The Biggest Surprises And Snubs In The 2025 Oscar Nominations

The 97th Academy Awards nominations, announced on January 23, 2025, have provoked heated debate among cinema fans and industry insiders. While certain predicted references were confirmed, other surprise inclusions and omissions attracted the public's interest.

 

 

 

 

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Sebastian Stan's Unexpected Nomination

Sebastian Stan unexpectedly received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the role of Donald Trump in The Apprentice. This is a significant milestone in Stan's career, demonstrating his variety and depth as an actor.

'I'm Still Here' Earns Multiple Nominations

Walter Salles' Brazilian film I'm Still Here received numerous nominations, including Best International Feature, Best Supporting Actress (Fernanda Torres), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture. This honor highlights the film's critical acclaim and influence on the international film community.

Selena Gomez's Omission

Selena Gomez, despite her praised performance in Emilia Pérez, was noticeably absent from the Best Actress nominee list. This exclusion has been a source of

criticism, as many expected her to be recognized for her performance in the film.

Other Notable Snubs and Surprises

Snubs

• Challengers and Queer

  Both of filmmaker Luca Guadagnino's eligible films had no Oscar nominations. Winning a Golden Globe did not generate enough excitement to earn Challengers a Best Score nomination, and Daniel Craig did not receive his projected Best Actor consideration for Queer.

• Marianne Jean-Baptiste
  Despite receiving multiple nominations for her emotionally complex lead role in Hard Truths, she was overlooked by the Golden Globes and Oscars.
• Angelina Jolie
  Many considered Angelina as a frontrunner for her performance as the titular character in Maria, but she was not nominated for Best Actress this year.
• A Real Pain
  Though Kieran Culkin is leading the Best Supporting Actor race this season, and actor-director Jesse Eisenberg received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, the film was not nominated for Best Picture.
• Jon M. Chu
  Though Wicked received an incredible ten nominations, its director was not nominated himself.
• Nickel Boys
  Nickel Boys' distinctive point-of-view filming method did not garner it a cinematography award, but it is a pleasant surprise to see it receive a Best Picture consideration.

Surprises

• The Substance
  Though the picture has been in the awards conversation for a long time, it is still astonishing to see a campy horror film garner five Oscar nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay for Coralie Fargeat, as well as Best Actress for Demi Moore.
• Nosferatu
  It's surprising to see a horror picture win so many prizes, just like The Substance, although Nosferatu hasn't received as much attention as The Substance. Its four nominations for Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling are a significant surprise.
• Monica Barbaro
  A Complete Unknown has been gathering momentum in recent months, and Barbaro's Best Supporting Actress nomination solidifies the academy's admiration for the picture.

• I’m Still Here
  Fernanda Torres won a Golden Globe for her role in the Brazilian drama, but it's surprising to see the film nominated for Best Picture.

   

   

   

   

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Record-Breaking Nominations

Emilia Pérez, a musical directed by Jacques Audiard, received the most nominations, with 13, including Best Picture and Best Director. Karla Sofía Gascón became the first openly transgender actor to receive an Oscar nomination, winning Best Actress for her portrayal in the film.

Also Read:

• Wicked Leads 2025 SAG Awards Nominations Amid Notable Snubs
• 2025 Golden Globes Celebrates Diversity As Emilia Pérez And Shogun Shine With Bold Narratives
• Pop Star To Movie Star: Charli XCX's 'The Moment' With A24