Oscar 2025: Who Will Win, Who Should Win & Who Will Surprise Us?
The cameras are ready, the champagne is chilling, and the red carpet is about to witness another night of Hollywood glory. Oscar night is never just about the awards—it’s a battlefield of talent, legacies and a few shocking upsets.
While some are digging through a dimes worth money list, others are wcoin-id-scannercoin-id-scanneratching the most prestigious gold of all: the Oscar statuette. The Academy Awards have been a proving ground for actors, directors and rising stars for nearly a century. Careers are made (or resurrected), legends are cemented and the film industry gets a moment to celebrate itself in all its dramatic, glamorous and unpredictable glory.
So, who’s got the golden touch this year? Who’s walking away victorious, and who will be left graciously clapping for someone else? Let’s dissect the categories, analyze the front-runners and prepare for the night when Hollywood’s elite face their judgment.
Best Picture: A Clash of Titans & Underdogs
Best Picture: the grand prize, the ultimate accolade, the film that gets its name immortalized in Oscar history. The Academy loves an underdog, but it also loves a sweeping, ambitious epic. This year’s contenders? A mix of both.
"Anora" – The Indie Darling That Could Go All the Way
Sean Baker’s Anora is the little film that could. A gripping and unflinching look at the life of a sex worker trying to carve out something resembling a future, this film has raw emotion, festival prestige, and a deeply human story. Winning at Cannes is one thing—winning at the Oscars is another. But make no mistake: Anora is a serious contender.
"Cónclave" – The Psychological Thriller Hollywood Adores
Mystery. Intrigue. The kind of slow-burn storytelling that keeps you glued to the screen. Cónclave brings a prestige thriller into the Best Picture race, and the Academy has shown love for this kind of intelligent drama before (Spotlight, The Shape of Water). The only question is: does it have enough buzz?
"The Brutalist" – Artistry Meets Historical Drama
The name itself sounds Oscar-worthy. A visually striking period piece about an architect with a vision, The Brutalist is elegant, brooding, and filled with powerhouse performances (hello, Adrien Brody). But does it have the momentum? Best Picture winners don’t just need critical acclaim—they need industry-wide support.
"Emilia Pérez" – The Wildcard Entry That Could Stun Everyone
A musical crime drama? That’s a combination not seen every day. But with incredible performances and bold storytelling, Emilia Pérez refuses to be overlooked. If the Academy wants to reward originality, this is it.
Prediction: Anora is the festival favorite, but Cónclave could pull a surprise victory.
Best Director: Who’s the Mastermind of the Year?
Directors are the architects of cinema—their vision, precision, and storytelling choices define a film. This year’s nominees bring radically different approaches to the table.
Sean Baker (Anora)
Sean Baker, known for his raw and authentic storytelling, took home the Oscar for Anora. His ability to blend social realism with engaging narratives was evident in this gripping drama. Baker’s keen eye for character development and immersive storytelling earned him well-deserved recognition.
Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
The acclaimed French director brought his signature depth and intricacy to Emilia Pérez. His exploration of identity, justice, and transformation was both thought-provoking and visually stunning.
Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
A filmmaker known for his experimental and bold storytelling, Corbet’s The Brutalist is a deeply moving film about architecture and personal resilience. His meticulous direction made this film a standout contender.
Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)
Bringing a unique blend of horror and psychological thriller, Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance impressed critics with its sharp narrative and visually arresting style. Her direction kept audiences captivated and on edge.
James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)
Having directed some of Hollywood’s most successful biopics, Mangold took on the story of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. His skill in capturing complex characters and historical accuracy made this film a strong competitor.
Prediction: Sean Baker—his signature storytelling and fearless direction may finally get the recognition it deserves.
Best Actor: The Year of Transformations & Comebacks
Best Actor has always been a category that thrives on transformations—the bigger, the better. This year is no exception.
Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Adrien Brody delivered a career-defining performance in The Brutalist, embodying the struggles and triumphs of an architect during wartime. His nuanced portrayal captivated audiences and secured him the prestigious award.
Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)
Chalamet stepped into the shoes of Bob Dylan with remarkable depth, perfectly capturing the singer’s enigmatic personality. His transformation for the role was widely praised.
Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)
Domingo’s portrayal of a prison inmate leading a theater program was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. His performance was layered with emotion and authenticity.
Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)
As a cardinal navigating a power struggle in the Vatican, Fiennes brought his signature gravitas and intensity to Conclave. His ability to command the screen was exceptional.
Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)
Stan’s role in The Apprentice, a film exploring the rise of Donald Trump, was a career highlight. His performance was both compelling and transformative.
Prediction: Adrien Brody—Hollywood loves a comeback, and this is his.
Best Actress: The Biggest Rivalry of the Year
This year’s Best Actress category is the most unpredictable in years.
Mikey Madison (Anora)
Madison’s portrayal of a young woman caught in a whirlwind of circumstances in Anora was powerful and deeply moving. Her ability to convey raw emotion earned her the top honor.
Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
In the highly anticipated adaptation of Wicked, Erivo’s performance as Elphaba showcased her incredible range in both acting and singing.
Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)
Gascón’s role in Emilia Pérez was a breakthrough, bringing both vulnerability and strength to a character undergoing a profound transformation.
Demi Moore (The Substance)
Moore delivered a chilling yet gripping performance in The Substance, a psychological horror film that left audiences spellbound.
Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
Torres’ deeply personal and introspective performance in I’m Still Here captured themes of survival and identity in a mesmerizing way.
Prediction: Demi Moore—she’s back, and she’s here to win.
Best Supporting Actors and Actresses Nominees
Actors:
Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain): Culkin’s role in A Real Pain was both comedic and heart-wrenching, showcasing his ability to balance humor with deep emotional resonance.
Yura Borisov (Anora): Borisov’s supporting role in Anora was praised for its intensity and complexity, adding depth to the film’s narrative.
Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown): Norton’s portrayal of a key figure in Bob Dylan’s journey added richness to A Complete Unknown, further proving his versatility.
Guy Pearce (The Brutalist): As a mentor figure in The Brutalist, Pearce delivered a quietly powerful performance that complemented Brody’s lead role.
Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice): Strong’s compelling and layered performance in The Apprentice demonstrated his ability to portray ambitious and morally complex characters.
Actresses:
Zoë Saldaña (Emilia Pérez): Saldaña’s performance in Emilia Pérez was deeply emotional and captivating, bringing strength and sensitivity to her role.
Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown): Barbaro delivered a strong and memorable performance in A Complete Unknown, elevating the film with her presence.
Ariana Grande (Wicked): As Glinda in Wicked, Grande’s charisma and vocal prowess made her performance a standout in the musical adaptation.
Felicity Jones (The Brutalist): Jones brought a delicate and nuanced performance to The Brutalist, complementing the film’s central themes.
Isabella Rossellini (Conclave): Rossellini’s dignified and commanding presence in Conclave added a layer of gravitas to the Vatican-set drama.
The Rising Stars of 2025: New Faces Stealing the Spotlight
While the veterans battle it out, a new generation is making its mark. These fresh talents aren’t just nominees—they’re the future of Hollywood.
Mikey Madison ("Anora") – From indie actress to awards-season royalty? A star in the making.
Karla Sofía Gascón ("Emilia Pérez") – Making history as the first openly transgender nominee.
Ariana Grande ("Wicked") – The pop superstar’s first big Hollywood test—does she pass?
Final Thoughts: Expect the Unexpected
If history has taught us anything, it’s that Oscar night is never predictable. Will the Academy go for safe choices or take bold risks? Will a dark horse sweep the night?
One thing’s for sure—this year’s Oscars will be one for the books. So grab your popcorn, make your predictions, and let’s watch Hollywood’s biggest night unfold.