The 2025 Oscars promise a night of historic moments and unexpected surprises. With a roster of films and performances that both honor and challenge cinematic traditions, the ceremony is set to captivate audiences worldwide. This year's nominations reflect a remarkable blend of past legacies and emerging talents, with several contenders poised to make history. As the film industry prepares for its most glamorous night, the stage is set for a celebration of both the old and the new.
Isabella Rossellini stands in the shadow of a towering legacy. Her mother, Ingrid Bergman, was a formidable force in Hollywood, earning six nominations for Best Actress throughout her career, winning twice, and also securing a Best Supporting Actress accolade. Such an illustrious record places Bergman among the legends of the silver screen, a beacon for aspiring actresses across generations.
In this year's Best Picture category, "The Brutalist" emerges as a standout, not only for its narrative depth but also for its duration. At 3 hours and 35 minutes, including an intermission, it joins the ranks of epic films like "Gone With the Wind," "Lawrence of Arabia," and "Ben-Hur," making it one of the longest films ever to contend for the top honor.
History repeats itself as Bette Davis and Greer Garson once did in the 1930s and 40s, with five consecutive Oscar nominations each. This year, all five Best Actress nominees herald from films also up for Best Picture, showcasing the close relationship between exceptional storytelling and outstanding performances.
Sebastian Stan's portrayal of a U.S. president in "The Apprentice" has earned him a nomination, aligning him with only seven other actors who have achieved this feat. The film's success underscores the Academy's appreciation for powerful historical narratives.
Interestingly, only six films have ever clinched the Best Picture title without their directors receiving nominations. This year might add to that list, reflecting an unpredictable awards landscape where storytelling sometimes overshadows individual contributions.
"The Substance" shines as a frontrunner in Best Make-up and Hairstyling, often a category whose winners overlap with acting awards. Notably, it is also the first body horror film nominated for Best Picture, marking only the seventh time a horror film has made it to this stage.
The digital age has seen only one streaming film, Apple's "Coda," win Best Picture, despite its limited three nominations. The Academy's recognition of streaming platforms remains cautious, yet open to change.
Sir Anthony Hopkins adds another layer of prestige with his dual nominations for portraying U.S. presidents in separate films—first as Nixon and then as John Quincy Adams. His unmatched versatility continues to earn him accolades.
In a nod to brevity, Hermione Baddeley's performance in 1959's "Room at the Top" remains notable as one of the shortest ever nominated at just 2 minutes and 19 seconds on screen.
Television's influence on the Oscars is evident with nominations for Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong from "Succession," both vying for Best Supporting Actor. Their transition from small screen triumphs to Oscar nominees highlights the narrowing gap between film and television stardom.
Adrien Brody, already holding an Oscars record, stands on the cusp of breaking yet another. His potential achievement adds an element of suspense to this year's ceremony.
The Best Actor category sees fresh faces with each nominee receiving their first Oscar nod, except Edward Norton, who boasts three previous nominations. Norton's experience contrasts with the newcomers' fresh perspectives, enriching the category's diversity.
In a musical renaissance, two musicals earn nominations for Best Picture for the first time in over five decades. This resurgence signals a renewed appreciation for the genre's narrative and emotional power.
"While we worked on Flow the cat didn't have a name," – Gints Zilbalodis
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