The journey to the Oscars ceremony in March 2025 is heating up as the Academy has announced shortlists for 10 categories. Leading the pack are the French musical crime film Emilia Pérez and the Broadway adaptation Wicked. These lists provide a glimpse into potential nominees, building anticipation for the big night.
Key Highlights
Top Films on the Shortlists
- Emilia Pérez:
- Leads with six mentions, including:
- International Feature Film (French submission)
- Original Score
- Makeup and Hairstyling
- Sound
- Two nominations in Original Song (“El Mal” and “Mi Camino”)
- Leads with six mentions, including:
- Wicked:
- Close behind with four mentions.
- Other notable films with three mentions include:
- Dune: Part Two
- Alien: Romulus
- Gladiator II
- The Wild Robot
- Blitz
Categories Announced
The Academy revealed shortlists for the following:
- Visual Effects
- Makeup and Hairstyling
- Music (Original Score and Original Song)
- Sound
- Live Action and Animated Short Films
- Documentary Feature and Short Films
- International Feature Film
Key categories like Best Picture, acting, screenplay, and directing remain open for broader voting, with nominees set to be announced in January.
Noteworthy Entries in Specific Categories
International Feature Film
Submissions include:
- France: Emilia Pérez
- Brazil: I’m Still Here
- Denmark: The Girl with the Needle
- Germany: The Seed of the Sacred Fig
- Senegal: Dahomey
Original Score
Popular mentions:
- Alien: Romulus
- Blitz
- Emilia Pérez
- Wicked
Documentary Features
Top titles include:
- The Bibi Files
- Hollywoodgate
- Porcelain War
Surprises and Snubs
The absence of India’s critically acclaimed All We Imagine as Light in the International Feature Film category raised eyebrows. Instead, India submitted Laapataa Ladies. This decision has sparked debate, as All We Imagine as Light had received prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix at Cannes.
What Do the Shortlists Mean?
Shortlists often hint at Oscar winners, though not always. Last year:
- Barbie led with five shortlist mentions but secured only one Oscar win.
- Oppenheimer won seven Oscars despite having fewer shortlist mentions.
What’s Next in Awards Season?
Upcoming dates to watch:
- Golden Globes: January 5
- Critics Choice Awards: January 12
- Oscar Nominations: January 17
- Academy Awards Ceremony: March 2
Strong Contenders
The shortlists highlight strong contenders like Emilia Pérez and Wicked, while sparking conversations about surprises and omissions. With more awards ceremonies ahead, the excitement is only beginning.
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