Hollywood is buzzing with excitement as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominees for the 97th Oscars. With groundbreaking films, historic moments, and fierce competition, this year’s ceremony promises to be an unforgettable celebration of artistry and storytelling.
The nominations, revealed by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott in Beverly Hills, come after a slight delay due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Mark your calendars for March 2, 2025, when Conan O’Brien will host the prestigious event at the Dolby Theatre.
Let’s dive into the full list of nominees and the incredible stories behind this year’s contenders!
Best Picture: A Stellar Lineup
The Best Picture category showcases the diverse and innovative storytelling that defined 2024. These films captivated audiences and critics alike, representing a mix of genres, styles, and voices.
- “Anora” – A heartfelt exploration of identity and resilience, directed by Sean Baker.
- “The Brutalist” – Brady Corbet’s architectural masterpiece that blends history, love, and ambition.
- “A Complete Unknown” – James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic that dazzles with its performances and direction.
- “Conclave” – A gripping Vatican-set drama starring Ralph Fiennes.
- “Dune: Part Two” – Denis Villeneuve’s epic continuation of the sci-fi saga.
- “Emilia Pérez” – Jacques Audiard’s vibrant musical comedy-drama, the year’s most-nominated film with 13 nods.
- “I’m Still Here” – A touching Brazilian feature celebrating resilience, representing its country in the International Feature Film category.
- “Nickel Boys” – RaMell Ross adapts Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
- “The Substance” – Coralie Fargeat’s feminist thriller pushes boundaries.
- “Wicked” – Marc Platt’s adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, a visual and auditory feast.
Acting Categories: Historic Firsts and Memorable Performances
Actor in a Leading Role
This year’s nominees for Best Actor bring a mix of seasoned stars and rising talents, delivering transformative performances:
- Adrien Brody – “The Brutalist”
- Timothée Chalamet – “A Complete Unknown”
- Colman Domingo – “Sing Sing”
- Ralph Fiennes – “Conclave”
- Sebastian Stan – “The Apprentice”
Actress in a Leading Role
A historic moment shines in this category as Karla Sofía Gascón becomes the first trans woman to earn a nomination.
- Cynthia Erivo – “Wicked”
- Karla Sofía Gascón – “Emilia Pérez”
- Mikey Madison – “Anora”
- Demi Moore – “The Substance”
- Fernanda Torres – “I’m Still Here”
Actor in a Supporting Role
The Supporting Actor nominees brought nuance and depth to their characters:
- Yura Borisov – “Anora”
- Kieran Culkin – “A Real Pain”
- Edward Norton – “A Complete Unknown”
- Guy Pearce – “The Brutalist”
- Jeremy Strong – “The Apprentice”
Actress in a Supporting Role
These actresses brought unforgettable energy to their roles:
- Monica Barbaro – “A Complete Unknown”
- Ariana Grande – “Wicked”
- Felicity Jones – “The Brutalist”
- Isabella Rossellini – “Conclave”
- Zoë Saldaña – “Emilia Pérez”
Animated Features: Creativity in Full Color
The Animated Feature Film category celebrates boundary-pushing visuals and heartwarming stories:
- “Flow” – A poetic exploration of nature and resilience.
- “Inside Out 2” – Pixar’s return to the emotional landscapes of the mind.
- “Memoir of a Snail” – Adam Elliot’s stop-motion wonder.
- “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” – A long-awaited return of the beloved duo.
- “The Wild Robot” – A visually stunning adaptation of Peter Brown’s bestseller.
Directing: Visionaries Behind the Camera
The nominees for Best Director showcase bold storytelling and innovative techniques:
- Sean Baker – “Anora”
- Brady Corbet – “The Brutalist”
- James Mangold – “A Complete Unknown”
- Jacques Audiard – “Emilia Pérez”
- Coralie Fargeat – “The Substance”
Technical Categories: Crafting Cinematic Magic
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
Production Design
- “The Brutalist” – Judy Becker, Patricia Cuccia
- “Conclave” – Suzie Davies, Cynthia Sleiter
- “Dune: Part Two” – Patrice Vermette, Shane Vieau
- “Nosferatu” – Craig Lathrop, Beatrice Brentnerová
- “Wicked” – Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales
Music: Original Scores and Songs That Move Us
The music categories highlight emotional and memorable compositions:
Original Score:
- “The Brutalist” – Daniel Blumberg
- “Conclave” – Volker Bertelmann
- “Emilia Pérez” – Clément Ducol, Camille
- “Wicked” – John Powell, Stephen Schwartz
- “The Wild Robot” – Kris Bowers
Original Song:
- “El Mal” – “Emilia Pérez”
- “The Journey” – “The Six Triple Eight”
- “Like a Bird” – “Sing Sing”
- “Mi Camino” – “Emilia Pérez”
- “Never Too Late” – “Elton John: Never Too Late”
A Night to Remember
The 97th Oscars promise to honor the year’s finest films while making history with groundbreaking nominations. With Conan O’Brien as host and Hollywood’s brightest stars taking the stage, the ceremony will be a celebration of talent, creativity, and resilience.
Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to celebrate the magic of cinema!
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