The 2025 Oscar Nominations: Big Surprises and Snubs

The 2025 Oscar nominations were announced, highlighting a mix of expected and unexpected choices. While favorites like "Emilia Pérez" and "Wicked" received plenty of love, some performances and films were disappointingly overlooked.

Snub: Pamela Anderson for 'The Last Showgirl'

Pamela Anderson delivered a stunning performance in "The Last Showgirl" as Shelly, a 57-year-old Vegas showgirl facing a life-changing moment when her long-running revue closes. Her portrayal combined a playful charm reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe with a deep vulnerability, showcasing her best work to date. Unfortunately, this standout performance did not earn her the recognition it deserved at the Oscars.

Snub: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for 'Challengers' Score

The musical duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross created an electrifying score for "Challengers," enhancing the film's intense dynamics between its characters, played by Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist. The pulsating tracks energized the story, making it all the more surprising that their work went unacknowledged on Oscar night, especially given its ability to move audiences.

Snub: Marianne Jean-Baptiste for 'Hard Truths'

Marianne Jean-Baptiste gave an extraordinary performance in "Hard Truths," where she portrayed Pansy Deacon, a deeply troubled character. Her ability to evoke sympathy and highlight humanity in a difficult role should have earned her an Oscar nod. Jean-Baptiste had sweeping wins in the critic awards leading up to the Oscars, making her snub particularly unexpected.

Surprise: 'Anora' Star Yura Borisov

Yura Borisov was nominated for his quiet yet impactful performance as Igor in "Anora." His calm demeanor contrasted with the film’s more outrageous characters and resonated with both audiences and Academy voters. This nomination marks a significant moment as it is the first for a Russian actor since 1977.

Surprise: Sebastian Stan for Playing Donald Trump in 'The Apprentice'

Despite the limited marketing for "The Apprentice," Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Donald Trump garnered him an Oscar nomination. His compelling performance captured the complexity of a young Trump navigating his early career, showcasing empathy alongside recognizable mannerisms.

Surprise: 'The Substance' Earns Multiple Nominations

In a notable turn for the horror genre, "The Substance" received multiple nominations, including best picture. Demi Moore's performance as Elisabeth Sparkle impressed the Academy, and directors usually overlooked in this genre, like Coralie Fargeat, also earned nominations for directing and writing, marking a significant breakthrough.

Oscar, Snubs, Surprises