Best Picture Nominees 2025

I have been in a frenzy this awards season, consuming all of the award shows, picking my favorites and checking out movies I’ve never heard of. I’ve even requested seat filler positions hoping to one day join in the fun. I recognize none of this matters in the big picture of our world right now, but these things make me happy. Creating art, celebrating art, and consuming art – these are things I can do, and I am so grateful for it.

Thanks to streaming and a couple of early screening invites, I was able to see all of the Best Picture nominees this year. I would have put A Real Pain in this mix over Emilia Perez or Dune. I still have a couple more to get through for some of the other nominated categories, but I’m ready enough for tonight!

Want to vote for your picks? Check out ABC Oscars Pick ’em for online balloting and friendly competition. Or, you can print your own from Letterboxd, Vanity Fair or Rotten Tomatoes that even includes the Tomatometer!

Speaking of Letterboxd, follow me over there as it’s much prettier and easy to catch up on the latest movies, reviews and what to watch recommendations from friends and movie fans.

Ok, now a few quick summary notes on The Best Picture Nominees:

Emilia Perez – Not like weird weird, but like, exciting weird. (My Grease 2 fam gets it). Zoe Saldana carries the whole film. She will win best supporting actress.

A Complete Unknown – Timothée Chalamet did not overreach with this. It suited him and he shined. Entertaining and fun to listen to despite a few continuity hiccups.

Conclave – Fascinating story, I love the history of it all, but then it went a little too far. Stanley Tucci stood out for me, he’s awesome. The weight of the council was certainly felt and Ralph Fiennes is always good.

Nickel Boys – Interesting cinematography, important story. I think I would like to read the book because there was a structural disconnect for me.

I’m Still Here – This is pretty much a perfect film. Fernanda Torres is a force. Story is engaging, characters are relevant. Cinematography is gritty, gutsy, and purposeful. This is my #2 pick, and I think it will win Best International Feature Film. I’m not sure why it can get nominated for both, but I remember Parasite won both so I guess they all think that’s okay.

The Substance – Demi is a sparkle and I’m excited for her, but this movie is just weird. I was really into the idea of the first part of the story and the symbolism but then it just got too grotesque and laughable for me. I’m happy for the horror fans who are digging it though.

Dune: Part Two – I barely remember this, which I feel bad about. It just reminds me of the first one. They are both cool. Visually stunning. Sound is fantastic and story is good, but it’s lost in a sea of special films right now. Should win some technical awards still.

Wicked – Probably the most fun I had in the theater. Lots of laughs and even some tears. Beautiful set and costumes. Big Talent. I think this is my #3 pick.

Anora – Such a wonderful surprise. This was my favorite – started out strong and ended even stronger. Hysterical. Independent film game on point. Love seeing new original stories with new (to me) actors. I want this to win Best Picture and Best Director (Sean Baker). I wouldn’t mind a writing nod to Baker as well, but I feel like A Real Pain (Jesse Eisenberg) needs some love since it didn’t get a best picture nomination.

The Brutalist – Big Hollywood film. Long. Pretty to look at. Intense performances from Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. Too big to sink my teeth into.