Who is Nominated?
The race for this year’s awards is heating up, and some standout films and performances are leading the charge. At the top of the list is the Spanish-language narco-musical Emilia Pérez, which has snagged an impressive 13 nominations. This film, a gripping tale of music, drama, and intrigue, has clearly made a significant impact. Close behind are two other heavy hitters: The Brutalist, an epic drama directed by Brady Corbet, and the beloved musical Wicked, each earning 10 nominations. These two films showcase very different genres—one a grand, emotional drama and the other a gravity-defying musical spectacle—but both have resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Rounding out the top nominees are A Complete Unknown, a biopic about the legendary Bob Dylan, and Conclave, a dramatic thriller directed by Edward Berger. Both films picked up eight nominations each. A Complete Unknown offers an intimate look at one of music’s most enigmatic figures, while Conclave dives into the secretive world of Vatican politics, following a group of cardinals as they gather to elect a new pope. These films not only showcase incredible storytelling but also highlight the talent of their casts and crews.
Speaking of talent, the acting categories are equally impressive. For Best Actor, the competition is fierce, with Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) all vying for the top spot. Each actor has delivered a performance that has left critics and audiences in awe, making this one of the most competitive fields in recent memory.
On the Best Actress front, Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) are the ones to watch. These women have brought depth, nuance, and raw emotion to their roles, proving once again that the acting craft is alive and thriving.
How Can I Watch the Nominated Films?
If you’re eager to catch up on the nominated films before the big night, you’re in luck. Out of the 10 Best Picture nominees, only I’m Still Here is still exclusively playing in theaters. The rest are available to stream or rent on various platforms, making it easier than ever to experience these incredible stories from the comfort of your own home.
The Best Picture nominees include Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part 2, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, and Wicked. Each of these films offers something unique, from the visually stunning world of Dune: Part 2 to the intimate, emotional journey of Anora. Whether you’re a fan of action, drama, music, or intrigue, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Who is Going to Win?
Predicting the winners is always a mix of art and science, but some clear front-runners have emerged. For Best Picture, Anora seems to be the film to beat. Despite a strong challenge from Conclave, which recently won the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Best Ensemble, Anora has been sweeping the guild awards. It has picked up top prizes from the producers, directors, and writers guilds, which are traditionally strong indicators of Oscar success. Additionally, Anora’s director, Sean Baker, is the favorite to win both Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, categories that often align with the Best Picture winner.
However, Oscar history is full of surprises. Films like Shakespeare in Love (1999), Crash (2006), Spotlight (2016), Parasite (2020), and CODA (2022) all pulled off Best Picture upsets, and they all had one thing in common: they won the SAG Award for Best Ensemble. This year, Conclave took home that honor, which could signal a potential shift in momentum. While Anora is still the likely winner, it’s wise to keep an eye on Conclave as a strong contender.
The Acting Categories: A Closer Look
The acting categories are just as competitive, with standout performances that have left a lasting impact. In the Best Actor race, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) are particularly noteworthy. Brody’s performance in The Brutalist has been praised for its raw intensity and emotional depth, while Chalamet continues to prove why he’s one of the most exciting young actors working today. Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) round out the category, each bringing their own unique flavor to their roles.
On the Best Actress side, Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) and Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez) are early favorites. Erivo’s powerful vocals and charisma in Wicked have made her a standout, while Gascón’s nuanced portrayal in Emilia Pérez has earned her critical acclaim. Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) also deliver memorable performances, making this one of the most talented and diverse lineups in recent memory.
The Significance of These Nominations
The nominations also highlight the diversity and creativity of this year’s films. From the Spanish-language Emilia Pérez to the grand musical spectacle of Wicked, these films represent a wide range of genres, styles, and stories. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to tell stories that resonate with people from all walks of life.
Moreover, the recognition of these films and performances is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into creating something truly special. Each nomination is a celebration not just of the actors and filmmakers, but also of the entire team behind the scenes who brought these stories to life.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
As the big night approaches, anticipation is building. Will Anora take home the top prize, or will Conclave pull off an upset? Will Adrien Brody or Timothée Chalamet win Best Actor? And how will the other categories shake out? One thing’s for sure: this year’s ceremony promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent history. With such a talented pool of nominees and so many incredible films in the running, it’s a night that movie lovers won’t want to miss.