Oscar Nominations 2025: The Buzz, The Predictions, and What’s Next?

You know how it is. The moment we finally settle into the excitement of one awards season, the next one sneaks up on us, and suddenly, we’re all talking about the Oscar nominations for 2025. It's that time again when the conversation shifts from which movie is the best of the year to be nominated. It's a cocktail of predictions, excitement, and sometimes even heartbreak, as the race toward the Academy Awards intensifies.

So, what can we expect from the Oscar Nominations 2025 announcement? What are the big contenders, and who’s likely to steal the show on January 13, 2025, when the official Oscar nominations 2025 announcement hits? If you’re wondering when exactly that will be, don’t worry, we’ve got that covered too—mark your calendars for January 13. Until then, let’s dive into some of the most exciting predictions for this year’s Oscars.

A nominee for the 2025 Oscars is all smiles while holding her award at the Golden Globes.

When Will the Oscar Nominations Be Announced in 2025?

This is the big question for all of us Oscar fanatics, right? The 2025 Oscar nominations will officially be announced on January 13, 2025. Set your alarms and mark your calendars because that reveals the list of nominees. The anticipation Monday morning, the Academy will be electric. It’s like waiting for Christmas, but with a lot more gold statues involved.

Oscar Nominations 2025 Predictions: Who’s in the Running?

All right, let’s get into it. The race is wide open, but there are some names and films that seem to be edging closer to the top. It’s early, but the talk around Hollywood is already buzzing about who could walk away with a nomination in 2025. From A-list stars to breakout performances, there’s no shortage of talent.

Best Picture: The Contenders

The Best Picture race is where the stakes are highest, and honestly, it's always a bit of a wildcard. It could be a blockbuster, a critically acclaimed drama, or even a surprise indie gem. Let’s take a look at some of the films that have been getting serious Oscar attention:

• "Killers of the Flower Moon" – Martin Scorsese’s epic about the Osage murders has been one of the most talked-about films of the year. The story’s emotional depth, combined with powerhouse performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, puts this one squarely in the running for Best Picture. The Academy loves Scorsese, and this could be his year again.

• "The Color Purple" – A musical remake of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has been generating a lot of buzz. With a talented cast and the incredible emotional pull of the original material, this could be one to watch. The film may also stand a chance in the acting categories.

• "Dune: Part Two" – Denis Villeneuve’s visually stunning sequel to Dune seems primed for a repeat of its success in 2021. With the epic scale of the storytelling and its beautiful cinematography, Dune: Part Two could dominate technical categories, but Best Picture? It's still anyone’s guess.

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Best Actress: The Race Is On

Now, let’s talk about Best Actress. This category is always one of the most talked about, with a range of seasoned pros and breakout stars making their case. There’s always that one performance that grabs the spotlight. So, who could it be this year?

• Emma Stone in "Poor Things" – Emma Stone has always been a favourite of the Academy, and her performance in Poor Things (a bizarre, darkly comic drama from Yorgos Lanthimos) is already generating Oscar-worthy praise. This could be her second win, and it’s a role that might have enough range to earn her that nomination.

• Margot Robbie in "Barbie" – Yes, you read that right. Margot Robbie’s portrayal of the iconic doll has turned heads for all the right reasons. Beyond the playful, light-hearted nature of the film, Robbie’s nuanced performance could just be a perfect fit for the Oscars. Could Best Actress be on the horizon for her? Honestly, it's not that far-fetched.

• Viola Davis in "The Color Purple" – Viola Davis can do no wrong in Hollywood, and her role in The Color Purple remake has people predicting another potential Oscar nomination for this powerhouse of an actress. After all, she’s already won an Academy Award for Fences, and this might be her moment again.

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Best Actor: Who’s Stepping Up?

The Best Actor category will surely have some stiff competition. With so many big performances already lined up, here’s a quick look at some of the leading men who could be in contention:

• Leonardo DiCaprio in "Killers of the Flower Moon" – Is it even a surprise that Leo is once again in the mix for a nomination? DiCaprio’s role in Killers of the Flower Moon is one of his most intense in years, and he could very well walk away with another Oscar nod, if not the win.

• Timothée Chalamet in "Dune: Part Two" – Chalamet has already earned a loyal following, and his role as Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Two could be his ticket to another nomination. The Academy has a soft spot for complex, otherworldly performances, and this could be his chance to prove himself again.

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Best Director: Big Names, Big Films

In the Best Director race, we’ve got some heavy hitters, including both legends and up-and-comers:

• Martin Scorsese for "Killers of the Flower Moon" – Scorsese is, of course, a perennial favourite at the Academy. This could very well be the year he takes home another Oscar for his impeccable storytelling and direction.

• Denis Villeneuve for "Dune: Part Two" – Villeneuve’s immersive, visually striking filmmaking is what made Dune a hit, and this sequel looks like it’ll continue that trend. He’s already received critical acclaim, and it’s not hard to imagine the Academy recognizing him once again.

• Greta Gerwig for "Barbie" – Gerwig, who stunned us with Lady Bird and Little Women, could very well be in the running again. After the massive success of Barbie, it would be an understatement to say the Academy might take notice of her unique direction.

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Oscar Nominations 2025 India List: Will India Make a Mark?

India’s presence at the Oscars has been growing, and there’s hope that 2025 will continue that trend. While we’re not entirely sure which films will be cut, some Indian movies have already caught the eye of international critics:

• "The Disciple" – This film about a Hindustani classical musician has garnered praise for its beautiful storytelling and subtle emotional depth. It could very well find its way onto the Best International Feature Film list, or even in other categories.

• "Kali" – Tackling social issues with a fresh perspective, Kali is a contender for Best International Feature, and there’s speculation that it could even earn recognition for its screenplay or acting.

Indian cinema continues to evolve and impress on the global stage, and it would be exciting to see how Oscar nominations in 2025 could reflect that.

Final Thoughts: The Road to the Oscars 2025

The race for the Oscar nominations in 2025 is well and truly on. As the date of the Oscar nominations 2025 announcement approaches, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of talent, innovation, and cinematic excellence in the running. While some predictions seem almost set in stone—like Leonardo DiCaprio or Emma Stone earning nominations for their powerful performances—there are always those wildcards, the surprise nominations, that keep us all on the edge of our seats.

Whether it’s the emotional gravity of Killers of the Flower Moon, the visual spectacle of Dune: Part Two, or the groundbreaking storytelling of Barbie, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of film. So, who do you think will cut? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the Oscar race in 2025 is going to be one to remember.