The 2025 Oscar nominations have sparked a flurry of conversations across the film industry, with unexpected surprises and notable omissions defining this year’s list. In a surprising twist, Stan secured a nomination, challenging frontrunners Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist” and Timothée Chalamet for “A Complete Unknown.” Stan narrowly surpassed Craig, who was also in contention. Meanwhile, the Oscars saw a series of significant snubs, with acclaimed performances by Pamela Anderson in “The Last Showgirl,” Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl,” and Angelina Jolie in “Maria” notably absent from the nomination list.
The Oscars are always a spectacle, but this year, several beloved actresses were overlooked. Amy Adams' performance in "Nightbitch," Saoirse Ronan's role in "The Outrun," Kate Winslet's portrayal in "Lee," and Tilda Swinton's role in "The Room Next Door" did not receive the recognition many expected. A particularly surprising omission was Selena Gomez for "Emilia Pérez." A nomination would have matched the record of 14 Oscar nominations for a single film, highlighting the film's widespread critical acclaim.
Coralie Fargeat has successfully broken through with "The Substance," a horror film that defied typical Oscar genre preferences. Despite the Academy's historical tendency to overlook horror films, Fargeat's work received acknowledgment, marking a significant milestone. This achievement is even more profound considering that only three female directors have taken home the coveted award throughout the Academy's 97-year history.
"The Substance" – Coralie Fargeat
The acting categories also saw new ground being broken. Jeremy Strong received a nod for his performance in "The Apprentice," while Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar with her role in "Emilia Pérez." This nomination marks a significant step towards increased representation and diversity within the film industry.
As the 2025 Oscars approach, the mix of newcomers and seasoned performers continues to fuel anticipation. The notable snubs, including those of high-profile actresses like Anderson and Gomez, underscore the unpredictable nature of the Oscar nominations.
Timothée Chalamet's role as Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown" reminded audiences and voters alike of changing times within the industry.
"The times, they are a-changin'" – Bob Dylan
This quote resonates with the broader shifts seen within this year's nominations. Chalamet's inclusion in the race against unexpected contenders like Stan highlights ongoing transformations within Hollywood, where traditional expectations are often upended.
