” despite her past accolades and the film’s buzz.
- Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” remake, which aimed to bring horror back into the limelight, fell short.
- Daniel Craig for “Queer,” despite his trifecta of nominations from other major awards, did not translate into Oscar love.
- Pamela Anderson in “The Last Showgirl” and Edward Berger for “Conclave” also faced the snub list, the latter despite his film receiving multiple nominations.
Felicity Jones in The Brutalist
Jones, previously nominated for her work, has once again captured the Academy’s attention with her role in “The Brutalist.” Her performance as Erzsébet Tóth was a critical part of the film’s emotional core, proving that depth can win over duration.
Patience Rewards: Her nomination signifies that the Academy appreciates the depth of character over the brevity of screen time.
Nickel Boys – A Literary Adaptation Shines
The adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winning novel “Nickel Boys” by RaMell Ross was a surprise, securing nominations for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay.
It’s a testament to the film’s unique perspective and storytelling.
Recognition of Originality: This film’s nominations highlight the Academy’s acknowledgment of innovative storytelling in cinema.
Sebastian Stan’s Controversial Role
Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Donald Trump in “The Apprentice” was not just contentious but also critically acclaimed, leading to a Best Actor nomination.
This nod might have political implications, stirring the pot of Hollywood’s often cautious approach to controversial subjects.
Courage in Casting: Stan’s nomination shows that the Academy is willing to honor performances that tackle real-world figures.
The Oscar Ceremony and Beyond
The Oscars, set to be hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place on March 2, broadcast live on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
This year’s nominations have set the stage for a night filled with both celebration and debate, especially with the backdrop of the wildfires affecting so many lives in Los Angeles.
Acknowledgment of Crisis: The Academy has promised to recognize the efforts of first responders and the resilience of the “city of dreams” during the ceremony.
As the Oscar nominations for 2025 have unfolded, they’ve painted a picture of an Academy that, while celebrating new voices and bold narratives, has also left some of Hollywood’s bright stars in the dark.
This year’s selections will undoubtedly fuel discussions on the evolution of cinema, the politics of awards, and what it means to recognize art in such tumultuous times.
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