The 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be an exciting and competitive event, with a diverse lineup of films vying for the top honors. Among the standout contenders are “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” each receiving an impressive 10 nominations. These films have captured the attention of both critics and audiences, making them strong contenders in various categories. Let’s dive into the details and explore what makes these films so special.
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The Brutalist: A Masterpiece of Historical Drama
“The Brutalist,” directed by Brady Corbet, is an epic period film that follows the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and immigrates to the United States. The film explores his struggles to achieve the American Dream until a wealthy client changes his life. Adrien Brody stars as László Tóth, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance that has earned him a nomination for Best Actor.
The film’s nominations span across various categories, including Best Picture, Best Director (Brady Corbet), Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Supporting Actress (Felicity Jones), and Best Supporting Actor (Guy Pearce). “The Brutalist” has also been recognized for its outstanding cinematography, production design, costume design, and original screenplay.
One of the film’s most notable achievements is its ability to blend historical drama with emotional depth, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences. The meticulous attention to detail in the film’s production design and costume design transports viewers to the post-World War II era, immersing them in the protagonist’s journey.
Wicked: A Magical Musical Adaptation
“Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu, is a film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical of the same name. The film tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the complex relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). The film’s enchanting visuals, captivating performances, and memorable musical numbers have earned it 10 Oscar nominations.
The nominations for “Wicked” include Best Picture, Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo), Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande), Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Makeup and Hair, Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, and Best Editing. Despite its strong showing, the film’s director, Jon M. Chu, and the screenplay were notably snubbed in the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay categories.
Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba has been widely praised for its emotional depth and powerful vocal performance. Ariana Grande’s performance as Glinda has also garnered acclaim, showcasing her versatility as an actress and singer. The film’s production design and visual effects bring the magical world of Oz to life, creating a visually stunning experience for viewers.
Other Notable Contenders
While “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” are leading the pack with 10 nominations each, several other films have also made a significant impact this awards season. “Emilia Pérez,” a crime musical directed by Jacques Audiard, leads the nominations with 13, making it the most-nominated non-English-language film in Oscar history. The film has been recognized for its outstanding direction, screenplay, and performances, including a historic nomination for Karla Sofía Gascón, the first transgender woman nominated in an acting category.
Other notable contenders include “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Anora,” “Dune: Part Two,” “I’m Still Here,” “Nickel Boys,” and “The Substance.” These films have received multiple nominations across various categories, showcasing the diverse range of storytelling and artistic achievements in this year’s lineup.
Predictions and Expectations
As the countdown to the 97th Academy Awards continues, film enthusiasts and critics alike are speculating on the potential winners. “The Brutalist” is considered a strong contender for Best Picture, with its powerful storytelling, historical depth, and striking cinematography making it an ideal Oscar-winning movie. Adrien Brody’s transformative performance in the film solidifies his position as a frontrunner for Best Actor.
“Wicked” is also expected to perform well, particularly in the technical categories such as Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Visual Effects. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s performances have resonated deeply with audiences, making them strong contenders in their respective acting categories.
“Emilia Pérez” is another film to watch, with its groundbreaking nominations and critical acclaim. Jacques Audiard’s direction and Karla Sofía Gascón’s historic nomination have generated significant buzz, positioning the film as a potential winner in several categories.
Conclusion
The 2025 Oscars promise to be a memorable and exciting event, celebrating the best in film and storytelling. “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” have emerged as strong contenders, each receiving 10 nominations and capturing the hearts of audiences and critics alike. As we await the final results, the anticipation and excitement continue to build, making this year’s Academy Awards a must-watch event.
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as we approach Hollywood’s biggest night. Whether you’re rooting for “The Brutalist,” “Wicked,” or any of the other incredible films in contention, one thing is certain: the 2025 Oscars will be a celebration of cinematic excellence and artistic achievement.