The 2025 Oscars: A Look at the Best Actress Nominees

Introduction to the 97th Oscars

The 2025 Oscars, officially known as the 97th Academy Awards, are set to take place on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. This year’s ceremony will be televised on ABC and streamed live on Hulu for the first time, marking a historic moment in the Oscars’ journey into the digital age. As Hollywood’s biggest night approaches, all eyes are on the talented actresses vying for the prestigious Best Actress award. The nominees include Cynthia Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón, Mikey Madison, Demi Moore, and Fernanda Torres. Each of these actresses has delivered standout performances in films that have captivated audiences and sparked meaningful conversations. This year’s race is not only a celebration of talent but also a reflection of the diverse stories and challenges being told in contemporary cinema.

Cynthia Erivo: The Powerhouse Performance in Wicked

Cynthia Erivo has earned her Best Actress nomination for her iconic portrayal of Elphaba Thropp in director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the musical Wicked. Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the film explores the complex friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, played by Ariana Grande. Erivo’s performance has been met with widespread acclaim, particularly for her rendition of the iconic song “Defying Gravity,” which has become a viral sensation on social media. Critics have praised her ability to bring depth and nuance to the character, making Elphaba a relatable and sympathetic figure.

Erivo’s nomination is just the latest milestone in a career filled with accolades. She has also been nominated for a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance. At the National Board of Review Gala, Erivo expressed her deep connection to the character, stating, “She’s always gonna be in my heart, I don’t think she’s ever gonna go anywhere.” Wicked itself has been a critical and commercial success, earning 10 Oscar nominations and solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about films of the year.

Karla Sofía Gascón: Breaking Barriers in Emilia Pérez

Karla Sofía Gascón made history by becoming the first openly trans actor to receive an Oscar nomination for her powerful performance in Emilia Pérez. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film tells the story of a Mexican drug cartel leader who fakes her death, undergoes gender-affirming surgery, and later attempts to redeem herself and reconnect with her family. Gascón’s portrayal has been praised for its raw intensity and emotional depth, earning her a Cannes Film Festival Best Actress award alongside her co-stars Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Zoe Saldaña.

However, Emilia Pérez has not been without controversy. Critics and LGBTQ advocates have criticized the film for its portrayal of the trans community, calling it harmful and a step backward for trans representation. Additionally, Gascón has faced backlash for past tweets that resurfaced in January, in which she made derogatory comments about Islam, China, and the Black Lives Matter movement. In response to the backlash, Gascón deactivated her social media account and issued an apology, vowing to stay silent to allow the film to be appreciated on its own merits. Despite the controversy, Gascón’s performance remains a testament to her talent and the groundbreaking nature of her nomination.

Mikey Madison: A Star on the Rise in Anora

Mikey Madison has earned her first Oscar nomination for her role as Ani, a young sex worker, in Sean Baker’s Anora. The film follows Ani’s Cinderella-like story as she marries the son of an oligarch, only to have her fairy tale crumbling when her husband’s parents seek to annul the marriage. Madison’s performance has been praised for its vulnerability and authenticity, earning her nominations for a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Critics Choice Award.

Madison’s role in Anora has also sparked conversation about intimacy coordinators on film sets. In an interview with Variety, Madison revealed that she declined the use of an intimacy coordinator during the film’s explicit scenes, opting instead to work closely with the director and her co-star, Mark Eydelshteyn. While some have praised her for taking control of her own boundaries, others have argued that intimacy coordinators should be mandatory to ensure safety and consent on set. Madison described the experience as positive and credited the role with evolving her approach to her craft.

Demi Moore: A Daring Role in The Substance

Demi Moore has taken on one of the most daring roles of her career in Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance. Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity who turns to a black-market drug that creates a younger, more perfect version of herself. The film explores themes of identity, validation, and the pressures of societal expectations, resonating deeply with audiences. Moore’s performance has been lauded for its boldness and nuance, earning her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and a Critics Choice Award.

At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Moore described the role as a “challenge in the best way,” one that pushed her out of her comfort zone and allowed her to explore new depths as an actress. She also reflected on the film’s universal themes, stating, “We all seek a certain sense of validation, belonging, and by Coralie doing it in a way that took us to the extreme, I think it really allows for you to kind of step into it in a totally unique way.” Moore’s nomination is a testament to her willingness to take risks and embrace complex characters throughout her career.

Fernanda Torres: A Powerful Performance in I’m Still Here

Fernanda Torres has earned her Best Actress nomination for her stirring performance in Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here. The film tells the story of Eunice Paiva, an activist and mother forced to reinvent herself after her husband disappears during Brazil’s military dictatorship in 1971. Torres’ portrayal has been praised for its emotional intensity and authenticity, earning her a Golden Globe and a Virtuoso Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Torres also made history by becoming the second Brazilian actress to receive an Oscar nomination, following in the footsteps of her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated for Central Station in 1998. However, Torres faced backlash when a decades-old skit from a Brazilian TV show resurfaced, in which she appeared in blackface. She issued a heartfelt apology, acknowledging the hurt caused by her actions and emphasizing the importance of continuing the conversation about racism and inequality.

Conclusion: Celebrating Talent and Sparking Conversations

This year’s Best Actress race is a testament to the diversity and talent of women in Hollywood. From Cynthia Erivo’s electrifying performance in Wicked to Karla Sofía Gascón’s barrier-breaking nomination, these actresses have brought to life characters that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. The stories they’ve helped tell—of identity, redemption, and resilience—reflect the complexities of our world and the power of cinema to spark meaningful conversations. As the Oscars approach, audiences around the globe will be eagerly awaiting the outcome, celebrating not just the winners but the incredible journeys of all these nominees.