2025 Oscar Nominations: Snubs and Surprises That Have Everyone Talking
The 2025 Oscar nominations are finally here, and as always, they’ve brought a mix of predictable frontrunners and jaw-dropping surprises. While some films dominated the nominations as expected, others were left out, sparking debates among fans and critics. With the Academy Awards set to air on March 2, let’s break down this year’s biggest snubs and surprises that have people buzzing.
Top Nominated Films of 2025
This year, the frontrunners didn’t disappoint. Leading the pack is Emilia Pérez with a whopping 13 nominations, cementing its status as a major contender. Close on its heels are Wicked and The Brutalist, each earning 10 nominations.
Despite these expected successes, the nominations also brought surprises that left the entertainment world buzzing. From snubs of high-profile actors to unexpected recognition for lesser-discussed films, there’s plenty to unpack.
The Biggest Oscar Snubs
Selena Gomez Misses Out
Despite her strong performance in Emilia Pérez, Selena Gomez failed to earn a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. While her co-stars Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldaña received nods, Gomez’s omission has left fans disappointed and questioning the Academy’s choices.
Luca Guadagnino’s Shutout
Two films by director Luca Guadagnino, Challengers and Queer, were completely shut out of the nominations. Even Challengers’ Golden Globe win for Best Score wasn’t enough to secure an Oscar nod, and Daniel Craig’s anticipated nomination for Best Actor in Queer didn’t materialize either.
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Marianne Jean-Baptiste Overlooked Again
Marianne Jean-Baptiste delivered an emotionally gripping performance in Hard Truths, but once again, she has been left out of the Oscars race. Despite receiving nominations at smaller award shows, the Academy didn’t include her in the Best Actress category.
Angelina Jolie Snubbed for Maria
Angelina Jolie was widely considered a frontrunner for her role in Maria, but her name was missing from this year’s Best Actress nominees. This unexpected snub shocked fans and industry insiders alike.
A Real Pain Falls Short
While A Real Pain earned Jesse Eisenberg a nomination for Best Original Screenplay and Kieran Culkin dominated the Best Supporting Actor race, the film itself was snubbed for Best Picture.
No Cinematography Nod for Nickel Boys
Although Nickel Boys earned a Best Picture nomination, its visually unique cinematography wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the Best Cinematography category, leaving many fans surprised.
Jon M. Chu Left Out
Despite Wicked receiving an impressive 10 nominations overall, its director, Jon M. Chu, did not earn a spot in the Best Director category.
The Biggest Surprises
The Substance Scores Big
Horror films rarely get the spotlight at the Oscars, but The Substance broke the mold with five nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Demi Moore. The film’s bold storytelling and campy horror vibes have clearly struck a chord with the Academy.
Recognition for Nosferatu
Another horror film, Nosferatu, surprised everyone by earning four nominations for Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling. This recognition highlights the growing appreciation for genre films in prestigious categories.
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Monica Barbaro Shines in A Complete Unknown
Monica Barbaro’s nomination for Best Supporting Actress in A Complete Unknown has solidified the film’s status as an underdog favorite this awards season.
Sebastian Stan’s Bold Role Gets Nominated
Sebastian Stan earned a nomination for portraying Donald Trump in The Apprentice. After his Golden Globe win for A Different Man, this Oscar nod confirms his versatility as an actor.
I’m Still Here Makes the Best Picture List
The Brazilian drama I’m Still Here received a surprise Best Picture nomination, thanks in part to Fernanda Torres’ award-winning performance. This recognition came as a shock to many, as the film had flown under the radar in early awards discussions.
Why These Snubs and Surprises Matter
The 2025 Oscar nominations highlight the Academy’s shifting perspective, with greater recognition of diverse genres like horror (The Substance, Nosferatu) and international cinema (I’m Still Here). However, the absence of major names like Selena Gomez, Angelina Jolie, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste shows that traditional Oscar politics are still in play.
For fans and critics, these snubs and surprises are what make the awards season unpredictable and exciting. As we count down to March 2, all eyes will be on the Oscars to see who takes home the coveted golden statues.
Key Takeaways
- Emilia Pérez leads with 13 nominations, while Wicked and The Brutalist follow with 10 each.
- High-profile snubs include Selena Gomez, Angelina Jolie, and director Jon M. Chu.
- Horror films like The Substance and Nosferatu are gaining recognition in major categories.
- Surprising nominations for Sebastian Stan and Monica Barbaro have added to the buzz.
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as the 2025 Academy Awards approach!
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- 2025 Oscar Nominations: Snubs and Surprises That Have Everyone Talking
