And the Oscar for the fastest twelve months in recent memory undoubtedly goes to… well, this time it’s not the dramatic, sweeping epics that have captured our imaginations but rather a more subdued yet pivotal year in cinema.
It appears 2025 has taken a different path compared to its predecessors, especially for Irish talent at the Academy Awards. The spotlight, however, is still shining brightly on the biopic The Apprentice, co-produced by the Dublin-based Tailored Films. With nominations for Best Actor (Sebastian Stan) and Best Supporting Actor (Jeremy Strong), the film is shouldering the responsibility of representing Irish artistry on such a prestigious stage.
Fret not, cinephiles! While the nominations might feel a tad scant this year, there’s still a promising aura of excitement surrounding the Oscars. Who knows what surprises await us come Sunday night in Los Angeles? Stay tuned and catch the live broadcast on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from midnight.
Oscar Nominations: A Closer Look
The nominations are always a talking point, and this year is no exception. The Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez has become a formidable contender, leading with an impressive thirteen nominations. Meanwhile, The Brutalist, which tells the poignant story of a Holocaust survivor in pursuit of the American dream, and the prequel to the famed Wizard of Oz, Wicked, both boast ten nominations each.
Let’s delve into what we anticipate happening in the key categories on Sunday:
Adapted and Original Screenplay
Nominees – Adapted Screenplay:
A Complete Unknown – James Mangold, Jay Cocks
Conclave – Peter Straughan
Emilia Pérez – Jacques Audiard in collaboration with Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius, and Nicolas Livecchi
Nickel Boys – RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes
Sing Sing – Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar (Story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield)
Nominees – Original Screenplay:
Anora – Sean Baker
The Brutalist – Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold
A Real Pain – Jesse Eisenberg
September 5 – Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum (Co-Written by Alex David)
The Substance – Coralie Fargeat
Predicted Winners: Conclave (Peter Straughan), Anora (Sean Baker)
One can’t help but marvel at how Peter Straughan seems to be in a league of his own with his adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel Conclave. His work is, for lack of a better term, simply unmatched. Although RaMell Ross captured the WGA Award for his adaptation of Nickel Boys, Straughan’s and Conclave’s eligibility issues mean we could well see a different narrative unfold on Sunday. As for Original Screenplay, Sean Baker’s recognition at the WGA Awards positions him favorably, especially given voters’ historical fondness for writer-director collaborations. That said, Jesse Eisenberg could emerge as a surprise contender with A Real Pain.
International Feature Film
Nominees:
Brazil – I’m Still Here
Denmark – The Girl with the Needle
France – Emilia Pérez
Germany – The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Latvia – Flow
Predicted Winner: I’m Still Here
Remember the controversies that often accompany award season? I’m Still Here faced its fair share, with discussions surrounding star Karla Sofía Gascón’s past tweets. Yet, amidst all that chatter, the film has won over audiences with its evocative portrayal of political issues wrapped in a personal narrative. The raw intensity of Fernanda Torres’s performance as dedicated activist Eunice Paiva is noteworthy; she presents a magnanimous force that resonates deeply within the political landscapes we currently face.
Actor in a Supporting Role
Nominees:
Yura Borisov – Anora
Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain
Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong – The Apprentice
Predicted Winner: Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain
In a category bursting with talent, Kieran Culkin’s portrayal in A Real Pain stands out so brilliantly it’s nearly undisputed. With accolades sewn into his resume from the Golden Globes to the BAFTAs, the potential for his speech to steal the show looms large. What might he say, one wonders? Certainly, it could be the most memorable address of the evening!
Actress in a Supporting Role
Nominees:
Monica Barbaro – A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande – Wicked
Felicity Jones – The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini – Conclave
Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez
Predicted Winner: Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez
Much like her counterpart, Saldaña has captivated the audience with her versatile performance in Emilia Pérez, earning her a slew of accolades leading up to the Oscars. Her rendition of the soulful “El Mal” is especially commendable! Who knew Saldaña had such vocal prowess? Indeed, it’s a testament to her evolving talent.
Actor in a Leading Role
Nominees:
Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice
Predicted Winner: Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
The race for Best Actor could easily be considered a coin toss. After all, the winds of awards season have shifted dramatically. Timothée Chalamet recently scooped the SAG Award for his remarkable portrayal of Bob Dylan, a musical genius whom generations have admired. If he wins, he would not only embrace the Oscar but also rewrite the narrative of being the youngest winner in this esteemed category.
Actress in a Leading Role
Nominees:
Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison – Anora
Demi Moore – The Substance
Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here
Predicted Winner: Demi Moore – The Substance
This category brings with it an exhilarating blend of new talent and seasoned veterans. While Mikey Madison and Demi Moore have both forged compelling performances, the veteran actress has captured the narrative spotlight. Moore’s gripping take in The Substance has placed her squarely ahead in a tight race. Can you remember the last time a comeback was more eagerly anticipated?
Best Picture
Nominees:
Anora
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Wicked
Predicted Winner: Anora
What a spectacle it is! The winner of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Producers Guild of America (PGA), and Writers Guild of America (WGA) awards is usually the frontrunner for Best Picture. Due to its sweep across these major categories, Anora is positioned as the favorite. Despite the fervent acclaim of Conclave — which just secured a Best Ensemble win at the SAG Awards — the viewing public is left with an intriguing twist of fate. Could it be Conclave‘s moment, riding on that crucial wave of actor support?
The 97th Academy Awards are set to unfold at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles this Sunday, and the excitement is palpable. Tune in for the live broadcast on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at midnight, and mark your calendars for the encore on Monday at 9:30 PM. The stage is set, and the spotlight is ready to illuminate some unforgettable moments!
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
