Hollywood Unveils the 2025 Critic’s Choice Awards Nominees
On December 12, 2024, the nominees for the 2025 Critic’s Choice Awards were announced, igniting excitement and speculation within the film industry. While these nominations often generate buzz, their influence on the broader awards season remains a topic of debate. Many industry insiders, including critics and fans alike, question whether the Critic’s Choice Awards serve as a reliable predictor for other prestigious accolades such as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, Writers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards, or the Academy Awards.
Leading the Pack: Major Nominees
This year, two films dominated the nominations: “Conclave” and “Wicked,” each securing an impressive 11 nominations, including the coveted Best Picture category. Following closely behind were “Dune: Part Two” and “Emilia Perez,” both of which garnered 10 nominations. The enthusiasm for “Dune: Part Two” has left some puzzled; while it certainly improved upon its predecessor, many critics remain skeptical about its overall award-worthiness. Other notable films receiving multiple nominations include “The Brutalist” with 9 nods, and both “The Substance” and “Anora,” which received 7 nominations each.
Surprises and Snubs
Among the surprises in this year’s nominations was the absence of Nicole Kidman from the Best Actress category for her performance in “Babygirl.” Kidman’s work has often been lauded, and her omission has sparked discussions about the unpredictability of award nominations. Such surprises are not uncommon in the awards circuit, where the competition is fierce and the selection process can be subjective.
A Closer Look at the Nominees
The Best Picture category features a diverse array of films, showcasing a mix of genres and storytelling styles. The nominees include:
- “A Complete Unknown”
- “Anora”
- “The Brutalist”
- “Conclave”
- “Dune: Part Two”
- “Emilia Perez”
- “Nickel Boys”
- “Sing Sing”
- “The Substance”
- “Wicked”
In the Best Director category, the competition is equally fierce, with nominees such as Jacques Audiard for “Emilia Perez,” Sean Baker for “Anora,” and Denis Villeneuve for “Dune: Part Two.” Each director brings a unique vision and style to their respective films, making this category particularly intriguing.
The Best Actress nominations feature a mix of established stars and rising talents, including Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked,” Karla Sofia Gascon for “Emilia Perez,” and Angelina Jolie for “Maria.” The diversity in performances highlights the range of stories being told in contemporary cinema.
In the Best Actor category, Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist” and Timothée Chalamet for “A Complete Unknown” are among the standout nominees. Their performances have captivated audiences and critics alike, adding to the anticipation surrounding the awards.
Supporting Categories and Animated Features
The Best Supporting Actor and Actress categories also showcase a wealth of talent. Notable nominees for Best Supporting Actor include Denzel Washington for “Gladiator II” and Edward Norton for “A Complete Unknown.” In the Best Supporting Actress category, Danielle Deadwyler for “The Piano Lesson” and Ariana Grande for “Wicked” are among the contenders, illustrating the strong performances that have emerged this year.
The Best Animated Feature category is equally exciting, with nominees such as “Inside Out 2” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.” These films reflect the creativity and innovation present in animated storytelling today.
The Ceremony Ahead
The 2025 Critic’s Choice Awards ceremony is set to take place on January 12, 2025, at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar. Hosted by Chelsea Handler, the event will air on E! from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., marking a shift from its previous home on The CW. As the awards season heats up, all eyes will be on the Critic’s Choice Awards to see how the nominees fare and what impact, if any, they will have on the subsequent awards.
As the film industry gears up for this exciting event, the nominations have already sparked conversations and debates about the films and performances that have defined the year. Whether or not the Critic’s Choice Awards will influence the outcomes of other awards remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the excitement surrounding this year’s nominees is palpable.
