Oscars 2025 Predictions: Nominees and Winners for All 23 Award Categories

The excitement surrounding the Oscars 2025 is palpable as awards season approaches. The list of films vying for nominations reveals a remarkable array of talent across cinema in 2024. The 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025, will see the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominate films in 23 categories, with ten nominations allocated to the prestigious Best Picture category. After Oppenheimer’s sweep at the 2024 Oscars, the competition for the upcoming awards appears wide open, with no clear frontrunner emerging just yet.

Nominations for the Oscars 2025 will be officially announced on January 17, 2025, but the lead-up to this date generates buzz and speculation about which films and industry talents could be honored. Major studio releases like Gladiator II and Dune: Part Two are anticipated to contend in multiple categories, particularly in recognizing renowned directors such as Ridley Scott and Denis Villeneuve. Meanwhile, independent films like Anora, Emilia Pérez, and The Brutalist are also positioned for potential accolades, despite recent rule changes regarding nominations. These films and others are featured in Screen Rant’s predictions for the Oscars 2025 nominees and winners.

Best Picture

Predicted Winner: Anora

The competition for Best Picture in the Oscars 2025 is intensifying, with Anora, Conclave, Emilia Pérez, and The Brutalist leading the charge. Anora’s triumph at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, coupled with nominations from esteemed accolades such as the Golden Globes and the National Board of Review, positions it as a formidable contender. However, its competitors are also gathering steam with recognized nominations that bolster their chances.

One of the most surprising contenders rising in popularity is Wicked. Following its release, it garnered Best Film accolades from the NBR and is anticipated to secure nominations in various categories. The film’s uplifting narrative may resonate with Academy voters, especially in a preferential voting scenario. However, the rise of Wicked may indicate a potential dip for other films previously seen as strong contenders.

Currently, Gladiator II finds itself lower in the predictions after being overlooked for a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama. Mixed reviews and Scott’s inclination towards pursuing a third installment further complicate its prospects. Unlike its acclaimed predecessor, achieving nominations might be a challenge for Gladiator II, subsequently favoring more mainstream films like Dune: Part Two or Wicked.

But the Best Picture race extends well beyond these titles. Brazil’s international entry, I’m Still Here, along with Netflix’s The Piano Lesson, Amazon’s Nickel Boys, and Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, all possess a genuine opportunity for recognition. Additionally, Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, Clint Eastwood’s Juror No. 2, and even possible animated features like The Wild Robot or Inside Out 2 may surprise audiences as potential nominees. There’s even potential for horror films to break ground, with Nosferatu earning consideration.

Best Director

Predicted Winner: Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)

The Best Director category for the Oscars 2025 is sure to highlight some legendary talents. Denis Villeneuve, previously overlooked for Dune in 2022, could secure a nomination for Dune: Part Two. However, missing out on a Golden Globe this season may impact his recognition. The campaign from Warner Bros. is essential to keep Villeneuve’s name in the conversation.

Ridley Scott, once a predicted front-runner for Gladiator II, now appears to be slipping from contention. His chances never rested solely on the film’s artistic merit but rather on his celebrated career. Currently, Brady Corbet is poised to be our predicted winner in the Best Director category for The Brutalist, showcasing an extraordinary craft and vision. This film serves as an opportunity for the Academy to honor exemplary filmmaking talent.

Other notable contenders for Best Director include Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez, Sean Baker for Anora, and Edward Berger for Conclave. However, the anticipated absence of female and Black nominees in this projected lineup highlights a historical trend. Directors like Steve McQueen (Blitz), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light), and RaMell Ross (Nickel Boys) could potentially disrupt this trend, along with Jon M. Chu (Wicked) continuing the growing representation of Asian directors.

Best Actress

Predicted Winner: Angelina Jolie (Marie)

The Best Actress category is expected to be fiercely competitive at the Oscars 2025. Currently, Angelina Jolie (Maria) and Mikey Madison (Anora) are at the forefront, both vying for the title of frontrunner. While odds seem to favor Madison, Jolie’s strong presence and narrative arc position her as the projected winner, especially with Maria now streaming on Netflix.

The dynamic in the Best Actress category is further complicated by notable performances from Nicole Kidman (Babygirl) and Cynthia Erivo (Wicked). Kidman, as a previous Oscar winner, has seen a resurgence in acclaim through her daring portrayal in an erotic thriller, while Erivo, known for her vocal prowess, may be positioned for her second nomination given her impressive performance as the Wicked Witch of the West. Gascón, noted for her historic significance, could also make waves as the first openly transgender nominee for an acting Oscar.

Room for fluctuation remains for the full nomination lineup. Contenders like Saoirse Ronan (The Outrun) and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) have slid out of robust recognition, while Demi Moore (The Substance) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) are gaining traction as serious contenders. The double lead performances from Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore in The Room Next Door still have potential, but they will need substantial boosts as nominations approach.

Best Actor

Predicted Winner: Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)

The Best Actor category for the Oscars 2025 is brimming with star potential. With A24’s The Brutalist and Queer both garnering acclaim, actors Adrien Brody and Daniel Craig become recognized contenders. Following his performance in Sing Sing, Colman Domingo makes a significant impression after receiving his first nomination for Rustin. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet’s performance in A Complete Unknown showcases his talent potential for a second nomination.

Right now, Timothée Chalamet is forecasted to win for A Complete Unknown, a remarkable transformation into the iconic Bob Dylan. Having earned nominations before, Chalamet could secure his win with a role reflective of past successful portrayals of musicians, echoing Rami Malek’s win for Bohemian Rhapsody.

Trailing Chalamet, Ralph Fiennes stands as a seasoned player in this category, albeit with a long absence from nominations. The trend suggests the Best Actor winner tends to be a first-time winner; thus, Chalamet, Domingo, Craig, or even Fiennes could all see their names on the trophy. Given the Academy’s occasional favor towards established performers, Fiennes, while older, might yet prevail.

Best Supporting Actress

Predicted Winner: Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez)

The landscape for Best Actress has set a competitive tone, as established stars and emerging talents vie for recognition. Leading the pack is Zoe Saldaña for her commendable performance in Emilia Pérez alongside Ariana Grande for Wicked. Both actresses have received significant acclaim, featuring in the Golden Globes nominations, and either could ultimately claim the Oscar.

Saldaña’s acclaimed performance in Emilia Pérez has set her up for an Oscar nomination, especially given the time she spent in blockbuster roles with Marvel and Avatar. Alternatively, Ariana Grande may prove to be Wicked’s best shot for Oscar glory, potentially ousting Saldaña as awards season progresses. Following her Oscars snub for Till in 2022, Danielle Deadwyler remains a strong contender from The Piano Lesson, although it hasn’t garnered as much attention as anticipated. Meanwhile, Isabella Rossellini (Conclave) and Felicity Jones (The Brutalist) could leverage support from their associated films in hopes of entering the race.

Best Supporting Actor

Predicted Winner: Denzel Washington (Gladiator II)

Is the Best Supporting Actor Oscar 2025 destined for Denzel Washington? The nine-time nominee, celebrated for his roles in various acclaimed films, continues to garner attention following Gladiator II’s release. As recognition for him would mark him as a three-time Oscar winner, there’s a compelling narrative surrounding his potential win following his previous Academy Award for Glory.

While Washington is a prime candidate, the competition is not without its challengers. Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) is drawing considerable attention, having secured recognition from the NBR and in the Golden Globes nominations, potentially making him a significant threat. Other potential nominees include Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), Clarence Maclin (Sing Sing), and Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), with Norton’s position seeming more tentative. This opens the door for names like Stanley Tucci (Conclave) and Yura Borisov (Anora) to enter the fold.

Best Original Screenplay

Predicted Winner: Anora

The Best Original Screenplay category remains fluid, with Saturday Night looking to make a case, though a shift to Best Adapted Screenplay may serve as a stronger challenge. Sean Baker’s Anora is gaining acclaim for its innovative take on a sex worker’s story, blending humor and heart, setting it as a frontrunner. However, Jesse Eisenberg’s screenplay for A Real Pain poses the most substantial challenge should an upset occur.

Pending clarity on the fate of Saturday Night, potential nominations for Best Original Screenplay remain uncertain. Still, The Brutalist, Blitz, and September 5 are important contenders in the mix. Other titles like Hard Truths, His Three Daughters, and Challengers are on the outskirts, striving for a robust campaign that could sway voters.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Predicted Winner: Emilia Pérez

Looking to cement its case in the Oscars, Emilia Pérez has the potential to shine in the Best Adapted Screenplay category if it misses out on a Best Picture win. Jacques Audiard’s work in this adaptation could see him finally secure an Oscar nomination for his narrative skills. His film stands out among the competition and possibly holds the key to recognition in multiple categories.

The Piano Lesson boasts strong credentials, particularly with co-writer Virgil Williams, a prior nominee for Mudbound. Yet, it’s Conclave, Sing Sing, and Nickel Boys that seem to be surging forward rapidly. Straughan, having secured a nomination for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, elevates Conclave’s screenplay to watch status, bolstered further by their Golden Globes recognition.

Best Animated Feature Film

Predicted Winner: The Wild Robot

Leading the charge in the Best Animated Feature race is DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot, which has captivated audiences with its charming narrative about motherhood and technology versus nature. Despite early expectations for Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to dominate, The Wild Robot’s stunning reviews place it in a favorable position to win.

While The Wild Robot appears to be in the lead, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 is still favored to maintain its streak of nominations. Flow, having been selected as Latvia’s entry for Best International Feature Film, captures attention as a notable contender. Additionally, whimsical stop-motion features like Memoir of a Snail and Wallace and Gromit have a chance, along with potential surprises from anime titles like The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.

Best International Feature Film

Predicted Winner: Emilia Pérez

The Best International Feature Film category often undergoes significant changes as nominations draw near. Currently, Emilia Pérez appears to be leading following France’s official selection. This film could replicate the trajectory of All Quiet on the Western Front, leveraging its Netflix distribution for potential triumph. The Seed of a Sacred Fig from Germany, Brazil’s I’m Still Here, and Denmark’s The Girl with the Needle seem to be in the running as well.

Best Documentary Feature

Predicted Winner: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

In the realm of documentary features, Oscar voters typically gravitate towards insightful narratives. Notable entries such as Daughters or Sugarcane fit this mold. However, with Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, there’s potential for this touching tribute to redefine expectations, proven by positive reception. Supported by Warner Bros. and insights from DC Studios head James Gunn, this film could well resonate with voters.

Should Super/Man miss out, Daughters and Will & Harper could ascend to be strong competitors. Daughters benefits from Netflix’s substantial backing and tells a compelling story surrounding the bond between incarcerated fathers and their children, holding a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Will & Harper thrives on star power with Will Ferrell and speaks to contemporary themes, making it a favorite among Oscar voters.

Best Documentary Short Subject

Check Back Soon

The Best Documentary Short Subject category remains undetermined at this point, as the Academy continues to accept submissions leading up to the deadline on October 10, 2024. The shortlist of potential nominees will be unveiled on December 17, 2024, clarifying the contenders vying for the Oscar.

Best Animated Short Film

Check Back Soon

Similarly, the Best Animated Short Film category is pending predictions. Submissions for this category will also close on October 10, 2024, with nominations announced on December 17, 2024. Until then, it’s too early to ascertain which animated shorts stand a strong chance.

Best Live-Action Short Film

Check Back Soon

The Best Live-Action Short Film category is also pending finalization, with the October 10, 2024 deadline for submissions. The shortlist will follow on December 17, 2024, leading into a clearer picture of the final nominees for this category.

Best Original Song

Predicted Winner: Emilia Pérez

In the Best Original Song category, “Mi Camino”from Emilia Pérez stands a strong chance of winning. The Wild Robot features the contender “Kiss the Sky,”and Sing Sing’s “Like A Bird”may also gain traction. Dianne Warren could add another nomination with her poignant track “Relentless,”and Lin-Manuel Miranda is likely to compete with his contributions to Mufasa: The Lion King. Other noteworthy mentions include potential hits from Moana 2 and Lady Gaga’s contributions in Joke: Folie à Deux.

Best Original Score

Predicted Winner: The Brutalist

While Hans Zimmer was anticipated to take home another win for his work on Dune: Part Two, that potential has faded due to ineligibility stemming from franchise film rules. This paves the way for Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist), who is leading the charge due to critical acclaim. All five of these contenders have received Golden Globe nods, adding momentum for their respective composers.

Best Sound

Predicted Winner: Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part Two is expected to replicate the original’s success with a win in the Best Sound category, thanks to the impressive teamwork of its sound crew. If another film breaks through, A Complete Unknown and Wicked stand as strong contenders due to their musical compositions. Emilia Pérez and Gladiator II could also push for recognition in this domain.

Best Visual Effects

Predicted Winner: Dune: Part Two

The Best Visual Effects Oscar typically rewards films where artistry seamlessly blends into the narrative, favoring subtlety over heavy reliance on CGI. This trend bodes well for Dune: Part Two, which delivered another impressive visual experience as the original did. Nonetheless, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes stands ready to demonstrate its cutting-edge performance capture technology, a long-awaited win for the franchise in this category.

Although Gladiator II’s visual effects are not as stellar as its competitors, Mufasa: The Lion King aims to improve based on the preceding live-action release. Other contenders like Wicked, Twisters, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga may emerge in this category, while Civil War could use its innovative visual effects to prioritize an authentic depiction of historical events, as prior accolades go to Alex Garland’s Ex Machina.

Best Film Editing

Predicted Winner: Anora

Best Film Editing often serves as a bellwether for Best Picture outcomes, as research shows that around two-thirds of editing winners claim Best Picture later. Anora is currently poised for success in both categories, yet The Brutalist could disturb this expectation, demonstrating effective pacing that enhances its lengthy runtime. Additionally, the editing work in Emilia Pérez has attracted accolades, while Dune: Part Two hopes to secure a win similar to its predecessor.

Best Costume Design

Predicted Winner: Wicked

The Academy may choose to spotlight Wicked in the Best Costume Design category, given its vibrant and visually captivating costuming that brings fantasy characters to life. Dune: Part Two also merits recognition for exquisite costumes, especially Florence Pugh’s Irulan outfits. Nosferatu and Blitz may be acknowledged for their more historically accurate depictions, while Beetlejuice Beetlejuice seems like a potential nominee for its striking and imaginative designs.

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