Oscars 2025: Trends, Contenders, and Controversies Awaiting Academy Recognition

From historic nominations to unexpected pairings, discover the intriguing narratives generated by this year’s nominees.

As the Oscars approach on March 2, 2025, excitement is brewing over the standout films and performances that have defined the year. Among the top contenders is Disney's Inside Out 2, celebrated for its staggering box office success in the animation category. This year's awards competition is not just about accolades but also surrounded by various controversies, including the tumultuous year for Hollywood marked by wildfires in Los Angeles.

One of the most notable trends this season is the nomination of two musicals for Best Picture—Wicked and Emilia Pérez—marking a first in over fifty years. This reflects a possible renaissance of musical films, aided by the expansion of the Best Picture category to ten nominees, which has opened doors for more diverse films to compete.

Veteran actor Adrien Brody, who won the Best Actor Oscar at just 29, has a shot at making history by becoming the first actor to win the category with only two nominations if he takes home the award for his role in The Brutalist. However, he faces stiff competition from rising star Timothée Chalamet, who could nab the title of youngest Best Actor winner with his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown.

The Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez has garnered the most nominations this year but may face a common fate of streaming films, which often enter heavily nominated yet leave with few wins, a trend established by the likes of The Irishman and Mank.

Meanwhile, nominations are rife with peculiarities; for instance, Isabella Rossellini is under consideration for a performance lasting just eight minutes, while one of the films, The Substance, has made history as the first body horror to compete for Best Picture.

This season also highlights the growing trend of representation in cinema. All five Best Actress nominees come from films that received Best Picture nods—an occurrence not seen since 1977—suggesting a shift in the landscape where female-led films gain critical acclaim.

Amid this competitive atmosphere, notable narratives emerge: Sebastian Stan’s depiction of a younger Donald Trump brings him recognition among the ranks of actors who have portrayed U.S. presidents. Additionally, the much-anticipated Robbie Williams biopic Better Man links with two other nominated films, intertwining the narratives of music and cinema.

Additionally, Sean Baker’s film Anora places him in a unique position where he could potentially win four Oscars for a single film—a feat no one has yet achieved.

With just days left until the grand event, excitement pulses through the industry as nominees prepare to make an indelible mark on the history of the Academy Awards. Each quirk and trend gives the audience a preview of the narratives that will be woven into this year’s celebration of cinematic achievements.