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2025 Oscar Predictions: Morningpicker’s Exclusive Analysis
Morningpicker’s expert analysts have been following the 2025 Oscar season closely, and we’re excited to share our predictions for the big six categories. From Best Picture to Best Director, we’ve got the inside scoop on who’s likely to take home the coveted Academy Awards.
With the festival circuit having birthed strong contenders for Best Picture and acting, things already looked bright for the likes of director Sean Baker, actress Mikey Madison, the Pérez ensemble, and Colman Domingo, hot off his first-ever career Academy Award nod for Rustin.
End-of-year nominations from awards bodies like the Golden Globes, Gotham Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Indie Spirits anointed new contenders in the race, pushing under-the-radar contenders like Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) and director Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light) to center stage.
All eyes are also on the Best Actress race, featuring Angelina Jolie as she transforms body, soul, and voice to become opera singer Maria Callas in Maria, a title that was leading the charge in an increasingly crowded category race – until the 2025 Golden Globes winners announcement shook things up.
Before we dive into our predictions, let’s take a look at the current state of the Oscar race. With the 2025 Golden Globes winners announcement, the competition has heated up, and it’s anyone’s game.
Best Picture
According to Morningpicker’s analysis, the top contenders for Best Picture are:
- Emilia Pérez, The Pérez Ensemble
- Conclave, directed by Edward Berger
- The Brutalist
- Anora, directed by Justine Triet
- A Complete Unknown
With the Academy’s increasingly international voting base and EFA crossover, Emilia Pérez is building the most behind-the-scenes support, after becoming both an EFA standout and subsequent Golden Globes leader, with four overall victories at the Jan. 5 show.
Given the Academy’s preferential ballot voting system, it’s likely that Emilia Pérez will take home the Best Picture award, followed closely by Conclave and The Brutalist.
Best Director
Morningpicker’s expert analysts have been following the 2025 Oscar season closely, and we’re excited to share our predictions for the Best Director category. According to our analysis, the top contenders are:
- Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall
- Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon
- Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest
- Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things
However, Morningpicker’s exclusive analysis suggests that Christopher Nolan will take home the Best Director award for his work on Oppenheimer, which has dominated the precursor circuit, including the SAG Awards and the BAFTA Awards.
Best Actor
Morningpicker’s expert analysts have been following the 2025 Oscar season closely, and we’re excited to share our predictions for the Best Actor category. According to our analysis, the top contenders are:
- Bradley Cooper, Maestro
- Colman Domingo, Rustin
- Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers
- Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
However, Morningpicker’s exclusive analysis suggests that Cillian Murphy will take home the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in Oppenheimer, which has received widespread critical acclaim.
Best Actress
Morningpicker’s expert analysts have been following the 2025 Oscar season closely, and we’re excited to share our predictions for the Best Actress category. According to our analysis, the top contenders are:
- Angelina Jolie, Maria
- Mikey Madison, Anora
- Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
- Jennifer Lawrence, The Brutalist
However, Morningpicker’s exclusive analysis suggests that Angelina Jolie will take home the Best Actress award for her transformative performance in Maria, which has received widespread critical acclaim.
Best Supporting Actor
Morningpicker’s expert analysts have been following the 2025 Oscar season closely, and we’re excited to share our predictions for the Best Supporting Actor category. According to our analysis, the top contenders are:
- Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer
- Colman Domingo, Rustin
- Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers
However, Morningpicker’s exclusive analysis suggests that Robert Downey Jr. will take home the Best Supporting Actor award for his powerful performance in Oppenheimer, which has received widespread critical acclaim.
Best Supporting Actress
Morningpicker’s expert analysts have been following the 2025 Oscar season closely, and we’re excited to share our predictions for the Best Supporting Actress category. According to our analysis, the top contenders are:
- Mikey Madison, Anora
- Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
- Jennifer Lawrence, The Brutalist
- Zendaya, The Holdovers
However, Morningpicker’s exclusive analysis suggests that Mikey Madison will take home the Best Supporting Actress award for her powerful performance in Anora, which has received widespread critical acclaim.
Conclusion
As the 97th Academy Awards approach, Entertainment Weekly’s expert predictions offer a glimpse into the highly anticipated ceremony. In their comprehensive picks, EW tackles all 23 categories, dissecting the strengths and weaknesses of each contender. The article delves into the complexities of the film industry, highlighting the battles between established stars and up-and-coming talent, as well as the cinematic masterpieces vying for recognition. From the Best Picture showdown between “Oppenheimer” and “The Banshees of Inisherin,” to the intense competition in the acting categories, EW’s predictions provide a nuanced understanding of the Oscar landscape.
The significance of these predictions extends beyond the realm of entertainment, offering a commentary on the cultural relevance and societal impact of the films being recognized. As the industry continues to evolve, these awards serve as a reflection of the values and priorities of our time. The recognition of artistry, innovation, and perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of cinema. Moreover, the impact of these predictions on the film industry itself cannot be overstated, with winners and losers often determining the trajectory of careers and the future of individual projects.