The 2025 Academy Awards, locked in for March 2, 2025, are gearing up for a Best Picture race that’s hard to call. Ten films—some lean and fierce, others grand and glossy—stand in the spotlight. Ranked by critical nods, awards heft, and what they bring to the table, they showcase cinema at its most varied.
The Top 10 Nominees, Ranked
Anora
Sean Baker spins a jagged yarn about a stripper and a Russian heir, piling up guild wins until a SAG stumble tightened the reins.
The Brutalist
Brady Corbet’s broad, brooding epic leans on Adrien Brody, grabbing a BAFTA Best Director honor, though its runtime demands grit.
Conclave
Ralph Fiennes steers this sharp-edged papal tale, stacking BAFTA and SAG Ensemble wins that keep it firmly in the hunt.
Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi sprawl turns heads with its scale, holding its own among smaller films, even if its depth splits watchers.
The Substance
Demi Moore digs into this raw body-horror twist, landing a SAG Best Actress nod—a long shot for Oscar’s usual playbook.
A Complete Unknown
Timothée Chalamet captures Bob Dylan, clinching SAG Best Actor with a film that hums with old-school charm.
Nickel Boys
Colson Whitehead’s novel finds new life here, its deft camera work slipping it into contention with understated force.
I’m Still Here
This Brazilian lens on family and tyranny simmers with quiet strength, a natural fit for the Academy’s broader view.
Wicked
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo carry this musical powerhouse, its awards pull outpaced by theater turnout.
Emilia Pérez
A cartel story turned musical takes risks, shaken by backlash but buoyed by Zoe Saldaña’s SAG win.
Why the 2025 Race Keeps Everyone Guessing
This field has no obvious kingpin. Anora roared out of the gate, but Conclave stole thunder with a SAG Ensemble coup on February 23. The Brutalist hooks the critics, while Dune: Part Two and Wicked bank on big audiences. The Academy’s ranked voting might hand it to a steady favorite like Conclave.
Where to Catch These Contenders
- In theaters: Anora, The Brutalist, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Wicked.
- Streaming: Emilia Pérez on Netflix, Nickel Boys via Amazon Prime, A Complete Unknown soon to drop.
- Limited release: I’m Still Here and The Substance—scout local listings.
Looking Ahead to Oscar Night
The 2025 Best Picture race spans historical depths like The Brutalist, high-spirited musicals such as Wicked, and expansive sci-fi like Dune: Part Two. This lineup speaks to film fans across the board. Forecasts point to a nail-biter, each title carved by its own vision. The 97th Academy Awards on March 2 will settle the score, tipping a hat to the year’s sharpest cinematic strides.
