As the 2025 Academy Awards approach early next month, The Herald presents its picks for the films and performances that deserve one of Hollywood’s greatest accolades. This selection is based on artistry, impact and storytelling, rather than predictions of the academy’s choices.
Presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the 97th annual Oscars ceremony is set to air on March 2 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
Best Picture
“Anora”
“The Brutalist”
“A Complete Unknown”
“Conclave”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Emilia Pérez”
“I’m Still Here”
“Nickel Boys”
“The Substance”
“Wicked”
Adapting a beloved Broadway musical into a feature film is no small task. Yet “Wicked” is a success story. The film seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, drama and music, creating an experience that resonates with viewers. Its casual yet impactful representation of numerous marginalized groups enriches the narrative without overshadowing it, heightening the original musical’s message of acceptance. To many, “Wicked” may be considered simply a commercial film, but the level of intricacy required to bring the Broadway classic to the big screen — with large-scale sets, performances and musical numbers — makes the film deserving of Best Picture. At the end of the day, film is meant to entertain audiences while maintaining the power to influence, and, among this year’s selection, only “Wicked” wields both with such intensity.
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”
Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”
Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”
Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave”
Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice”
Portraying a figure as polarizing and complex as Donald Trump requires a nuanced performance, and Sebastian Stan delivers just that in “The Apprentice.” His meticulous attention to detail — capturing Trump’s mannerisms, speech patterns and underlying psyche — transcends imitation. In the current political climate, Stan’s portrayal offers an exploration of ambition, power and identity, prompting audiences to reflect on the nature of leadership and influence. Though other nominees also excel in their performances, it is Stan’s ability to display authenticity that sets him apart.
Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Yura Borisov, “Anora”
Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”
Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”
Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”
Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice
In “A Real Pain,” Kieran Culkin embodies a character who outwardly exudes joy and effortless charisma, but who is pained and distraught internally. His acting reminds the viewer that one can never exactly know what another person is going through. Culkin’s performance navigates this duality with authenticity, conveying the character’s struggles with depression in a deeply relatable and personal manner. Culkin’s ability to balance humor and pathos not only elevates the dialogue but also anchors the film’s emotional core, leaving a lasting impression of a character that feels all too real.
Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”
Karla Sofía Gascón, “Emilia Pérez”
Mikey Madison, “Anora”
Demi Moore, “The Substance”
Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”
In “Wicked,” Cynthia Erivo blends emotional depth with unparalleled vocal skill. In her performance, she establishes a profound connection with her audience. Her simultaneous capacity for vulnerability and strength takes a long-existing and well-worn character into a new, modern-day context. Erivo’s creative liberties, from her demeanor as Elphaba to her “Defying Gravity” note change, were a perfect homage to the musical. And her vocals were simply incomparable.
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Monica Barbaro, “A Complete Unknown”
Ariana Grande, “Wicked”
Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”
Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”
Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”
Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of a fictionalized Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown” is enigmatic. Her performance is compelling, embodying the essence Baez is known for. Barbaro makes the character her own, and while her singing matches Baez’s signature vibrato, it is also distinct and wholly her own. Viewers leave “A Complete Unknown” wanting to know more about Barbaro’s character, as she has made herself the most interesting part of the story.
Animated Feature Film
“Flow”
“Inside Out 2”
“Memoir of a Snail”
“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”
“The Wild Robot”
“Flow” is a testament to the power of storytelling, defying the odds in spite of its modest production background. Crafted by a small team from Latvia — a country not traditionally recognized in the animation and film industry — the film delivers a visually beautiful and emotional experience. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. “Flow” does not have any dialogue, but that doesn’t mean it’s a silent film. It’s rich with sounds amid the backdrop of a black cat on a biblical-level journey.
Achievement in Cinematography
“The Brutalist”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Emilia Pérez”
“Maria”
“Nosferatu”
“The Brutalist” uses precision and starkness to tell a story centered on mid-20th-century architecture and design. Shot entirely in VistaVision, each frame feels precisely composed, capturing the coldness and grandeur of its architectural themes. The camera lingers on imposing structures and tightens on intimate, human moments, juxtaposing the film’s exploration of isolation and ambition with artistic vision.
Achievement in Directing
“Anora”, Sean Baker
“The Brutalist”, Brady Corbet
“A Complete Unknown,” James Mangold
“Emilia Pérez,” Jacques Audiard
“The Substance,” Coralie Fargeat
Coralie Fargeat’s direction in “The Substance” is, in one word, bold. She delves into the grotesque to challenge and highlight societal norms surrounding beauty and aging. Fargeat’s ability to utilize unsightly visuals to criticize beauty standards creates a film that is just as thought-provoking as it is jarring. Light on dialogue but detailed on imagery, her approach pushes the boundaries of conventional filmmaking.
Achievement in Film Editing
“Anora,” Sean Baker
“The Brutalist,” David Jancso
“Conclave,” Nick Emerson
“Emilia Pérez,” Juliette Welfling
“Wicked,” Myron Kerstein
“Conclave” is a film built on tension and intrigue, its plot unraveling with a level of attention to detail that keeps the audience engaged. Nick Emerson’s editing is central to this experience, pacing the narrative to balance suspense and clarity. The transitions and well-timed reveals contribute to a satisfying storyline.
International Feature Film
“I'm Still Here,” Brazil
“The Girl with the Needle,” Denmark
“Emilia Pérez,” France
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Germany
“Flow,” Latvia
“I’m Still Here” explores resilience and identity through the intricacies of personal and cultural survival. The film’s narrative is complemented by the vibrancy of Brazilian life, offering a story both specific in setting and universal in its themes. Through showcasing both the personal and the collective struggles of survival within Brazilian society, “I’m Still Here” adds a layer to the international conversation about resilience, identity and community.
Writing (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
Adapting Colson Whitehead’s novel “Nickel Boys” is definitely an intense undertaking, considering its heavy themes of racial discrimination and sexual abuse in addition to its widespread impact. RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes convey the story in a screenplay that is both poetic and poignant. Their adaptation captures the challenging realities of the story while infusing it with a lyrical quality.
Writing (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
Sean Baker, known for his empathetic depictions of sex workers, centers an exotic dancer and part-time escort in Brighton Beache’s post-Soviet diaspora. Baker’s screenplay, “Anora,” authentically captures this community while highlighting the unflinching and humane nature of his characters. Baker’s commitment to improvisation and hiring fresh faces allows the actors to infuse their own experiences into his screenplay.
