Oscars 2025: Trends, Record-Setters, and Potential frontrunners

Discover the surprising twists and standout performances shaping the Oscar race in 2025.

As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, this year’s nominees feature a unique blend of trends and potential record-breakers, reflecting a vibrant and competitive cinematic landscape. Notably, "Inside Out 2," the highest-grossing film of 2024, leads the charge for the best animated feature category. A tumultuous year for Hollywood included significant legal battles involving stars like Blake Lively, while devastating wildfires ravaged parts of Los Angeles, casting a shadow over the glamorous awards season.

Among the 17 quirks and records making headlines this year, the Oscars will witness a significant musical moment; it is the first time in over 50 years that two musicals, “Wicked” and “Emilia Pérez,” are vying for the best picture award. This marks a revival for the genre, enabled by an expansion in the number of nominees. In another historical note, Adrien Brody, the youngest best actor winner to date, is poised to make history again. Should he win for “The Brutalist,” he would be the first actor to achieve two leading actor Oscars on his first two nominations.

With major contenders like Timothée Chalamet, who is nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” the competition in the best actor category is fierce. Should Chalamet win, he would take the title of the youngest best actor in Oscar history by a slim margin.

In the wake of streaming services dominating nominations, Netflix's “Emilia Pérez” leads the pack, yet historical trends suggest streaming films often fail to convert nominations into wins. "The Irishman," "Mank," and other heavily nominated films previously won little to no awards. Meanwhile, nominees from HBO's “Succession,” Kieran Culkin, and Jeremy Strong, share the unique circumstance of both competing in the best supporting actor category without their projects nominated for best picture, bringing a new tension to their competition.

In a twist that adds to the academy's growing appreciation for unconventional films, "The Substance" becomes the first body horror nominated for the prestigious best picture award, positioning itself alongside iconic horror films like "The Exorcist" and "Get Out." Furthermore, Isabella Rossellini is gaining attention for her short but impactful performance in “Conclave,” reminding audiences of the influential roles played by her celebrated mother, Ingrid Bergman, in the Oscars history.

As Diane Warren scores her 16th nomination for “The Journey,” many are rooting for her first win. Other noteworthy performers include Colman Domingo, nominated a second consecutive year, and Ralph Fiennes, whose past performances have led to award-winning pictures.

The year has also seen a fun debate among film enthusiasts: the cat in animated film "Flow" has finally been named officially as Flow, solidifying its place in cinematic history. With stellar performances and groundbreaking nominations, the Oscars on March 2 promise to be an exciting event that challenges traditional norms and celebrates unprecedented achievements in film.