The Thrill of Awards Season: 2025 Oscar Predictions
As the glitz and glamour of awards season approaches, cinephiles everywhere are gearing up for one of the most anticipated events in the film industry: the Academy Awards. The Oscars, with their storied history and iconic golden statuettes, represent the pinnacle of achievement in filmmaking. For many, including those working in Hollywood, the dream of standing on that stage, clutching an Oscar and delivering an emotional acceptance speech, is a tantalizing aspiration.
With the nominations still under wraps, the excitement is palpable as we dive into the buzz surrounding this year’s contenders. Based on early articles, industry chatter, and the films that have captured audiences’ hearts, here are some predictions for the 2025 Oscars.
Best Picture
Frontrunners: Emilia Perez, Anora, Conclave, The Brutalist
Strong Contenders: Wicked, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two
Dark Horses: The Substance, Nickel Boys, All We Imagine as Light
Prediction: The Brutalist
This film stands out as a monumental achievement, chronicling an immigrant’s journey in a way that feels both unique and necessary in today’s cinematic landscape. Its sweeping narrative and emotional depth make it a strong contender for the top honor.
Best Director
Frontrunners: Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), Edward Berger (Conclave), Sean Baker (Anora)
Strong Contenders: Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez), Jon M. Chu (Wicked)
Dark Horses: James Mangold (A Complete Unknown), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)
Prediction: Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
Corbet’s direction in The Brutalist is nothing short of masterful. The film’s ambitious structure, complete with an intermission, showcases his ability to maintain audience engagement over a lengthy runtime, a skill that deserves recognition.
Best Actor
Frontrunners: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)
Strong Contenders: Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Daniel Craig (Queer)
Prediction: Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)
While Brody’s performance is compelling, the Academy often favors fresh talent. Chalamet’s portrayal, combined with his rising star status and the film’s connection to Bob Dylan’s music, positions him as a likely winner.
Best Actress
Frontrunners: Demi Moore (The Substance), Mikey Madison (Anora), Karla Sofia Gascon (Emilia Perez)
Strong Contenders: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
Dark Horses: Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl)
Prediction: Demi Moore (The Substance)
After her Golden Globe win, Moore seems poised to take home the Oscar. Her performance resonates deeply, and her storied career adds to her appeal among voters.
Best Supporting Actor
Frontrunners: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown)
Strong Contenders: Guy Pearce (The Brutalist)
Dark Horses: Yura Borisov (Anora)
Prediction: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Culkin’s performance has garnered significant praise, and the goodwill surrounding him and the film could propel him to victory in this competitive category.
Best Supporting Actress
Frontrunners: Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez), Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
Strong Contenders: Margaret Qualley (The Substance)
Dark Horses: Ariana Grande (Wicked)
Prediction: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
Given the film’s strong showing at the Golden Globes, Saldaña’s performance is likely to resonate with voters, making her a frontrunner for this award.
Best Original Screenplay
Frontrunners: Anora (Sean Baker), The Brutalist (Brady Corbet)
Strong Contenders: Emilia Perez (Jacques Audiard)
Prediction: The Brutalist (Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold)
With its rich narrative and innovative storytelling, The Brutalist is expected to sweep several major awards, including this one.
Best Adapted Screenplay
Frontrunners: A Complete Unknown (James Mangold)
Strong Contenders: Conclave (Edward Berger)
Dark Horses: Nickel Boys (RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes)
Prediction: Conclave (Edward Berger)
This film’s broad appeal and exceptional writing make it a strong candidate for this category, and it could easily find success elsewhere as well.
Best Cinematography
Frontrunners: Dune: Part Two (Greig Fraser), The Brutalist (Lol Crawley)
Strong Contenders: Anora (Sean Baker)
Dark Horses: The Substance (Charlotte Bruus Christensen)
Prediction: The Brutalist (Lol Crawley)
The visual splendor of The Brutalist is breathtaking, with its cinematography offering a rich tapestry that enhances the storytelling.
Best Film Editing
Frontrunners: Dune: Part Two (Joe Walker)
Strong Contenders: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (Eddie Hamilton)
Dark Horses: The Brutalist (David Corwin)
Prediction: Dune: Part Two (Joe Walker)
The editing in Dune: Part Two is seamless and impactful, contributing significantly to the film’s overall success and pacing.
As we await the official nominations and the excitement of the ceremony itself, these predictions offer a glimpse into the potential winners of the 2025 Oscars. The landscape may shift as more films are released and awards are handed out, but for now, the anticipation is part of the thrill. If you have your own predictions or think I’ve missed a key contender, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. The Oscars are not just about the awards; they’re a celebration of storytelling, artistry, and the magic of cinema.
