2025 Academy Award Nominations: Highlights of Snubs, Surprises, and Successes

Welcome to mid-awards season! The nominations for this year's Academy Awards have finally been revealed, after facing delays due to wildfires in Los Angeles.

This year, Netflix's Spanish-language musical, Emilia Pérez, leads the pack with an impressive 13 nominations, making it the most nominated foreign-language film in Oscar history, overtaking Parasite. Notably, lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first openly trans woman nominated for an Academy Award.

After its success at the Golden Globes, where Gascón accepted an award for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Emilia Pérez, this unique film continues to draw attention, despite mixed reviews and criticism from advocacy groups.

Following closely behind are the three-and-a-half-hour post-war drama The Brutalist and the Broadway adaptation Wicked, each securing 10 nominations.

In a little over a month, the winners will be announced, but for now, let's explore the snubs, surprises, and triumphs from the 2025 Oscar nominations.

Surprise: A Solo Nepo Baby in Supporting Actress

In the Supporting Actress category, Jamie Lee Curtis took home an Oscar in 2023 for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once. This year, expectations were high for Curtis, who received BAFTA and SAG nominations for her performance in The Last Showgirl. However, she was notably absent from the nominations this year. Margaret Qualley also did not secure a nomination for her performance in The Substance, despite her earlier Golden Globe nod.

The only remaining 'nepo baby' in this category is Isabella Rossellini for Conclave, who will compete against Zoe Saldana's performance in Emilia Pérez.

Success/Snub: Dune Part 2's Mixed Reception

Dune: Part 2, released in March 2024, faced some challenges during the awards season. It did receive a nomination for Best Picture, pleasing its fans, but was overshadowed in the Best Directing category where Denis Villeneuve was notably absent. Instead, James Mangold made the shortlist.

On the brighter side, Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser, who previously won for the first Dune, secured another nomination, making him a strong contender for a second Oscar. The film also gained nods for production design, sound, and visual effects, creating hope for a successful night at the Oscars.

Snub: A Missed Chance for Challengers' Score

Many believed that the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for Challengers deserved a nomination, especially after winning at the Golden Globes. However, the duo wasn't even considered for the Oscars, a disappointment for fans and a clear departure from the Academy's acknowledgment of notable music in films.

Surprise: The Substance's Historic Recognition

Horror has made a noticeable impact this year, with The Substance landing a Best Picture nomination, the first for a horror film since Get Out in 2017. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the film has garnered attention for its bold approach and earned nods for Best Director and Best Actress, with Demi Moore's powerful performance being a highlight.

Success: Animation Takes a Twist

In the Best Animation category, predictions favored the billion-dollar blockbuster Moana 2, but the charming film Memoir of a Snail by Adam Elliot surprised many by securing a spot. Though it faces tough competition from titles like Inside Out 2, the inclusion of a local animation has delighted fans.

Snub: A Real Pain's Exclusion

With many films already considered frontrunners in the Best Picture category, A Real Pain sadly fell short, despite being a strong contender earlier in the discussions. While it did not receive a nomination, Kieran Culkin is likely to shine in the Supporting Actor category, and Jesse Eisenberg holds promise for an original screenplay nod.

As we eagerly await the ceremony, this year's nominations showcase a mix of groundbreaking achievements and surprising omissions across various categories.

Oscars, Nominations, Karla