This year was filled with incredible pieces of cinema. So as the 2025 Academy Awards approach, the buzz around this year’s nominees is growing louder. Here’s a look at some of the key nominees across major categories:

Best Picture

 The competition for Best Picture is fierce, with films like A Complete Unknown, loosely based on the story of singer Bob Dylan’s claim to fame, and Wicked, a musical retelling of the witches of Oz. Also, The Substance delves into the consequences of a powerful new drug, and Anora is a visually stunning piece of film. The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, and Dune: Part 2 also round out a remarkable slate of nominees, making for an unpredictable race.

Actor in a Leading Role

This year’s Best Actor category is packed with powerful performances. Timothée Chalamet earns a nomination for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, while Ralph Fiennes captivates audiences as Cardinal Lawrence in Conclave. Sebastian Stan stuns with his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice, and Adrien Brody is recognized for his intense role in The Brutalist. Colman Domingo’s standout performance in Sing Sing further elevates an already competitive field, ensuring a thrilling race to the finish.

Actress in a Leading Role

The Best Actress category is equally competitive, with several remarkable performances across a range of genres. Cynthia Erivo, who played Elphaba in Wicked, impressed audiences with her acting and vocal range. Demi Moore is also a running contender for her role in The Substance. “I believe Demi Moore should win best actress,” says Cosette McCulloch (12), “Her performance in The Substance was not only absolutely life-changing, but it also perfectly captured the essence of the movie in its entirety.” Then as Anora in Anora, Mikey Madison proved that just because she is younger than her fellow nominees, she is a force to be reckoned with. Fernanda Torres is also acknowledged for I’m Still Here and so is Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez, completing a lineup that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

Animated Feature Film

Animation continues to be a favorite at the Oscars, and the Best Animated Feature category is packed with contenders. Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot push the boundaries of animation, both offering groundbreaking visuals and emotionally rich storytelling. Also in the mix is Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, a revisit to these iconic characters in their style of claymation. Flow, despite the main character being a cat, takes the audience on a thoughtful adventure through an unfortunate flood. Finishing the category is Memoir of a Snail which tells the story of growing up. 

With such a remarkable lineup across these major categories, the 2025 Academy Awards are shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable night for cinema.