The Netflix musical Emilia Perez led the 2025 Academy Award nominations, with 13 nods, positioning the streaming giant for another attempt at securing its first-ever Best Picture trophy. Following closely were the historical drama The Brutalist and the box-office hit Wicked, each receiving 10 nominations. All three films will vie for the prestigious Best Picture honor at the Oscars ceremony on March 2.

Emilia Perez tells the story of a Mexican drug lord’s transformation into a woman, while The Brutalist follows the path of a Holocaust survivor turned architect in pursuit of the American dream. Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, won the audience over and therefore earned its nomination.

Other films in the Best Picture race include A Complete Unknown, starring Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan, the dark comedy Anora, and the papal drama Conclave. The sci-fi blockbuster Dune Part 2, Brazilian political documentary I’m Still Here, racial drama Nickel Boys, and horror flick The Substance round out the category.

While Netflix hasn’t won the Best Picture Oscar yet, although its films have been nominated in the past, including Roma and The Irishman, this year is anyone’s game. There is no real frontrunner, but according to industry insiders, the three closest ones are Wicked, Conclave, and The Brutalist.

Within acting categories, Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first openly transgender person to receive an acting nomination in acting under Emilia Perez star. Best Actress Demi Moore got a nod for The Substance as a celebrity fading into relative obscurity. Timothee Chalamet, Adrien Brody, and Sebastian Stan were nominated for Best Actor, with critical acclaim going toward Brody in The Brutalist.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were nominated for their performances in Wicked, with Grande posting on social media about her emotional gratitude.

However, some big names, such as Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman, were snubbed, and the news was being discussed in Hollywood.

Delayed twice due to the wildfires, the 2025 Oscars are set to occur and celebrate film with resilience. While it has not been easy for organizers, it is a nod to the determination that filmmakers and the first responders, who have managed to persevere through adversity, deserve. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony is set to broadcast on ABC.

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