97th Academy Awards: The Biggest Contenders and Editor’s Picks for 2025

The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards have officially been announced, setting the stage for one of the most diverse and competitive Oscar races in recent history. With “Emilia Pérez” leading the pack with 13 nominations, followed closely by “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” with 10 each, this year’s lineup is a mix of critical darlings, blockbuster favorites, and unexpected newcomers. As Hollywood gears up for the March 2 ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, the race to Oscar gold is more exciting than ever. Here’s a breakdown of the key categories, top nominees, and the editor’s picks for the biggest wins of the night.

Best Picture

Nominees:

  • “Anora”
  • “The Brutalist”
  • “A Complete Unknown”
  • “Conclave”
  • “Dune: Part Two”
  • “Emilia Pérez”
  • “I’m Still Here”
  • “Nickel Boys”
  • “The Substance”
  • “Wicked”

Editor’s Pick: “The Brutalist” – A visually stunning and deeply emotional historical drama, The Brutalist tells the story of Hungarian refugees rebuilding their lives in America after World War II. With powerful performances from Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, and a gripping narrative about identity, ambition, and resilience, this film has struck a chord with critics and audiences alike. Its bold artistic choices and impressive cinematography make it a strong contender to take home the biggest award of the night. While Emilia Pérez leads in nominations, The Brutalist has the kind of timeless prestige storytelling that often resonates with Oscar voters.

thenewyorker

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Nominees:

  • Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
  • Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown
  • Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
  • Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
  • Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice

Editor’s Pick: Colman Domingo – Domingo’s performance in Sing Sing is being heralded as a career-defining moment. His portrayal of a formerly incarcerated man using theater as a form of rehabilitation is raw, emotionally charged, and deeply impactful. As a long-overdue first-time nominee, Domingo has been gaining momentum through various critics’ circles and is well-positioned to take home the award. However, Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown could also be a dark horse in this race.

variety