2025 Oscar Nominations Announced: Notable Snubs and Historic Firsts Highlight This Year's Contenders

The most anticipated moment for movie enthusiasts has finally arrived, as the 2025 Academy Awards nominations have been unveiled. Notable figures such as Denzel Washington, Nicole Kidman, Amy Adams, Tilda Swinton, and Daniel Craig were notably absent from the nominations list, much to the surprise of many. The announcement, made on Thursday morning, brought both excitement and disappointment, as several acclaimed performances were overlooked.

A Historic Nomination

A remarkable moment in the history of the Academy Awards was marked by the nomination of Karla Sofía Gascón for her role in "Emilia Pérez." This nomination made her the first openly transgender actress to receive an Oscar nomination. Gascón's portrayal of a Mexican drug lord transitioning to a woman not only garnered her critical acclaim but also recognition from prestigious award bodies, as she was also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe. Furthermore, Gascón shared the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival with her "Emilia Pérez" costars, including Zoe Saldaña, Selina Gomez, and Adriana Paz.

Omitted Laureates

While Gascón's nomination was a significant milestone, it left many wondering about the absence of other prominent contenders in the best actress category. Nicole Kidman's acclaimed performance in "Babygirl" and Angelina Jolie's portrayal of opera star Maria Callas in "Maria" were notably missing, along with Amy Adams in "Nightbitch," Kate Winslet in "Lee," Saoirse Ronan in "The Outrun," and Tilda Swinton in "The Room Next Door." The exclusion of such heavyweights raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the Academy's selection process.

Shifts in the Best Actor Category

The category for best actors bore resemblance to the Screen Actors Guild lineup, with one notable exception. Daniel Craig's portrayal of a gay man in pursuit of a younger man in "Queer" was left off the Oscar nominations list, paving the way for Sebastian Stan's performance as a young Donald Trump in "The Apprentice" to take its place. Other notable omissions included Paul Mescal in "Gladiator II" and Hugh Grant in "Heretic." The competitive nature of the best actor category was evident, as the Academy faced difficult decisions in selecting the nominees, leading to the exclusion of several talented actors.

Surprises in the Best Supporting Actor Category

The best supporting actor category also saw some unexpected snubs. Denzel Washington's role as a slave owner in "Gladiator II" was overlooked, as was Stanley Tucci in "Conclave," Peter Sarsgaard in "September 5," and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey from "Wicked." Despite the stiff competition, the absence of these acclaimed performers left many spectators astounded, emphasizing the challenges of the nomination process.

While some may have expected Jon M. Chu's direction in "Wicked" to receive recognition, it was conspicuously missing from the best director nominations. Chu was not alone in this oversight, as Denis Villeneuve ("Dune: Part Two"), Edward Berger ("Conclave"), and Ridley Scott ("Gladiator II") also found themselves absent from the list. The decision to omit such renowned directors sparked debates about the criteria used by the Academy in selecting its nominees.

Notable Omissions Across the Board

The nominations also featured some surprises in various categories. Elton John, a two-time Oscar winner for best song, received another nod for "Never Too Late," from the documentary "Elton John: Never Too Late." Additionally, the film "Nosferatu" garnered four nominations for costumes, production design, cinematography, and hair/makeup, showcasing its artistic prowess. However, some notable omissions included "Dune: Part Two," which was absent from the costume, hair/makeup, and editing categories. Furthermore, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' score for "Challengers," which won a Golden Globe, did not receive a nomination. The dystopian political drama "Civil War" and "Kneecap", the somewhat-truthful origin story of the Irish rap group, also failed to secure any nominations, leaving their respective fanbases disappointed.

Leading the Pack

Despite the snubs and surprises, one film emerged as the frontrunner in the Oscar race. "Emilia Pérez" secured a remarkable 13 nominations, solidifying its position as the film to beat. Following closely behind were "The Brutalist" and "Wicked," each with 10 nominations, indicating a competitive awards season ahead. The wide range of nominations showcased the diverse array of talent and stories recognized by the Academy.

Upcoming Academy Awards

The Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, promising an evening of glamour, celebration, and recognition for the outstanding achievements in cinema over the past year. As anticipation builds, the film industry eagerly awaits to witness the winners being crowned and the unforgettable moments that will unfold on stage.

The 2025 Academy Awards nominations have stirred excitement and controversy within the film community. While the recognition of Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly transgender actress to receive an Oscar nomination marks a significant milestone, the absence of several prominent performers has sparked discussions about the Academy's selection process. As the film world gears up for the upcoming awards ceremony on March 2, the anticipation for the celebration of cinematic excellence continues to grow, promising an unforgettable evening for all