The 2025 Oscars: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Picture Nominees
With the 2025 Academy Awards just around the corner on March 2, movie enthusiasts are scrambling to catch up on all 10 Best Picture nominees before the big night. This year’s lineup is a diverse and captivating mix of films, ranging from biopics and book adaptations to musicals, horror, and wholly original stories. Among the frontrunners are Golden Globe winners The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, along with Anora, which has swept several guild awards, and Conclave, which recently took home SAG and BAFTA awards. Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or a casual moviegoer, this guide will help you navigate the streaming options for all the nominated films.
A Diverse Lineup: Exploring the 2025 Best Picture Nominees
The 2025 Oscars boast an impressive slate of films that showcase a wide range of genres and storytelling styles. Two biopics, four book adaptations, two musicals, one rare horror entry, and two entirely original works make up this year’s Best Picture nominees. Each film offers a unique perspective, from the modern screwball comedy of Anora to the epic historical drama of The Brutalist. The nominees also highlight exceptional performances, with stars like Timothée Chalamet, Felicity Jones, and Cynthia Erivo earning acting nods. This diversity ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer intense dramas, light-hearted comedies, or visually stunning blockbusters like Dune: Part Two.
Marquee Films: The Frontrunners and Fan Favorites
Several films in this year’s lineup have already made waves at earlier awards ceremonies, solidifying their status as frontrunners. The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, is a 3.5-hour American epic that explores the life of a Holocaust survivor turned architect. With nine nominations, including Best Director and Best Actor for Adrien Brody, this film is a powerhouse contender. On the lighter side, Anora has charmed audiences with its modern twist on the Cinderella story, earning Sean Baker a Best Director nod and Mikey Madison a Best Actress nomination. Meanwhile, Conclave, a gripping thriller about Vatican politics, has garnered attention for its stellar cast and suspenseful storytelling.
Another standout is Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated sequel to his 2021 masterpiece. Picking up where the first film left off, this visually stunning epic follows Paul Atreides as he unites with the Fremen to seek revenge against the Harkonnens. While it hasn’t dominated the acting categories, its technical achievements in cinematography, production design, and visual effects make it a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and epic storytelling.
Original Stories and Unique Perspectives
While many of this year’s nominees are based on real events or preexisting material, two films stand out for their wholly original narratives. The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, tells the story of a fading celebrity who uses a black-market drug to regress to a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley. This dark comedy explores themes of identity, aging, and the pressures of fame, earning Demi Moore a Best Actress nomination.
Another original film making waves is Emilia Pérez, a groundbreaking Mexican drama about a cartel kingpin who transitions into a woman to evade detection. With an impressive 12 nominations, including Best Director and Best Actress for Karla SofÃa Gascón, this film is a testament to the power of international cinema. Its bold storytelling and cultural relevance have made it a favorite among critics and audiences alike.
Beyond the Frontrunners: Hidden Gems and Powerful Stories
In addition to the high-profile films, this year’s lineup includes several hidden gems that deserve attention. I’m Still Here, a poignant Brazilian drama about a mother’s fight for justice during the military dictatorship, has earned Fernanda Torres a Best Actress nomination. Based on a true story, the film is a powerful exploration of resilience and activism.
Another compelling entry is The Nickel Boys, based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This harrowing drama follows two boys in a notorious reform school in 1960s Florida, shedding light on a dark chapter of American history. While it has only one nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, its timeliness
