As the 2025 Academy Awards draw near, the buzz around Hollywood’s biggest night is growing louder. This year’s lineup features a dynamic mix of intimate dramas, biopics, musicals, and international features. While a few categories have clear favorites, many races remain wide open, promising a suspenseful and exciting Oscar ceremony.
Here’s a detailed look at the key categories and the top contenders poised to take home the gold.
Best Picture
Front-Runner: Anora
Sean Baker’s Anora, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and took home both the DGA and PGA awards, is leading the pack. Its grounded storytelling and character depth make it the film to beat.
Challenger: Conclave
Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave has gained serious momentum after winning the SAG Ensemble Award. With strong performances and a gripping narrative, it could upset the favorite.
Also in the Running:
- The Brutalist
- A Complete Unknown
- Emilia Pérez
- Wicked: Part One
Prediction: Anora has a strong lead, but Conclave could surprise if Academy voters favor ensemble-driven storytelling.
Best Director
Predicted Winner: Sean Baker – Anora
Baker’s acclaimed direction and consistent wins on the awards circuit position him as the most likely winner.
Potential Upsets:
- Brady Corbet – The Brutalist
- Maria Schrader – Emilia Pérez
Prediction: Sean Baker is expected to win unless voters opt for a more stylized vision like Corbet’s.
Best Actor
Top Contender: Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
Brody’s intense and haunting performance has won over critics and fans alike. It’s considered one of his career best.
Main Rival: Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan is charismatic and immersive, earning him significant attention.
Other Nominees:
- Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
- Paul Mescal – The History of Sound
- Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
Prediction: Brody holds the edge, though Chalamet remains a strong challenger.
Best Actress
Leading Contenders:
- Mikey Madison – Anora
- Demi Moore – The Substance
Madison’s breakout performance anchors Anora, while Moore’s comeback in a bold, transformative role has captured critical interest.
Other Nominees:
- Carey Mulligan – Maestro
- Emma Stone – Poor Things
- Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor – Origin
Prediction: A close call, but Mikey Madison may take it, unless voters are swayed by Moore’s powerful return.
Best Supporting Actor
Favorite: Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain
Known for his television work, Culkin’s turn in A Real Pain is heartfelt and deeply human.
Other Contenders:
- Yura Borisov – Anora
- Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
- Mark Ruffalo – Poor Things
- Jacob Elordi – Saltburn
Prediction: Culkin leads, but Borisov could emerge as a dark horse.
Best Supporting Actress
Predicted Winner: Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez
Saldaña’s performance blends emotional power with musical flair, earning high praise from critics and fans.
Challengers:
- Monica Barbaro – A Complete Unknown
- Ariana Grande – Wicked
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph – The Holdovers
- Julianne Moore – May December
Prediction: Zoe Saldaña is slightly ahead, but Ariana Grande’s musical appeal could shift votes.
Best Original Screenplay
Top Picks:
- Conclave – Intellectually rich and tightly written
- The Holdovers – A heartwarming and nostalgic script
- Anora – Subtle, character-driven storytelling
Prediction: Conclave is likely to win for its depth and complexity.
Best Adapted Screenplay
Front-Runners:
- A Complete Unknown – A layered, musical biopic
- Poor Things – Bold, imaginative adaptation
- The Zone of Interest – Tense and minimalist
Prediction: Poor Things wins for its creative risk-taking and narrative control.
Best International Feature
Likely Winner: I’m Still Here (Germany)
This deeply emotional film has been a favorite across multiple festivals and carries significant buzz.
Runner-Up: Emilia Pérez (France/Spain)
Prediction: I’m Still Here is a strong favorite, though Emilia Pérez remains a worthy challenger.
Best Animated Feature
Top Contenders:
- The Wild Robot – Emotionally resonant and visually impressive
- Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse – High-energy and genre-defining
- Nimona – Unique and critically acclaimed
Prediction: The Wild Robot may appeal to both critics and family audiences.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Oscars promise a compelling mix of fresh faces, veteran comebacks, and genre-defying films. While Anora and Sean Baker appear to be the top picks in major categories, surprises are always possible. Strong performances from Demi Moore, Timothée Chalamet, and Zoe Saldaña add intensity to an already competitive field.
This year’s ceremony will celebrate bold storytelling, emotional depth, and the evolving voice of cinema across the globe. As always, the Oscars will not only honor excellence—but also spark debate, emotion, and inspiration for years to come.