The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were officially announced on January 23, 2025, in Los Angeles. This year’s Oscars have made history with several record-breaking nominations and a diverse lineup of films. Emilia Pérez, a crime musical, led the nominations with 13, making it the most-nominated non-English-language film in Oscar history. Close behind were The Brutalist and Wicked, each earning 10 nominations. The announcement was made at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater by actor-comedians Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott. However, the event was delayed twice due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, which affected many parts of the city.
This year’s nominations included several historic moments. Karla Sofía Gascón became the first transgender woman to be nominated in an acting category, while Emilia Pérez broke records for non-English films. The competition is strong, with a mix of seasoned actors and fresh talent, making the 2025 Oscars an exciting event for movie lovers around the world.
Emilia Pérez Leads the Race with Record Nominations
At the top of this year’s Oscar nominations list is Emilia Pérez, a crime musical directed by Jacques Audiard. The film secured 13 nominations, making it the most-nominated non-English-language film in Oscar history. It surpassed previous record-holders Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Roma, which had received 10 nominations each.
One of the biggest moments in this year’s nominations was Karla Sofía Gascón’s historic nomination. She plays the lead role in Emilia Pérez and is now the first transgender woman to receive an acting nomination at the Oscars. This marks an important step toward greater representation in Hollywood.
The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, was nominated for both Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Zoe Saldaña, who plays a key role in the movie, received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. With 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez has a strong chance of taking home multiple awards on the big night.
The Brutalist and Wicked Follow Closely
Behind Emilia Pérez, two films secured 10 nominations each—The Brutalist and Wicked.
The Brutalist is a post-World War II epic directed by Brady Corbet. The film received major acting nominations, with Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce all earning nods for their performances. The story, set against the backdrop of a changing world, has captivated both audiences and critics.
On the other hand, Wicked, the much-anticipated adaptation of the Broadway musical, also earned 10 nominations. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film was widely praised for its performances and music. Both Erivo and Grande received acting nominations, but one notable absence from the list was its director, Jon M. Chu, who was not nominated for Best Director. This surprised many fans and critics, as Wicked was expected to be a strong contender in that category.
Other Films with Multiple Nominations
Several other films also received multiple nominations, showcasing a diverse mix of storytelling.
A Complete Unknown and Conclave each secured eight nominations. These films, though different in genre and storytelling, stood out for their strong performances and impactful narratives.
Another standout this year was The Substance, a film directed by Coralie Fargeat. The movie gained attention not only for its unique story but also because its lead actress, Demi Moore, received her first-ever Oscar nomination. Many film enthusiasts were thrilled to see Moore finally getting recognition for her talent. Additionally, Coralie Fargeat was the only female director nominated in the Best Director category this year.
The Grand Oscars Night and Special Tributes
The 97th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025. Conan O’Brien will be hosting the event, and it will be broadcast live on multiple platforms, including ABC and Hulu. The Oscars are expected to reach a global audience across more than 200 territories.
This year’s ceremony will also feature a special tribute to the city of Los Angeles, which has been affected by devastating wildfires. The Academy has announced that it will donate $1 million to support wildfire relief efforts. This gesture reflects the film industry’s deep connection to the city and its people.
Priyanka Chopra-Produced Anuja Earns a Nomination
Indian cinema has once again made its presence felt at the Oscars with Anuja, a short film produced by Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga. The film earned a nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category, bringing international recognition to its creators.
Anuja, directed by Adam J. Graves, tells a touching story about a nine-year-old girl who works in a garment factory alongside her older sister. The film highlights the struggles of child labor and the harsh realities faced by many young children in underprivileged parts of the world.
Guneet Monga, who has previously won Oscars for The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence, continues to support impactful storytelling. Her involvement in Anuja has further solidified her role in bringing important global stories to the big screen.
An Exciting Year for the Oscars
With such a strong and diverse lineup of films, this year’s Oscars are set to be an unforgettable event. From record-breaking nominations to groundbreaking moments in representation, the 2025 Academy Awards highlight the evolving nature of cinema.
The competition is fierce, with each nominated film bringing something unique to the table. Emilia Pérez stands out with its historic 13 nominations, while The Brutalist and Wicked have also proven to be strong contenders. The acting categories feature a mix of familiar faces and newcomers, making the race even more exciting.
