Cinema, emotion, and records: what to expect from the 97th Academy Awards
The 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on 2nd March 2025—broadcast in Spain in the early hours of Monday, 3rd March—at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, promises to be one of the most exciting and diverse editions in recent cinematic history.
Leading the nominations is the French film “Emilia Pérez”, setting a record with 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Jacques Audiard. Close behind are “The Brutalist” and “Wicked”, each with 10 nominations, establishing themselves as key contenders in this edition.
A closer look at the top nominated films:
“Emilia Pérez”
This innovative musical thriller tells the story of a lawyer who, in an attempt to escape a Mexican cartel, undergoes gender transition surgery and assumes a new identity. Karla Sofía Gascón‘s performance has been widely praised, earning her a nomination for Best Actress, making her the first openly transgender Spanish actress to achieve this recognition.
However, her nomination has sparked controversy due to past highly questionable tweets, generating debate and backlash on social media and beyond. While her talent in “Emilia Pérez” is undeniable, the controversy has ignited discussions about the responsibility of artists in their public discourse.
“The Brutalist”
Directed by Brady Corbet, this film follows the life of a Hungarian architect who emigrates to the United States after World War II, facing personal and professional challenges as he strives to leave his mark on the world of architecture.
With 10 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, “The Brutalist” stands out for its profound narrative and meticulous aesthetics.
Enjoy it on board Air Europa flights in April and May 2025.
“Wicked”
The highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the hit Broadway musical has enchanted both critics and audiences alike. With 10 nominations, the film shines in both technical and artistic categories.
Cynthia Erivo, portraying Elphaba, has been recognised with a nomination for Best Actress for her powerful performance.
Enjoy it on board Air Europa flights in April and May 2025.
“Anora”
Sean Baker presents the story of an American stripper of Russian descent who marries the son of a Russian oligarch in New York.
The film has been lauded for its realistic approach and the outstanding performance of Mikey Madison, who has earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Enjoy it on board Air Europa flights in March and April 2025.
“A Complete Unknown”
Under the direction of James Mangold, this biopic delves into the life of the legendary Bob Dylan, exploring his beginnings, challenges, and rise to fame. Timothée Chalamet delivers a magnetic performance in the lead role, not only capturing the essence of the musician but also showcasing his vocal and instrumental talent by singing and playing the guitar and harmonica in the film. His portrayal has earned him a nomination for Best Actor, cementing his status as one of the brightest talents of his generation.
Enjoy it on board Air Europa flights in April and May 2025.
“Conclave”
Directed by David Berger, this gripping film immerses viewers in the secretive world of papal elections, following the power dynamics and intrigues within the Vatican.
With 8 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, “Conclave” offers a fascinating insight into one of the Catholic Church’s most enigmatic processes.
“Dune: Part II”
Denis Villeneuve’s epic continuation of the science fiction saga has received 5 nominations. The film continues the story of Paul Atreides as he faces new alliances and challenges in his struggle for control over the desert planet of Arrakis.
“I’m Still Here”
This moving Brazilian film, directed by Walter Salles, follows the journey of a woman trying to rebuild her life after a personal tragedy. With 3 nominations, including Best International Feature, “I’m Still Here” stands out for its poignant narrative and powerful performances.
“Nickel Boys”
Based on Colson Whitehead’s acclaimed novel, this film directed by RaMell Ross tells the harrowing story of two young boys in a Florida reform school during the era of segregation.
With 2 nominations, “Nickel Boys” delivers a raw and compelling portrayal of racial injustice in the United States.
“The Substance”
Coralie Fargeat presents a psychological thriller that pushes the boundaries of science and ethics. Demi Moore has been nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of a scientist obsessed with a groundbreaking discovery that challenges moral conventions.
The diversity and depth of the stories presented this year reflect a vibrant cinematic landscape committed to narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. The 2025 Academy Awards ceremony promises to be an unforgettable celebration of talent and creativity in film.
Here is the full list of categories and winners highlighted in bold for the 2025 Oscars:
Best Picture
– “Anora”
– “The Brutalist”
– “A Complete Unknown”
– “Conclave”
– “Dune: Part Two”
– “Emilia Pérez”
– “I’m Still Here”
– “Nickel Boys”
– “The Substance”
– “Wicked”
Best Director
– Sean Baker – “Anora”
– Brady Corbet – “The Brutalist”
– James Mangold – “A Complete Unknown”
– Jacques Audiard – “Emilia Pérez”
– Coralie Fargeat – “The Substance”
Best Actor in a Leading Role
– Adrien Brody – “The Brutalist”
– Timothée Chalamet – “A Complete Unknown”
– Colman Domingo – “Sing Sing”
– Ralph Fiennes – “Conclave”
– Sebastian Stan – “The Apprentice”
Best Actress in a Leading Role
– Cynthia Erivo – “Wicked”
– Karla Sofía Gascón – “Emilia Pérez”
– Mikey Madison – “Anora”
– Demi Moore – “The Substance”
– Fernanda Torres – “I’m Still Here”
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
– Yura Borisov – “Anora”
– Kieran Culkin – “A real pain”
– Edward Norton – “A Complete Unknown”
– Guy Pearce – “The Brutalist”
– Jeremy Strong – “The Apprentice”
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
– Monica Barbaro – “A Complete Unknown”
– Ariana Grande – “Wicked”
– Felicity Jones – “The Brutalist”
– Isabella Rossellini – “Conclave”
– Zoe Saldaña – “Emilia Pérez”
Best Original Screenplay
– “Anora”
– “The Brutalist”
– “A Real Pain”
– “September 5”
– “The Substance”
Best Adapted Screenplay
– “A Complete Unknown”
– “Conclave”
– “Emilia Pérez”
– “Nickel Boys”
– “Sing Sing”
Best International Feature Film
– “I’m Still Here” (Brazil)
– “The Girl With the Needle” (Denmark)
– “Emilia Pérez” (France)
– “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (Germany)
– “Flow” (Latvia)
Best Animated Feature Film
– “Flow”
– “Inside Out 2”
– “Memoirs of a Snail”
– “Wallace and Gromit: Revenge is served with feathers”
– “Savage Robot”
Best Animated Short Film
– “Beautiful Men”
– “In The Shadow of the Cypress”
– “Magic Candies”
– “Wander to Wonder”
– “Yuck!”
Best Documentary Feature Film
– “Black Box Diaries”
– “No Other Land”
– “Porcelain Ware”
– “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat”
– “Sugarcane”
Best Documentary Short Film
– “Death By Numbers”
– “I Am Ready Queen”
– “Incident”
– “Instruments of a Beating Heart”
– “The Only Girl in the Orchestra”
Best Cinematography
– “The Brutalist”
– “Dune: Part II”
– “Emilia Pérez”
– “Maria Callas”
– “Nosferatu”
Best Film Editing
– “Anora”
– “The Brutalist”
– “Conclave”
– “Emilia Pérez”
– “Wicked”
Best Production Design
– “The Brutalist”
– “Conclave”
– “Dune: Parte Dos”
– “Nosferatu”
– “Wicked”
Best Sound
– “A Complete Unknown”
– “Dune. Part II”
– “Emilia Pérez”
– “Wicked”
– “Savage Robot”
Best Costume Design
– “Nosferatu”
– “Gladiator II”
– “Conclave”
– “Wicked”
– “A Complete Unknown”
Best Makeup & Hairstyling
– “Emilia Pérez”
– “Nosferatu”
– “A Different Man”
– “The Substance”
– “Wicked”
Best Original Score
– “The Brutalist” (A24), Daniel Blumberg
– “Conclave” (Focus Features), Volker Bertelmann
– “Emilia Pérez” (Netflix), Clément Ducol y Camille
– “Wicked” (Universal Pictures) John Powell y Stephen Schwartz
– “The Wild Robot” (DreamWorks Animation), Kris Bowers
Best Original Song
– “El Mal” (“Emilia Pérez”)
– “The Journey” (“Seis Triple Ocho”)
– “Like A Bird” (“Las vidas de Sing Sing”)
– “Mi camino” (“Emilia Pérez”)
– “Never too Late” (“Elton John: Never Too Late”)
(*) Cover photo: Engin Akyurt (Pexels).
