The 2025 Oscars are eagerly anticipated, with the ceremony scheduled for Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. This year, the Best Actress category is fiercely competitive, showcasing a diverse array of talent from around the globe. Nominees include Madison for “Anora,” Torres for “I’m Still Here,” Erivo for “Wicked,” Gascón for “Emilia Pérez,” and Moore for “The Substance.” Each nominee brings a unique narrative and groundbreaking performance to the forefront.
Madison earns her first Oscar nomination for her compelling portrayal of Ani, a young sex worker, in Sean Baker's "Anora." The film has been sweeping awards this season, claiming four Golden Globe Awards and three Critics Choice Awards. Madison's nuanced performance has also garnered her nominations at the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTA Awards.
"I think we were able to just really streamline it, shoot it super quickly and there are less sex scenes, more sex shots, that's what Sean likes to say," Mikey Madison reflected on her role.
"It was a very positive experience for me," she added, emphasizing the impact of her involvement in "Anora."
In "I'm Still Here," directed by Walter Salles, Torres delivers a powerful performance that earned her a Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama. Her nomination marks a historic moment as she becomes only the second Brazilian actress to receive an Oscar nod.
"At that time, despite the efforts of Black movements and organizations, the awareness of the racist history and symbolism of blackface hadn't yet entered the mainstream public consciousness in Brazil," Fernanda Torres commented on her cultural journey.
"Thanks to better cultural understanding and important but incomplete achievements in this century, it's very clear now in our country and everywhere that blackface is never acceptable," Torres stated.
"As an artist and global citizen, and from my open heart, I remain attentive and committed to the pursuit of vital changes needed to live in a world free from inequality and racism," she affirmed.
Cynthia Erivo earns her Best Actress nomination for her role as Elphaba Thropp in Jon M. Chu's film adaptation of the musical "Wicked." Her portrayal has captured several nominations, including a Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, a Critics Choice Award for Best Actress, a BAFTA Award for Leading Actress, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.
"She's always gonna be in my heart, I don't think she's ever gonna go anywhere. But I kind of like that," Erivo shared about her connection with her character.
Karla Sofía Gascón makes history as the first openly trans actor to receive an Oscar nomination for her role as Emilia Pérez, a Mexican drug cartel leader, in "Emilia Pérez." Her performance has already earned her several accolades, such as a Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and a Critics Choice Award for Best Actress.
"To allow the film to be appreciated for what it is," Karla Sofía Gascón expressed regarding her groundbreaking role.
Demi Moore takes on her boldest role yet as Elisabeth Sparkle in Coralie Fargeat's film "The Substance," earning her an Oscar nomination. Moore's portrayal invites audiences to explore themes of validation and belonging through an extreme yet relatable lens.
"I think that this really touched on so many themes that we all face. We all seek a certain sense of validation, belonging — and by Coralie doing it in a way that took us to the extreme, I think it really allows for you to kind of step into it in a totally unique way," Demi Moore remarked on her experience with the film.