The 97th Academy Awards are set for a nail-biting conclusion, with “Anora” and “Conclave” emerging as frontrunners in a season filled with dramatic shifts. With Hollywood’s top prize up for grabs, the competition remains fierce.
The 10 Best Picture Nominees:
1. Anora – Sean Baker’s tragicomedy about a sex worker’s Cinderella dream became the first U.S. film to win Cannes’ top prize since 2011. Initially overlooked at the Golden Globes, it later surged with major wins from Hollywood guilds.
2. Conclave – This Vatican-set thriller, adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, gained momentum late in the season with surprise wins at the BAFTAs and SAG Awards. Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini lead the ensemble.
3. The Brutalist – Adrien Brody shines in this immigrant saga about a Holocaust survivor-turned-architect. Its lengthy runtime and indie budget make it an underdog, but Brody is a top contender for Best Actor.
4. A Complete Unknown – A Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet, this film secured eight nominations. Though a Best Picture upset is unlikely, Chalamet remains a strong acting contender.
5. Wicked – The Broadway blockbuster adaptation raked in $730 million globally. While a win may be reserved for its sequel, expect a show-stopping live performance from stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
6. Emilia Perez – French director Jacques Audiard’s Netflix-backed musical about a cartel boss-turned-trans woman dominated early awards but faced controversy after racist tweets from star Karla Sofia Gascon surfaced.
7. The Substance – This gruesome horror film, featuring Demi Moore as an aging star hooked on a youth serum, unsettled voters but remains a strong bet for Best Actress.
8. I’m Still Here – Brazil’s surprise Best Picture nominee, a gripping drama set during the country’s military dictatorship, has ignited national pride and fervent support.
9. Dune: Part Two – A box office juggernaut ($715M) and critical success, though its early 2024 release and lack of a Best Director nod hurt its chances. A third installment looms.
10. Nickel Boys – This adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winning novel impressed critics with its first-person storytelling, despite being the smallest box office performer in the lineup.
With the race tighter than ever, the Oscars 2025 Best Picture winner remains anyone’s guess. Will “Anora” continue its comeback streak, or will “Conclave” pull off an upset? Stay tuned for Hollywood’s biggest night.
