Thu Feb 27 10:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Oscar Race 2025: A Wide-Open Competition Unlike ‘Barbenheimer’
Unlike the clear frontrunner status of “Oppenheimer” following the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, the 97th Academy Awards’ Best Picture race is proving exceptionally unpredictable. Online controversies, a lack of a dominant film, and a growing international voter base are complicating predictions. Several strong contenders are vying for the top prize, with nominees readily available for streaming, albeit across various platforms.
Leading the nominations with 13 is “Emilia Pérez,” a musical about a transgender cartel leader. However, recent social media controversies surrounding the lead actress have diminished its frontrunner status. Close behind are “The Brutalist” (10 nominations), a critically acclaimed drama about an immigrant architect, and “Anora” (6 nominations), a romantic drama that won the Critics Choice Award for Best Picture. Other notable nominees include the musical “Wicked,” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande; “A Complete Unknown,” a Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet; “Conclave,” a political drama about the Vatican; and “Dune: Part Two,” also featuring Chalamet. Representing international cinema are “I’m Still Here,” Brazil’s first Best Picture nominee, and “Nickel Boys,” a historical drama about racism in a 1960s Florida reform school. Rounding out the nominees is “The Substance,” a body horror film starring Demi Moore.
With such a diverse field and unpredictable circumstances, the 2025 Oscars promise a thrilling and highly competitive Best Picture race. Viewers can stream many of the films online, though finding them may require navigating multiple platforms.
First Piper 