2025 Oscar Nominations: A Celebration of Talent and Diversity

Excitement Builds as First-Time Nominees Shine in the 97th Academy Awards

The 2025 Oscar nominations were unveiled on Thursday, marking a milestone in the cinematic calendar. This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized a blend of established stars and fresh faces, with 13 individuals receiving their first-ever Oscar nods in the acting categories. The nominations reflect a diverse range of performances, spanning genres from comedy and drama to musicals. Films like Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, and Wicked dominates the list, with Emilia Pérez leading the pack with 13 nominations, followed by The Brutalist and Wicked each earning 10 nods. The 97th Academy Awards will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, with the ceremony airing live on ABC on March 2 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Breakout Performances and Veteran Talent Share the Spotlight

Among the first-time nominees, several standout performances have captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. Monica Barbaro, known for her role as Joan Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Yura Borisov also earned a Best Supporting Actor nod for his portrayal of Igor in Anora. Kieran Culkin, who played the lovable but complicated Benji in A Real Pain, rounds out the list of first-time nominees in the Best Supporting Actor category. These newcomers are joined by veterans like Demi Moore, who received her first Oscar nomination for her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance.

Emerging Stars and Iconic Roles Define This Year’s Acting Categories

The Best Actress category features a mix of rising stars and seasoned actors. Karla Sofía Gascón made her mark with a powerful performance as the titular character in Emilia Pérez, earning her first Oscar nomination. Mikey Madison also secured a Best Actress nod for her breakout role as Ani in Anora. Meanwhile, Fernanda Torres was recognized for her portrayal of Eunice Paiva in I’m Still Here. In the Best Supporting Actress category, pop icon Ariana Grande has made her Oscar debut with her role as Glinda in the musical blockbuster Wicked. Isabella Rossellini and Zoe Saldaña also received nods for their respective roles in Conclave and Emilia Pérez.

Unforgettable Performances in Iconic Roles

The Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories are equally impressive, with Sebastian Stan making history as the first actor to portray a young Donald Trump in a film, earning him a Best Actor nomination for The Apprentice. Jeremy Strong, who plays lawyer Roy Cohn in the same film, was also recognized in the Best Supporting Actor category. Guy Pearce rounds out the list of first-time nominees with his nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Harrison Lee Van Buren in The Brutalist. These performances highlight the versatility and depth of talent in this year’s nominations.

A Year of Cinematic Excellence and Genre-Bending Stories

The films recognized this year showcase a wide range of storytelling, from the biographical depth of Emilia Pérez to the dramatic intensity of The Brutalist and the musical spectacle of Wicked. These movies have not only captivated audiences but also demonstrated the power of cinema to tell diverse and compelling stories. With Emilia Pérez leading the nominations, it’s clear that this film has resonated deeply with the Academy, thanks to its powerful narrative and standout performances.

The 97th Academy Awards: A Night to Remember

As the countdown begins to the 97th Academy Awards, fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema. With Conan O’Brien at the helm as host, the ceremony will undoubtedly bring laughter, tears, and moments of inspiration. The 13 first-time nominees add a fresh layer of excitement to the event, as they embark on this significant milestone in their careers. Whether it’s the glamour of the red carpet or the emotional acceptance speeches, this year’s Oscars are set to be a night to remember.