As the fall film festivals approach, the excitement for the 2025 Oscars is already building, with early buzz focusing on standout performances and anticipated releases. With major festivals like Telluride and Venice about to start, the awards season is officially underway. This year promises to be especially competitive, with a diverse mix of films, including major studio projects, musicals, and sequels.
One of the most talked-about films is Jacques Audiard’s musical “Emilia Pérez,” produced by Netflix. The film’s unique narrative style and Audiard’s signature direction have already generated significant attention. For Netflix, this film represents a prime opportunity to finally secure a Best Picture Oscar, after near-misses with “Roma” in 2018 and “The Power of the Dog” in 2021. Despite Audiard’s illustrious career, he has yet to earn an Oscar nomination, which adds to the anticipation surrounding the film.
Another film generating buzz is Searchlight’s “A Complete Unknown,” a Bob Dylan biopic directed by James Mangold. Starring Timothée Chalamet as Dylan and Monica Barbaro in a potentially star-making role as Joan Baez, the film is set to release on Christmas, avoiding the festival circuit. This strategic timing could position it as a late-breaking contender, reminiscent of past successes like “Million Dollar Baby” in 2004. However, it will face stiff competition from highly anticipated sequels like Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux,” and Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two.”
As the season progresses, watch for surprising category placements, especially for actors like Denzel Washington (“Gladiator II”), Lady Gaga (“Joker: Folie à Deux”), and Danielle Deadwyler (“The Piano Lesson”). Additionally, ensemble casts from films like “Emilia Pérez” and “His Three Daughters” could also shake up the awards race.
Potential acquisitions, such as Pamela Anderson’s “The Last Showgirl” and Tim Fehlbaum’s “September 5,” which focuses on the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis, could further complicate predictions.
With such a varied lineup of films and performances, this awards season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. As festival premieres begin, the race for the Oscars will only intensify, promising a memorable year for cinema.
Here Are The current projections:
Top 5 Projected Nomination Leaders (Films):
“Emilia Pérez” (12)
“A Complete Unknown” (11)
“Gladiator II” (9)
“Dune: Part Two” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” (7)
“Blitz” (6)
Top 3 Projected Nomination Leaders (Studios):
Netflix (20)
Warner Bros. (16)
Searchlight Pictures (12)
The 97th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 2. Note that all movie listings, titles, distributors, and credited artisans are subject to change.
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