The Race for Best Picture: An In-Depth Look at the 2025 Oscar Nominees
The 2025 Academy Award nominees for Best Picture feature a diverse array of films spanning different genres, cultures, and storytelling techniques. This list is a snapshot of some of the most ambitious projects to hit theaters and streaming platforms in the past year, showcasing talent from around the globe. The nominations include everything from historical dramas and biographical tales to futuristic sci-fi epics, all vying for the prestigious award. Let’s break down these nominees and their merits, as well as why they earned a place among the year’s most significant cinematic achievements.
10. Emilia Pérez
Director: Jacques Audiard
Starring: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez
Genre: Crime Musical
Summary: Set in Mexico, the film centers on a cartel leader who seeks a lawyer’s help to fake her death and transition into a woman so that she can live her true identity.
Review: Emilia Pérez is a contentious nominee. While it garnered significant attention for its performances and production values, it has drawn heavy criticism for its cultural inauthenticity. The film’s portrayal of Mexico, without any substantial involvement from Mexican creators, is seen as an example of cultural exploitation. Moreover, the movie’s attempt to delve into transgender issues is regarded by some critics as regressive rather than progressive. For those unfamiliar with the complexities of transgender life, the film risks misrepresentation. While the performances may stand out individually, the film’s broader message fails to resonate with audiences on a deep, emotional level. As a result, it lands at the bottom of the rankings.
9. Nickel Boys
Director: RaMell Ross
Starring: Brandon Wilson, Ethan Herisse, Hamish Linklater
Genre: Historical Drama
Summary: This powerful film follows two African-American boys who form a bond while enduring the horrors of a reform school in 1960s Florida.
Review: Nickel Boys is based on a harrowing true story, exploring the brutality of a 1960s reform school where Black boys are subjected to physical and psychological abuse. The film’s cinematography is praised for its haunting beauty, but the narrative’s first-person perspective creates a barrier for some viewers. The stylistic choice of a unique point of view, while innovative, leaves the emotional impact somewhat diluted. Despite this, the film remains vital due to its subject matter and the performances of its cast, offering a crucial look at systemic racism and the impact of American history on Black youth.
8. A Complete Unknown
Director: James Mangold
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton
Genre: Biographical Drama
Summary: A young Bob Dylan rises to fame in New York City in the 1960s, navigating his early career and the iconic Newport Folk Festival performance.
Review: Biopics often face the challenge of balancing authenticity with creative storytelling, and A Complete Unknown tackles the life of Bob Dylan by focusing on his enigmatic persona rather than providing a deep dive into his life’s inner workings. This creative choice is both its strength and weakness. For viewers unfamiliar with Dylan’s music or legacy, the film can feel hollow, leaving more questions than answers. Nevertheless, the film succeeds in portraying the mystery of Dylan’s early years, capturing his essence rather than reducing him to a digestible narrative. Although the film offers an intriguing look at the artist, it leaves the audience yearning for a more profound exploration of the genius behind the music.
7. The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Starring: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce
Genre: Historical Drama
Summary: A Jewish Holocaust survivor and architect struggles to adapt to post-war America, facing personal and professional challenges while dealing with the trauma of his past.
Review: The Brutalist attempts to explore the post-Holocaust experience through the story of László Toth, an architect who moves to America to build his legacy. While the film is visually ambitious and includes an impressive performance from Adrien Brody, it falls short in delivering an emotionally satisfying experience. Despite its long runtime, the film fails to provide the emotional depth necessary to connect with its audience. The journey of Toth, a character who must reconcile his traumatic past with his professional ambitions, is compelling, but the film’s execution undermines its potential impact.
6. Wicked
Director: Jon M. Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey
Genre: Fantasy/Musical
Summary: The first part of the two-part adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked tells the story of Elphaba and Galinda, two students at Shiz University in the Land of Oz, and their evolving relationship.
Review: As a musical, Wicked appeals to fans of the genre with its fantastic performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Their dynamic, coupled with the extravagant production design, brings the fantastical world of Oz to life. However, for those not enamored by musical theater, Wicked may feel excessive, with its long runtime and sometimes uneven pacing. While the film is visually stunning, it sometimes falters in keeping the narrative engaging, especially as it is only the first half of a larger story. Still, Wicked holds strong appeal for fans of the stage production and serves as a testament to the talents of its cast.
5. Conclave
Director: Edward Berger
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini
Genre: Political Thriller
Summary: Following the sudden death of the Pope, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence is tasked with leading the election to select a new Pope.
Review: Conclave expertly navigates the political intrigue of the Catholic Church’s secretive processes. The film is well-crafted, with a screenplay that keeps the tension high and the stakes palpable. Ralph Fiennes gives a stellar performance as Cardinal Lawrence, but Stanley Tucci steals the show with his charismatic portrayal of a manipulative figure within the Vatican. The film’s ending, which has been met with mixed reactions, is fitting in its complexity. Conclave raises essential questions about faith, power, and the intersection of religion and politics, making it a thought-provoking exploration of institutional power.
4. The Substance
Director: Coralie Fargeat
Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
Genre: Sci-fi/Horror
Summary: A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug that replicates her younger self, but the drug comes with terrifying consequences.
Review: The Substance is a provocative and visually unsettling film that tackles body horror head-on. The film critiques beauty standards for women, exploring the consequences of society’s obsession with youth and perfection. Its visceral portrayal of self-destruction, as the protagonist becomes increasingly consumed by her youthful alter ego, makes for a deeply disturbing viewing experience. Though it’s not for everyone, The Substance makes an impression with its bold commentary and daring exploration of the genre. It’s an unexpected nominee for Best Picture but is a standout example of how the Academy is beginning to acknowledge genre films that push boundaries.
3. I’m Still Here
Director: Walter Salles
Starring: Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro
Genre: Biographical Drama
Summary: The wife of a missing congressman becomes an activist after his disappearance during Brazil’s military dictatorship, leading her to uncover uncomfortable truths.
Review: I’m Still Here is an emotionally charged and beautifully empathetic film that presents the devastating personal toll of political tyranny. Fernanda Torres’ performance as Eunice Paiva is nothing short of breathtaking, her ability to convey profound emotion through subtle expressions making her one of the year’s best performances. The film does a fantastic job of showing how love and persistence can sustain a person through even the most harrowing trials. It’s an exploration of the human spirit that resonates on a deep level, making it one of the most poignant films of the year.
2. Anora
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eidelstein, Yuriy Borisov
Genre: Romance/Drama
Summary: A young sex worker from Brooklyn marries a Russian oligarch’s son, only to see her Cinderella story unravel when his parents try to annul the marriage.
Review: Anora is a film that balances grit and grace, exploring the life of a young woman caught between the harsh realities of her upbringing and the allure of wealth and power. The film’s cinematography is vibrant and dynamic, perfectly capturing the intensity of Anora’s journey. Mikey Madison’s performance is exceptional, bringing depth and authenticity to the role of a woman determined to redefine her future. The film’s themes of survival and transformation are skillfully executed, making it one of the most compelling and emotionally raw films of the year.
1. Dune: Part Two
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler
Genre: Sci-fi
Summary: This sequel to Dune follows Paul Atreides as he joins forces with the Fremen to seek revenge against House Harkonnen and reclaim control of Arrakis.
Review: Dune: Part Two is a monumental achievement in filmmaking. Villeneuve’s vision is vast and immersive, creating a fully realized universe that is both visually stunning and narratively captivating. The film’s scale is awe-inspiring, with breathtaking landscapes and intense action sequences that transport viewers to the desert planet of Arrakis. The performances of Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler elevate the material, adding emotional weight to the epic narrative. Dune: Part Two sets a new standard for science fiction cinema, combining spectacle with substance in a way that few films have ever done.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Best Picture nominees represent a wide range of storytelling, from the surreal and unsettling to the deeply emotional and historically significant. Dune: Part Two stands tall as the most impressive, not just for its genre-defining visuals but for its complex narrative and exceptional performances. However, each of these films brings something unique to the table, making for a competitive and diverse race. Whether the Academy opts for the ambitious spectacle of Dune: Part Two or the emotional depth of films like I’m Still Here or Anora, this year’s nominees highlight the best of contemporary cinema.
