2025 Oscars: Ranking the Best Picture Nominees You Can’t Miss!

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2025’s Academy Awards are rapidly approaching, with everyone eagerly waiting to see which of the ten nominated movies will claim the prestigious Best Picture award. The 2025 Oscars nominees represent a vibrant blend of productions, ranging from high-budget blockbusters such as Dune: Part Two and Wicked, to lesser-known films like I’m Still Here and Nickel Boy, whose budgets pale in comparison. The nominees this year, including a drama about the selection of the next pope, Conclave, and a body horror film, The Substance, demonstrate the wide array of genres, narratives, and tones that were produced last year. Regrettably, a potential masterpiece like Challengers was unfortunately overlooked.

Instead of concentrating solely on which film will take home the top honor, let’s discuss how the nominated movies compare against one another. Many people have watched at least one or two of the contenders, while a few have seen all ten. There seems to be a favorite movie for most viewers, and the conversations revolve around who should win or is likely to win. However, it’s essential to consider why a film deserves victory. Since these are the top films of their respective years, where do they rank in terms of their fellow nominees? Here is a list of the 2025 Best Picture nominees ranked from least impressive to most remarkable.

10
‘Emilia Perez’

At the 97th Academy Awards, it’s clear that Emilia Pérez, despite initial acclaim after premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, was a significant weakness. Even before the uproar over star Karla Sofía Gascón’s past tweets, Emilia Pérez had already garnered widespread disfavor as an Academy Award nominee. In fact, Emilia Pérez found a place on our list of the most disappointing Best Picture nominations over the past 25 years. This stark change in fortune is quite a letdown for a film that once enjoyed numerous positive reviews.

Emilia Pérez has drawn flak from trans critics, audience members, and those of Mexican descent, including Mexican trans artist Camila Aurora and screenwriter Héctor Guillén who created a satirical film, Johanne Sacreblu, which mirrors French stereotypes in a way that echoes how Emilia Pérez may reinforce Mexican stereotypes from a French filmmaker’s perspective. The presence of Emila Pérez in the film feels like certain members of the Academy congratulating themselves for backing a movie that appears to challenge the Trump administration, yet it’s met with disdain by the very group it aims to represent. As SlashFilm’s B.J. Colangelo put it succinctly:

It’s disheartening to see well-intentioned individuals who are not transgender, eagerly promoting a backward depiction under the guise of avoiding transphobia… It’s alarming to understand that many Academy voters seem detached from reality, seemingly voting for a symbolic progress represented by Emilia Pérez, instead of allowing the communities portrayed in the film to decide if this representation is worthy of celebration. They should let the communities themselves lead the way.

9
‘A Complete Unknown’

In comparison to the critically acclaimed Bob Dylan musical biopic, A Complete Unknown, though slightly ahead of Emilia Pérez in ranking, is not at all equivalent in quality. The Bob Dylan biopic significantly outshines it. A Complete Unknown’s placement on the list is relatively low due to its competent performance as a movie; however, it seems somewhat misplaced within the Oscar nominations. Does this genre of musical biopics appear slightly repetitive and predictable when used as Oscar bait? Despite being enjoyable, does A Complete Unknown possess the merit required for a Best Picture nomination?

Previously, director James Mangold oversaw the musical biopic “Walk the Line” in 2005, which didn’t receive a Best Picture nomination. This could suggest that the Academy might be making up for that omission with the release of “A Complete Unknown.” While not groundbreaking, this film offers a solid biopic with an impressive performance by Timothée Chalamet. It seems to have resonated with both older and younger Academy members who appreciate Bob Dylan’s music. However, it appears as though it was a safe choice in a year when more complex films like “Challengers,” “Nosferatu,” “Sing Sing,” and “Hard Truths” were overlooked entirely. In comparison, “A Complete Unknown” is a quality film amidst an impressive lineup, similar to “Emilia Pérez.

8
‘The Substance’

Coralie Fargeat’s film, titled “The Substance“, is a remarkable tale of an underdog – a body horror movie that defied the perceived genre prejudices, even receiving a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. This puts it in the same league as other acclaimed horror films such as The Exorcist, The Silence of the Lambs, The Sixth Sense, and Get Out. Remarkably, this movie was initially abandoned by its original backer, Universal Pictures, due to being considered unmarketable. However, it found a new home with the smaller streaming service Mubi and still managed to secure five Academy Award nominations. This incredible turn of events feels almost surreal.

Surprisingly enough, The Substance‘s nomination isn’t entirely unexpected, given that it aligns with several preferences of Academy voters. It delves into the world of Hollywood and acting, offers a compelling comeback story for an actress like Demi Moore, and boasts a visual style reminiscent of a Best Picture contender rather than typical horror films. Consequently, its nomination becomes somewhat more comprehensible.

Although the movie occasionally struggles with blending its grotesque visuals related to body horror with its message and intended audience (it aims to critique Hollywood’s portrayal of women’s bodies, yet invites laughter and disgust at a woman’s aging body), there is no question that this is the powerful, unique perspective of an accomplished director. Despite initially appearing as a specialized film, The Substance has surprisingly gained mainstream appeal in a manner that horror films often do.

7
‘Conclave’

The upcoming film titled “Conclave” – affectionately dubbed “Mean Girls within Vatican walls” by some enthusiasts – serves as director Edward Berger’s successor to his 2022 production, “All Quiet on the Western Front“. With its October 2024 release and subsequent awards season run, this movie has drawn attention to and mirrored the intricate election procedures. By portraying the selection of a new pope, it subtly reflects the under-the-radar politics that influence the choice of the President of the United States. This topical film resonates with the concerns of our present era.

Indeed, it’s not just informative but incredibly captivating as well. It’s astonishing how Berger manages to transform a film largely confined to a single setting, delving into the intricate power struggles within the Catholic Church, into an exhilarating and suspenseful journey. Featuring an exceptional cast, with notable Oscar-nominated performances from Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini, the film was honored with the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. This moderately budgeted movie found favor among mainstream viewers, turning into an unexpected box office success, and offering enjoyment to a wide range of audiences. It embodies the essence of an Academy Award-winning film—one that resonates with every type of viewer.

6
‘Dune: Part Two’

Initially, many believed that Dune: Part Two was a shoo-in for the Best Picture award when it premiered, but when the nominees were finally announced, there was a surprising lack of recognition for the film. It seemed as if the buzz surrounding it during awards season had faded significantly. However, Dune: Part Two is indeed worthy of being among the Best Picture nominees. This grandiose and high-quality blockbuster brings to mind the epic films that dominated the Academy Awards in the 1950s.

Despite Dune dominating numerous technical categories in 2021, its sequel, Dune: Part Two, is encountering a steeper challenge this year as it goes head-to-head with films such as Nosferatu and Wicked. Unlike the repeated accolades for the same series, these new contenders present innovative visual aesthetics that could sway the judges.

Just like its precursor, evaluating Dune: Part Two can be challenging due to its intentional structure as merely half of a movie. Compared to Dune, it appears more self-contained, and unlike the apparent setup for Dune: Messiah in the original, its ending seems less obvious. Consequently, its climactic scene serves as a poignant conclusion to this storyline. However, there’s speculation among critics whether Academy Award voters might delay recognizing Dune: Part Two with the top prize, given that Dune: Messiah is planned, potentially emulating the approach taken with the Lord of the Rings trilogy—where the third film was awarded to celebrate the entire series as a whole.

Despite the challenges of adapting “Dune: Part Two” just a decade ago, it’s nothing short of astonishing how well it’s turned out. The fact that director Denis Villeneuve managed to transform this once thought unfilmable book into a critically acclaimed and popular blockbuster series is truly remarkable. It’s hard to comprehend why the Academy might have overlooked him for the Best Director award, considering his achievement.

5
‘I’m Still Here’

I’m Still Here marks a groundbreaking moment in cinematic history as it becomes the first Brazilian movie to receive a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Despite being one of the least-viewed among the ten nominated films, its nomination took many by surprise yet was warmly welcomed. Since its premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, I’m Still Here has earned near-unanimous praise, with particular attention given to star Fernanda Torres. The film chronicles the true-to-life struggle of Eunice Paiva, a mother and activist, as she grapples with the forced disappearance of her husband, a dissident politician who was killed by Brazil’s Military Dictatorship.

Marisa Torres was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Movie (Motion Picture) for her role in “I’m Still Here”. This film has been generating significant attention as an Oscar contender, even being recognized as one of the top 5 international films of 2024 by the National Board of Review. However, some far-right groups in Brazil have called for a boycott of the movie. Despite this controversy, “I’m Still Here” is a poignant and heartrending tale that sheds light on the devastating effects of dictatorships, the experiences of individuals living under such regimes, and the impact on the families of those targeted by the power structure.

Despite the fact that not many people may see “I’m Still Here” prior to the Academy Awards telecast, I hope that following the event, a larger number of viewers will feel drawn to watch it – as it’s definitely worth their time.

4
‘Wicked’

Without a doubt, “Wicked” deserves its acclaimed status. Apologies for the play on words, but it’s truly fitting. This production has become a global sensation, embodying the grandeur of old-school Hollywood musicals that once ruled both box offices and the Academy Awards. With ties to the iconic “Wizard of Oz,” an IP steeped in Oscar history, “Wicked” is a masterpiece in terms of set design, costumes, makeup, and choreography. Each element harmoniously contributes to a film experience that resonates deeply with millions, much like a classic blockbuster can. “Wicked” is one of those films that will endure the test of time, being cherished and shared for generations to come, far beyond the Academy Awards.

What truly sets the movie Wicked apart as exceptional is the outstanding, Academy Award-nominated acting by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Erivo brings a commanding presence to the role of Elphaba, making it her own and delivering a performance that marks a significant milestone in her career. On the other hand, Grande takes on a humorous comedic role, which echoes classic 1930s screwball comedy, leaving viewers in stitches. Each of these performances is impressive on their own, but combined… as the movie puts it, they are “unlimited.” It remains to be seen if Wicked: For Good will match the first film’s success, but the thunderous applause and fist-pumps in the air when Erivo hit that high note in “Defying Gravity” and soared off on her broom are a testament to its potential. It would be difficult to argue against The National Board of Review awarding Wicked as the Best Film of 2024.

3
‘Nickel Boys’

The movie titled “Nickel Boys,” by director RaMell Ross, is a powerful production that leaves an indelible impact. This historical drama unfolds in the 1960s, focusing on the harrowing experiences of two youths who are forced into a brutal reform school in Florida, modeled after the notorious Dozier School for Boys. Known for its cruel treatment of students and eventual discovery of unmarked graves housing victims over the years, this institution serves as the backdrop for the film’s haunting narrative. Uniquely, “Nickel Boys” is predominantly narrated from a first-person perspective, shifting between the individual viewpoints of its main characters to offer a compelling and immersive portrayal of their shared ordeal.

Instead of dismissing this as a mere trick, similar to how some criticized Boyhood, the 2014 Best Picture nominee, Nickel Boys employs its narrative style to place viewers directly into the characters’ experiences. This allows them to experience and feel the fear and hopelessness personally. The movie has been acclaimed for its creative storytelling methods, and it is certain that it will inspire numerous filmmakers in the future and set a precedent for first-person point-of-view storytelling. Despite being difficult to watch at times, requiring viewers to endure the characters’ despair and witness racial injustice unfold through another person’s eyes, it is a film worth seeing, making it a crucial piece of cinema.

MovieWeb’s own George Edelman perfectly summed up the power of the movie in his review, stating:

Film director RaMell Ross, similar to novelist Colson Whitehead, resists fading into obscurity, employing various cinematic techniques to underscore our past and actions. The contemporary prison system bears striking resemblance to the world portrayed in “The Nickel“; the ongoing miscarriage of justice remains a pressing issue.

2
‘The Brutalist’

The term ‘monumental’ is frequently applied to the film titled ‘The Brutalist‘, and it’s prominently displayed on its poster, featuring numerous reviews that employed this word in their appraisals. While it may seem biased, it’s challenging to argue against this characterization, as indeed, The Brutalist embodies the essence of an epic event. This expansive American production delves into and dissects the concept of the American Dream. Reminiscent in style and structure of cinematic works such as ‘The Godfather‘, ‘Once Upon a Time in America‘, and ‘There Will Be Blood‘—films that scrutinize the core of the American identity, encompassing both its virtues and vices—The Brutalist stands as a spiritual successor.

In natural, easy-to-read language,

Director Brady Corbet creates an extraordinary movie that makes its 3 hours and 35 minutes runtime worthwhile. The performances by Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce are exceptional, each delivering career-best acting. These remarkable performances mesh harmoniously into a flawless ensemble. Filmed using the VistaVision process and cameras that capture images horizontally on 35mm film stock, The Brutalist‘s grandeur is best experienced on a large screen, although it remains stunning when viewed at home. Daniel Blumberg’s score is noteworthy, with its powerful brass band embodying the opera-like essence of the story. The Brutalist is unique and, in most years, would win Best Picture. However, another film just manages to surpass it.

1
‘Anora’

At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Anora was awarded the Palme d’Or and is widely regarded as the standout among the Best Picture nominees. This acclaimed film has garnered recognition from prestigious organizations such as the National Board of Review, the American Film Institute, and numerous award shows including the Independent Spirit Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, Producers Guild Awards, and Directors Guild Awards. With its exceptional performance by Mikey Madison, particularly in the memorable line “A fraud marriage,” Anora has solidified its position as the likely winner of the Best Picture award.

In essence, “Anora” reimagines contemporary romantic comedies with a darkly humorous twist. It skillfully navigates the line between humor and tragedy, which might seem improper considering a scene depicting a woman being theoretically assaulted by a group of men. However, director Sean Baker and the cast masterfully manage this tone, making it clear that the main character is never in actual danger. The central male antagonists are portrayed as bumbling comic characters, reminiscent of the Three Stooges. Mikey Madison delivers an outstanding performance that solidifies her as a top-tier contemporary actor. The film’s cast, featuring unfamiliar faces such as Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Mark Eydelshteyn, leaves audiences hoping to see them in future projects after just one viewing of “Anora”.

Besides being an exceptional movie, “Anora” could potentially be the Best Picture nominee that resonates most profoundly with our current era. While the protagonist is a sex worker, her desire to marry and quit her job isn’t portrayed as a necessity to leave the sex work industry per se, but rather as the universal longing to escape the burdens and strains of labor in general. In these times when inflation is surging while wages are stagnant, and the cost of living is becoming increasingly unaffordable, the burdens of living under capitalism have never felt more overwhelming. The thought of escaping it—regardless of the job—is universally appealing. “Anora” offers both a fantastical escape route and a stark reminder that true freedom might be unattainable.

Among the funniest films to grace our screens in recent years, “Anora” stands out as one that’s difficult to imagine winning the Academy Award for Best Picture due to its numerous laugh-out-loud moments. However, in its closing scenes, the film unveils a heart-wrenching tragedy hidden within this fairy tale, leaving both viewers and characters with tears and a profound sense of sorrow. With standout performances from every member of the cast, “Anora” is unlike any other nominee, breathing fresh life into a classic genre using a realistic aesthetic that occasionally resonates too deeply. This film certainly earns the title of Best Picture contender if there ever was one.

Watch the Academy Awards on Mar. 2, 2024.

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2025-02-27 03:03