The Biggest Surprises and Snubs of the 2025 Oscar Nominations
The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards have been unveiled, with the Spanish-language Netflix film Emilia Pérez leading the charge with the most nominations. Despite facing delays, the Oscars ceremony is still scheduled for March 3rd. Emilia Pérez earned 13 nominations, followed by the immigrant saga The Brutalist and the Broadway adaptation Wicked, each receiving 10 nominations.
Surprise: International Films Dominate
- International films are taking the spotlight this Oscars season, with two films in the Best International Feature Film category also earning nominations for Best Picture.
- Netflix’s Emilia Pérez, a musical crime and comedy film directed by French director Jacques Audiard, is a prime example of "hybrid cinema".
- The film has faced controversy in Mexico for its portrayal of the country and its drug trafficking issues, sparking debate even before its release.
- Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here, set during Brazil’s 1970s dictatorship, also earned a surprise nomination.
- An animated film from Latvia, Flow, received nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best International Film, marking Latvia’s first-ever Oscar nominations.
Surprise: Karla Sofía Gascón Makes History
- Karla Sofía Gascón became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for an acting Oscar for her role in Emilia Pérez.
- Her nomination comes amidst controversy surrounding the film’s approach to LGBTIQ+ representation.
- Gascón’s nomination at the Golden Globes earlier this year set the stage for her groundbreaking Oscar nomination.
Surprise: Australians Shine
- While Nicole Kidman missed out on a nomination, Guy Pearce received his first-ever Oscars nomination for Best Supporting Actor in The Brutalist.
- Animator Adam Elliot from Melbourne earned a nomination for Best Animated Feature Film for Memoir of a Snail.
- Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser was recognized for his work on Dune: Part Two.
Surprise: I’m Still Here Makes Waves
- Walter Salles’ family drama, I’m Still Here, garnered nominations in three major categories, including Best Picture.
- The film’s success marks a significant moment for Brazilian cinema, as it is the first time a Portuguese-speaking Brazilian film has been nominated for Best Picture.
Surprise: The Substance Earns Multiple Nominations
- Coralie Fargeat’s body horror film, The Substance, received five nominations, surprising both fans and critics.
- Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the film addresses ageism in Hollywood with a gruesome twist.
- Fargeat’s nomination for Best Director makes her the ninth female director nominee in Oscar history.
In conclusion, the 2025 Oscar nominations have brought forth a mix of surprises and snubs, highlighting the diversity and talent present in the film industry. From groundbreaking nominations for transgender actors to unexpected nods for international films, this year’s Oscars promise to be a memorable event.
FAQs:
- Which film received the most nominations?
- Emilia Pérez led the nominations with 13 nods.
- Who made history with their nomination?
- Karla Sofía Gascón became the first openly transgender acting nominee.
- Which international film surprised audiences with its nominations?
- I’m Still Here from Brazil snagged nominations in three major categories.
The Power of Representation: A Compelling Tale of Success and Snubs in the Film Industry
In a year full of surprises and snubs, the 2024 award season has brought to light the power of representation in the film industry. From groundbreaking performances to unexpected nominations, the journey to the Oscars has been filled with twists and turns.
The Triumph of “The Substance”: A Story of Resilience and Recognition
The film “The Substance” has taken the industry by storm, earning nominations in the coveted Best Picture category, as well as for Original Screenplay and Makeup and Hairstyling. Demi Moore, who delivered a stunning performance in the film, won her first Golden Globe and received a nomination for Best Actress at the Oscars.In her emotional acceptance speech at the Golden Globes, Moore reflected on her 45-year acting career and the struggles she faced. She shared a powerful message about self-worth and the importance of breaking free from societal standards.- Recognitions for “The Substance”:
- Nominations for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, and Makeup and Hairstyling
- Demi Moore’s first Golden Globe win and Best Actress nomination at the Oscars
Snub: A-listers Miss Out on Expected Nominations
Despite high expectations, Angelina Jolie was only nominated for Best Cinematography for her role in “Maria,” where she showcased her talent by learning opera to portray Maria Callas. Selena Gomez and Margaret Qualley also faced disappointments in the nominations.On the other hand, Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice” received unexpected recognition, causing a stir in the White House.Surprise: Sebastian Stan Makes a Subtle Entry with his Critique of Trump
Sebastian Stan’s transformation into a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice” has raised eyebrows and even led to threats of lawsuits from the president’s attorneys. The controversial portrayal sheds light on sensitive issues surrounding Trump’s past.Jeremy Strong’s role as Roy Cohn in the same film also garnered attention, alongside Kieran Culkin for their work in “A Real Pain.”Snub: Challengers and Hard Truths Overlooked by the Academy
Despite significant online buzz, “Challengers” and “Hard Truths” failed to secure any nominations at the Oscars. Luca Guadagnino’s films, including “Queer,” faced similar snubs, leaving fans and critics disappointed.The absence of recognition for Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist in “Challengers” and Marianne Jean-Baptiste in “Hard Truths” underscores the challenges faced by diverse voices in the industry.Surprise: Cynthia Erivo Makes History with Best Actress Nomination
The resurgence of musicals in 2024 brought Cynthia Erivo back into the spotlight, earning her a Best Actress nomination for her role in “Wicked.” Erivo’s nomination marks her second in the category, a feat shared only with Viola Davis.If Erivo wins, she could join the exclusive EGOT club, reserved for artists who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.Snub: Denis Villeneuve Overlooked for Best Director for “Dune: Part Two”
Director Denis Villeneuve faced disappointment once again as he was snubbed for Best Director for “Dune: Part Two.” Despite his track record of critically acclaimed films, Villeneuve’s absence in the category has raised questions and sparked debates.Josh Brolin, a cast member of the film, expressed confusion over the snub, highlighting the unpredictability of award season decisions.In a year filled with triumphs, surprises, and disappointments, the journey to the Oscars continues to showcase the complexities of the film industry. As artists and audiences navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, the power of representation and recognition remains at the forefront of storytelling.
Conclusion
The 2024 award season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, from groundbreaking performances to unexpected snubs. As the film industry grapples with issues of diversity, representation, and recognition, the journey to the Oscars serves as a reflection of the complexities and challenges inherent in storytelling. Despite the highs and lows, one thing remains clear: the power of cinema to inspire, provoke, and entertain knows no bounds.
FAQ
What were some of the biggest surprises at the 2024 Oscars?
Some of the biggest surprises at the 2024 Oscars included Cynthia Erivo’s historic Best Actress nomination and Sebastian Stan’s unexpected portrayal of a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice.”
Which films and actors faced notable snubs at the Oscars?
Notable snubs at the 2024 Oscars included Angelina Jolie, Selena Gomez, and Margaret Qualley for their performances, as well as Denis Villeneuve for Best Director for “Dune: Part Two.”
The Full Oscar 2025 Nominations
Best Picture
- Anora
- The Brutalist
- A Complete Unknown
- Conclave
- Dune: Part Two
- Emilia Pérez
- I’m Still Here
- Nickel Boys
- The Substance
- Wicked
Director
- Anora — Sean Baker
- The Brutalist — Brady Corbet
- A Complete Unknown — James Mangold
- Emilia Pérez — Jacques Audiard
- The Substance — Coralie Fargeat
Leading Actor
- Adrien Brody in The Brutalist
- Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown
- Colman Domingo in Sing Sing
- Ralph Fiennes in Conclave
- Sebastian Stan in The Apprentice
Leading Actress
- Cynthia Erivo in Wicked
- Karla Sofía Gascón in Emilia Pérez
- Mikey Madison in Anora
- Demi Moore in The Substance
- Fernanda Torres in I’m Still Here
Supporting Actor
- Yura Borisov in Anora
- Keiran Culkin in A Real Pain
- Edward Norton in A Complete Unknown
- Guy Pearce in The Brutalist
- Jeremy Strong in The Apprentice
Supporting Actress
- Monica Barbaro in A Complete Unknown
- Ariana Grande in Wicked
- Felicity Jones in The Brutalist
- Isabella Rossellini in Conclave
- Zoe Saldaña in Emilia Pérez
Animated Feature Film
- Flow
- Inside Out 2
- Memoir of a Snail
- Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
- The Wild Robot
Cinematography
- The Brutalist — Lol Crawley
- Dune: Part Two — Greig Fraser
- Emilia Pérez — Paul Guilhaume
- Maria — Ed Lachman
- Nosferatu — Jarin Blaschke
Costume Design
- A Complete Unknown — Arianne Phillips
- Conclave — Lisy Christl
- Gladiator II — Janty Yates and Dave Crossman
- Nosferatu — Linda Muir
- Wicked — Paul Tazewell
Documentary Feature Film
- Black Box Diaries
- No Other Land
- Porcelain War
- Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
- Sugarcane
Documentary Short Film
- Death by Numbers
- I Am Ready, Warden
- Incident
- Instruments of a Beating Heart
- The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Film Editing
- Anora — Sean Baker
- The Brutalist — David Jancso
- Conclave — Nick Emerson
- Emilia Pérez — Juliette Welfling
- Wicked — Myron Kerstein
International Feature Film
- Brazil: I’m Still Here
- Denmark: The Girl with the Needle
- France: Emilia Pérez
- Germany: The Seed of the Sacred Fig
- Latvia: Flow
Makeup and Hairstyling
- A Different Man — Mike Marino, David Presto and Crystal Jurado
- Emilia Pérez — Julia Floch Carbonel, Emmanuel Janvier and Jean-Christophe Spadaccini
- Nosferatu — David White, Traci Loader and Suzanne Stokes-Munton
- The Substance — Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon and Marilyne Scarselli
- Wicked — Frances Hannon, Laura Blount and Sarah Nuth
Music (Original Score)
- The Brutalist — Daniel Blumberg
- Conclave — Volker Bertelmann
- Emilia Pérez — Clément Ducol and Camille
- Wicked — John Powell and Stephen Schwartz
- The Wild Robot — Kris Bowers
Music (Original Song)
- El Mal from Emilia Pérez; Music by Clément Ducol and Camille; Lyric by Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard
- The Journey from The Six Triple Eight; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
- Like A Bird from Sing Sing; Music and Lyric by Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada
- Mi Camino from Emilia Pérez; Music and Lyric by Camille and Clément Ducol
- Never Too Late from Elton John: Never Too Late; Music and Lyric by Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt and Bernie Taupin
Production Design
- The Brutalist — Production Design: Judy Becker; Set Decoration: Patricia Cuccia
- Conclave — Production Design: Suzie Davies; Set Decoration: Cynthia Sleiter
- Dune: Part Two — Production Design: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau
- Nosferatu — Production Design: Craig Lathrop; Set Decoration: Beatrice Brentnerová
- Wicked — Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales
Short Film (Animated)
- Beautiful Men
- In the Shadow of the Cypress
- Magic Candles
- Wander to Wonder
- Yuck!
Short Film (Live Action)
- A Lien
- Anuja
- I’m Not a Robot
- The Last Ranger
- The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent
Sound
- A Complete Unknown — Tod A. Maitland, Donald Sylvester, Ted Caplan, Paul Massey, and David Giammarco
- Dune: Part Two — Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett, and Doug Hemphill
- Emilia Pérez — Erwan Kerzanet, Aymeric Devoldère, Maxence Dussère, Cyril Holtz, and Niels Barletta
- Wicked — Simon Hayes, Nancy Nugent Title, Jack Dolman, Andy Nelson, and John Marquis
- The Wild Robot — Randy Thom, Brian Chumney, Gary A. Rizzo, and Leff Lefferts
Visual Effects
- Alien: Romulus — Eric Barba, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser, Daniel Macarin, and Shane Mahan
- Better Man — Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, and Peter Stubbs
- Dune: Part Two — Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, and Gerd Nefzer
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes — Erik Winquist, Stephen Unterfranz, Paul Story, and Rodney Burke
- Wicked — Pablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, David Shirk, and Paul Corbould
Adapted Screenplay
- A Complete Unknown — Screenplay by James Mangold and Jay Cocks
- Conclave — Screenplay by Peter Straughan
- Emilia Pérez — Screenplay by Jacques Audiard; In collaboration with Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius, and Nicolas Livecchi
- Nickel Boys — Screenplay by RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes
- Sing Sing — Screenplay by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar; Story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John “Divine G” Whitfield
Original Screenplay
- Anora — Written by Sean Baker
- The Brutalist — Written by Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold
- A Real Pain — Written by Jesse Eisenberg
- September 5 — Written by Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum; Co-Written by Alex David
- The Substance — Written by Coralie Fargeat
With additional reporting from AFP.
Title: The Rise of E-Commerce in the Modern Retail Landscape
Introduction:
In today’s digital age, e-commerce has become a dominant force in the retail industry. With the convenience of online shopping and the rise of technology, consumers are increasingly turning to e-commerce platforms for their shopping needs. This shift in consumer behavior has had a profound impact on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, forcing them to adapt or face extinction.The Growth of E-Commerce:
E-commerce has experienced exponential growth in recent years, with more and more consumers opting to shop online. According to recent data, global e-commerce sales are expected to reach $4.2 trillion by the end of 2020. This represents a significant increase from previous years and highlights the growing popularity of online shopping.The Impact on Traditional Retailers:
Traditional retailers have been hit hard by the rise of e-commerce. Many brick-and-mortar stores have struggled to compete with online retailers, leading to store closures and bankruptcies. In fact, it is estimated that over 12,000 stores in the United States alone have closed in 2020, with experts predicting even more closures in the coming years.Adapting to the Changing Landscape:
In order to survive in the new retail landscape, traditional retailers have had to adapt their business models. Many have invested in their own e-commerce platforms in an effort to compete with online giants like Amazon. Others have focused on creating unique in-store experiences to attract customers who prefer the tactile nature of traditional shopping.Challenges and Opportunities:
While the rise of e-commerce presents challenges for traditional retailers, it also offers opportunities for growth and innovation. By leveraging technology and data analytics, retailers can better understand consumer behavior and tailor their offerings to meet the demands of the market. Additionally, e-commerce provides retailers with a global reach, allowing them to expand their customer base beyond their local markets.Conclusion:
The rise of e-commerce has fundamentally changed the retail industry, forcing traditional retailers to adapt or face extinction. While the challenges are significant, there are also opportunities for growth and innovation for those willing to embrace the digital future of retail.FAQs:
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted e-commerce?
A: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to e-commerce, with many consumers turning to online shopping due to social distancing measures.Q: What are some key trends in e-commerce for 2021?
A: Some key trends in e-commerce for 2021 include the rise of mobile shopping, the importance of sustainability, and the growth of online marketplaces. - Recognitions for “The Substance”:
- I’m Still Here from Brazil snagged nominations in three major categories.
- Which film received the most nominations?