Every year movie buffs anticipate the Oscars season and the year 2025 might bring in many surprises. With only a month until the nomination announcements and two months until the actual awards, it’s now high time for some predictions. But before going straight away to the predictions, let’s go back to the history and understand its origins, the categories, and how awards are given.
The Academy Awards (Oscars)
The Academy Awards or Oscars are the most prestigious awards in the film industry. The Oscars are awarded on a yearly basis and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) organizes this event. Initially started in 1929, the awards have evolved into a worldwide acknowledgment of the best in the film industry. It starts with the nomination phase and the nomination phase for 2025 was all set for January 17 2025 but now will be on January 19 2025. Further, the Oscar Ceremony will be on March 2 2025 and Conan O’Brien is all set to host this.
What Are the Oscars?
The Oscars celebrate the best in films in a number of creative as well as technical fields. They award actors, actresses, directors, playwrights, musicians and other creative personnel and companies who were there in the theatre production. Contrary to popular belief, the name Oscars originated from a librarian named Margaret Herrick who noted the resemblance of the trophy to her Uncle Oscar. Since then the name is now synonymous with this grand ceremony and also the iconic gold statuette that the winners receive.
Why Are Oscars Given?
The Oscars aim to recognize people and collective efforts in the filmmaking process. As the Oscars award the best talent and innovation, the award creates a motivation and encourages filmmakers throughout the globe to constantly innovate and deliver positive impactful stories. They help set standards of quality and help maintain the dynamics within the film business. Moreover, winning an Oscar generates such prestige that it can heighten the achievements of those who receive the accolade.
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Categories of the Oscars
There are twenty-four categories of awards at the present moment, which reflect a wide range of aspects of the movie making process. These categories include:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best International Feature Film
- Best Animated Feature Film
- Best Documentary Feature
- Best Documentary Short Subject
- Best Live Action Short Film
- Best Animated Short Film
- Best Cinematography
- Best Film Editing
- Best Production Design
- Best Costume Design
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling
- Best Original Score
- Best Original Song
- Best Sound
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Sound Editing
Each of this thoughtful category acknowledges the artistry and expertise that are essential to bring a movie to life.
Oscars Award Process
The procedures of determining the Oscar winners start with nominations. AMPAS members including all the branches of studio production process, then vote to decide on the nominees. Most of the voting occurs through secured web ballots.
1. Nomination Phase
- So the members of each branch nominate candidates from their respective fields (e.g., actors nominate actors, directors nominate directors).
- The Best Picture category is different, as all the voting members can make nominations.
2. Final Voting
- After the nominees announcement, the second round of voting begins.
- For most of the awards , AMPAS’s members are eligible to vote for winners in most categories regardless of their branch.
The Oscars winners get the awards at the Oscars ceremony, where they receive the symbolic golden sculpture. It is a glamorous occasion, featuring red-carpet arrivals, music, speeches and tears of joy.
The Best Picture category is expected to feature several standout films that have dominated discussions throughout the year. Among the top contenders are:
- Anora (Cannes Palme d’Or winner)
- Conclave by Edward Berger
- The Brutalist, which gained significant attention during the Golden Globes.
These films have shown impressive staying power, much like last year’s Anatomy of a Fall, which triumphed at both the European Film Awards (EFA) and the Oscars.
International Favorites
The Academy’s increasingly international voting base has brought global cinema to the forefront. This year, films like Emilia Pérez have gained significant traction, winning multiple Golden Globes and emerging as an EFA standout.
Other strong contenders include:
- The Substance
- Wicked
- A Complete Unknown
- Dune: Part Two
- Nickel Boys
- Sing Sing
Best Director
The Expected Contenders
The Best Director category often mirrors Best Picture but leaves room for surprises. This year’s expected nominees include:
- Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), who already won Best Director at the Golden Globes.
- Edward Berger (Conclave)
- Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
- Sean Baker (Anora), whose film missed out on wins but remains critically acclaimed.
A Rising Star
One of the most exciting potential nominees is Coralie Fargeat (The Substance). Known for her visionary direction, Fargeat’s genre-defying film wowed audiences at Cannes and received significant recognition at the Golden Globes.
Global Influence
Another standout is Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light). Kapadia’s work has gained momentum through multiple International Feature Film nominations, making her a strong contender for a Best Director nod.
Best Actress
The Best Actress category is shaping up to be one of the most competitive this year, featuring a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talent.
The Frontrunners
- Angelina Jolie (Maria): A former Oscar winner, Jolie has a compelling narrative and a strong campaign as her film streams on Netflix.
- Mikey Madison (Anora): Madison’s breakout performance makes her a favorite for a first-time nomination, and she could potentially take the win..
Best Actors
This year’s Best Actor race boasts big names and remarkable performances across a variety of films.
The Leading Contenders
- Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Daniel Craig (Queer): Both actors delivered standout performances in A24’s high-profile releases.
- Colman Domingo (Sing Sing): Domingo continues to impress following his first Oscar nomination for Rustin.
- Timothée Chalamet (Dune: Part Two and A Complete Unknown): Chalamet is in the unique position of having two strong contenders for the same category, making him a likely nominee.