As awards season reaches its peak, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be an exciting one, with some categories feeling unpredictable. After a season marked by major wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and SAG Awards, this year’s Academy Awards have left even seasoned analysts scratching their heads. Sky News arts and entertainment team shares their thoughts on the frontrunners and the underdogs, offering their predictions for who will win and who should take home the coveted Oscar.

Best Film

The nominees are: Aor, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Perez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substanceand Wicked.

Who will win: Conclave
Who should win: The Brutalist

Arts Editor Claire Gregory thinks Conclave is a strong contender, with its gripping storyline and stellar ensemble cast. However, Aor is fresh and exciting, and while it may not take the top prize, its unique narrative could win the hearts of voters.

Arts Correspondent Katie Spencer is rooting for The Brutalistciting it as a cinematic masterpiece, though she predicts Conclave might edge out the competition due to its class and intrigue.

Entertainment Reporter Bethany Minelle believes Aor deserves to win due to its bold storyline, sharp direction, and compelling performances. However, Conclave remains a solid choice for many.

Best Actor

Nominees: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice).

Who will win: Adrien Brody
Who should win: Colman Domingo

Arts Correspondent Katie Spencer argues that Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist is commanding, and he truly deserves his second Oscar. Entertainment Reporter Gemma Peplow believes Timothée Chalamet’s performance as Bob Dylan could seal the deal, as the Academy tends to favor transformative roles. Still, Entertainment Editor Claire Gregory is hoping for Colman Domingo to take home the award for his standout work in Sing Sing.

Best Actress

Nominees: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascon (Emilia Perez), Mikey Madison (Aor), Demi Moore (The Substance), Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here).

Who will win: Demi Moore
Who should win: Mikey Madison

Arts Correspondent Bethany Minelle notes that while Demi Moore’s return to form in The Substance is compelling, Mikey Madison’s portrayal of a troubled young woman in Aor is haunting and deserves recognition. Arts Editor Claire Gregory points to Moore’s captivating comeback narrative as a likely Oscar-winning element, though Correspondent Katie Spencer believes Madison’s subtle brilliance in Aor is hard to overlook.

Best Supporting Actor

Nominees: yura borisov (Aor), Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice).

Who will win: Kieran Culkin
Who should win: Yura borisov

Arts Correspondent Katie Spencer believes Kieran Culkin’s charisma and strong season support will clinch him the Oscar, though Entertainment Reporter Bethany Minelle highlights Yura Borisov’s understated performance in Aor as deserving of more attention.

Best Supporting Actress

Nominees: Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Isabella Rossellini (Conclave), Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez).

Who will win: Zoe Saldana
Who should win: Zoe Saldana

Arts Editor Claire Gregory argues that despite the controversy surrounding Emilia PerezSaldana’s performance in a leading role within a supporting category is undeniable, making her a likely winner. Correspondent Katie Spencer supports her, though she feels Felicity Jones’ physical performance in The Brutalist also deserves recognition.

Best Director

Nominees: Sean Baker (Aor), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), James Mangold (A Complete Unknown), Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance).

Who will win: Brady Corbet
Who should win: Coralie Fargeat

Entertainment Reporter Gemma Peplow thinks Brady Corbet’s long-winded The Brutalist will win, especially given the film’s solid reception throughout the season. However, Correspondent Katie Spencer believes Coralie Fargeat’s audacity in The Substance — including her commitment to extreme scenes — may deserve more recognition, especially since she is the only female director nominated this year.

The 2025 Oscars may surprise with its unpredictable nature, especially in the major categories where talented individuals like Demi Moore, Colman Domingo, and Kieran Culkin are leading strong campaigns. While some races seem almost locked in, others like Best Director and Best Film could still go in unexpected directions. It’s shaping up to be an exciting night where both industry insiders and fans alike are eager to see who will take home the iconic golden statues.

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