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The Oscar Nominations 2025: A Year of Comebacks and Blockbusters

Predicted Contenders

Comeback Queens: Demi Moore and Pamela Anderson Lead the Pack

Analysis of Demi Moore’s chances in The Substance: With her comeback narrative in full swing, Demi Moore is a strong contender for a best actress nomination. Her performance in The Substance, where she plays a woman who swaps her body for a younger and more beautiful version of herself, has received widespread critical acclaim. While there are many other talented actresses vying for the same award, Moore’s comeback story makes her a likely nominee.

Discussion of Pamela Anderson’s surprising nominations for The Last Showgirl: Pamela Anderson’s performance in The Last Showgirl, where she plays an ageing Las Vegas performer, has received surprise SAG and Golden Globe nominations. While it’s unclear whether she’ll receive an Oscar nomination, her comeback narrative has already sparked significant attention in the industry.

Mention of other comeback stories in the best actress category: Other comeback stories in the best actress category include Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who has an outside chance at a nomination for playing a constantly miserable woman in Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths, nearly three decades after her first nomination for their previous collaboration Secrets & Lies. Angelina Jolie arguably has a comeback narrative, although her portrayal of opera singer Maria Callas is her first Oscar contender for some time.

Pop Princesses and Succession Stars: Who Will Make the Cut?

Analysis of Ariana Grande’s likely nomination for Wicked: With her Golden Globe win and Screen Actors Guild nomination for her role as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North in Wicked, Ariana Grande is a dead-cert for a best supporting actress nomination. Her performance has received widespread critical acclaim, and her popularity will likely secure her a spot among the nominees.

Discussion of Selena Gomez’s possible nomination for Emilia Pérez: Selena Gomez’s performance in Emilia Pérez, where she plays the wife of a Mexican drug lord who changes gender, has received significant attention in the industry. While it’s unclear whether she’ll receive a nomination, her co-star Zoe Saldaña is the current frontrunner to win the category.

Mention of other Succession stars and pop culture influences: Other Succession stars who could make the cut include Mikey Madison, who could be nominated for her performance in Anora, and Brian Cox, who could receive a nomination for his role as the ruthless media mogul Logan Roy. Pop culture influences will also play a significant role in shaping the nominations, with blockbusters like Wicked and Dune: Part Two vying for best picture.

The Brutalist and Conclave: A Battle for Best Picture

Analysis of Wicked’s chances in the best picture category: Wicked’s chances in the best picture category are strong, with its Golden Globe win and Screen Actors Guild nomination securing its place among the contenders. The film’s bright and shiny musical numbers, coupled with its star-studded cast, make it a likely nominee.

Discussion of the musical elements in Emilia Pérez: Emilia Pérez’s musical elements, including its vibrant and colorful costumes, will likely influence its chances in the best picture category. The film’s ability to balance its musical numbers with its dramatic story has received widespread critical acclaim, making it a strong contender for the award.

Mention of other epic films vying for best picture: Other epic films vying for best picture include Dune: Part Two, which has received significant attention in the industry for its visually stunning landscapes and complex characters. The film’s ability to balance its action sequences with its dramatic story has received widespread critical acclaim, making it a strong contender for the award.

A Complete Unknown and The Substance: Indie Films in the Spotlight

Analysis of Jesse Eisenberg’s performance in A Complete Unknown: Jesse Eisenberg’s performance in A Complete Unknown, where he plays a vivid version of Bob Dylan in the early 1960s, has received widespread critical acclaim. His ability to transform himself into the iconic musician has secured his place among the contenders for the best actor award.

Discussion of Demi Moore’s performance in The Substance: Demi Moore’s performance in The Substance, where she plays a woman who swaps her body for a younger and more beautiful version of herself, has received significant attention in the industry. Her comeback narrative and attention-getting performance make her a likely nominee for the best actress award.

Mention of other indie films and filmmakers in the running: Other indie films and filmmakers in the running include Coralie Fargeat, who could receive a nomination for her direction of The Substance, and Brady Corbet, who could receive a nomination for his direction of The Brutalist.

Director Lineup

The Best Director Lineup: Who Will Make the Cut?

Analysis of the frontrunners for best director: The frontrunners for best director include Brady Corbet, who constructed a monumental international drama for less than $10m, Jacques Audiard, who managed to cover all sorts of genres, tones, and locations in Emilia Pérez, Jon M Chu, who may well be honoured for a different type of musical, the bright and shiny Wicked, and Sean Baker, who deserves a nomination for choreographing the chaos in Anora, a film that is wildly farcical yet always believable.

Discussion of Coralie Fargeat’s chances for The Substance: Coralie Fargeat’s direction of The Substance, which speaks so directly to Hollywood’s obsession with looks, could secure her a nomination for best director. Her ability to balance the film’s dayglo style, red-hot performances, and jaw-dropping finale has received widespread critical acclaim, making her a strong contender for the award.

Mention of other directorial nominations and snubs: Other directorial nominations and snubs include RaMell Ross, who should be included for his visionary Nickel Boys, but unfortunately the film hasn’t made much of an awards ripple outside critics’ groups.

The Implications

The Importance of Representation: Why Diversity Matters in the Oscars

Analysis of the impact of underrepresented groups on the Oscars: The impact of underrepresented groups on the Oscars is significant, with the #Oscarssowhite problem still a major issue. The Academy’s efforts to increase diversity and representation among its nominees have been met with limited success, with many critics arguing that the industry still has a long way to go in terms of representation and inclusion.

Discussion of the implications of a more diverse lineup: A more diverse lineup would have significant implications for the industry, with the Academy’s efforts to increase representation and inclusion sparking a renewed focus on diversity and inclusion. The impact of a more diverse lineup would be felt throughout the industry, with many critics arguing that it would lead to a more balanced and representative awards season.

Mention of other awards shows and their approaches to diversity: Other awards shows, such as the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, have also been criticized for their lack of diversity and representation. The industry’s efforts to increase diversity and representation among its nominees have been met with limited success, with many critics arguing that more needs to be done to address the issue.

The Power of Pop Culture: How Music and Film Influence the Oscars

Analysis of the influence of pop culture on the Oscars: The influence of pop culture on the Oscars is significant, with music and film playing a major role in shaping the awards season. The Academy’s efforts to increase representation and inclusion among its nominees have been influenced by popular culture, with many critics arguing that the industry’s efforts to increase diversity and representation are driven by a desire to stay relevant and connected to popular culture.

Discussion of the impact of music and film on the nominations: The impact of music and film on the nominations is significant, with many critics arguing that the Academy’s efforts to increase representation and inclusion among its nominees are driven by a desire to stay relevant and connected to popular culture. The influence of music and film on the nominations is a major factor in shaping the awards season, with many critics arguing that it plays a significant role in determining the outcome of the Oscars.

Mention of other awards shows and their approaches to pop culture: Other awards shows, such as the Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards, have also been influenced by popular culture. The industry’s efforts to increase diversity and representation among its nominees have been influenced by popular culture, with many critics arguing that the industry’s efforts to increase diversity and representation are driven by a desire to stay relevant and connected to popular culture.