On Jan. 22, the 98th Academy Awards show announced its nominees for Best Picture of 2025. The official winner, out of the ten nominees, will be revealed at the Award show on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET.
“Bugonia”
Along with its Best Picture nomination, “Bugonia” is in the running for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Best Music (Original Score) and Actress in a Leading Role. The film tells the story of two conspiracy-fueled men (Jesse Plemens and Aiden Delbis) who kidnap the CEO of a medical company (Emma Stone), as they believe she is an alien sent to destroy Earth. The dark comedy received acclaim for its many twists and the stellar performances brought by the actors.
“Bugonia” is available to watch on Peacock and Prime Video.
“F1”
Just like the previous film, “F1” is up for a total of four Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. The film follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a retired Formula One racer attempting to get back in the game with the help of his old friend Ruben Cervantes ( Javier Bardem) and rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). A high-stakes journey through the racing world, “F1” garnered moderate success during its theater run, with critics saying the film, while not necessarily groundbreaking, served its purpose as an enjoyable watch the full way through.
“F1” is available to watch on AppleTV and Prime Video.
“Frankenstein”
Guillermo Del Toro’s latest work is up for a total of nine Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.
The latest adaptation of Mary Shelly’s classic story “Frankenstein” is about creation, abandonment and isolation. Following the mad scientist Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), the film deals with the ramifications of creating new life in the form of The Creature (Jacob Elordi). While reviewers critiqued the film for its several differences from the original work, the movie still received a majority of positive reviews for its gothic atmosphere and spiritual faithfulness to Mary Shelley’s writing.
The film is available to watch on Netflix.
“Hamnet”
“Hamnet” is up for seven Academy Awards, other than Best Picture: Best Casting, Best Original Score, Best Directing, Best Leading Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Production Design and Best Costume Design. After William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley) lose their son Hamnet, the couple must grapple with the death of their child while also ensuring the survival of their other children. The film was praised as a devastatingly powerful depiction of love, loss and moving forward from the unthinkable.
“Hamnet” is currently available in theaters.
“Marty Supreme”
Timothėe Chalamet’s newest film, “Marty Supreme,” managed to gain nine Academy nominations, including Best Casting, Best Cinematography, Best Directing, Best Leading Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design and Best Editing. The film follows Marty Mauser (Chalamet) on his journey to become the greatest table tennis player in the world. The film was reviewed very well, with many praising Chalamet for his incredible performance.
“Marty Supreme” is currently available in theaters.
“One Battle After Another”
“One Battle After Another” received the second-highest number of nominations this year with a total of 13, including but not limited to Best Leading and Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Score, Best Editing and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob, a retired revolutionary on a bumbling warpath to rescue his daughter, Willa Ferguson (Chase Infiniti) from his longtime rival, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn). While praised for its witty humor, the movie also received acclaim for its grounded political commentary and thought-provoking cinematography.
“One Battle After Another” is available to watch on HBO Max and Prime Video.
“The Secret Agent”
“The Secret Agent” is nominated for four different Academy Awards, including Best Casting, Best International Film and Best Leading Actor. Set in Brazil in 1977, the film tells the story of Armando Solimões (Wagner Moura), a former professor who tries to start a new life in a new city, only to realize that the peace he seeks is still a far-off dream. Although the film was considered incohesive and messy, critics claimed it added to the film’s charm.
“The Secret Agent” is currently available in theaters.
“Sentimental Value”
“Sentimental Value” has received nine Academy nominations, including three for Best Supporting Actress as well as singular nominations for Best Leading Actress, Best Directing, Best International Film, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.
The film follows estranged sisters Nora Borg (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes Borg Pettersen (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), as they attempt to reconnect with their father, Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgard), over a new film project he’s working on. Critics praise the movie for its striking blend of artistry and realistic characters, as well as its emotional depictions of generational trauma.
“Sentimental Value” is currently available in select theaters.
“Sinners”
Ryan Coogler's latest film, “Sinners,” acquired 16 Oscar nominations, breaking the long-standing record of 14 held since 1950. The only nominations the film did not receive are for the awards the film is inherently ineligible for, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Animated Feature and Short Film, Best Documentary and Documentary Short Film, Best International Film, Best Live Action Short Film and Best Leading Actress.
“Sinners” follows the Smokestack twins, Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Ellias “Stack” Moore (both played by Michael B. Jordan) as they attempt to set up a juke joint in their hometown, only to be greeted by a sinister threat lying in wait. The film received near-universal acclaim for the acting, music, cinematography and storytelling.
“Sinners” is available to watch on HBO Max and Prime Video.
“Train Dreams”
“Train Dreams” received four nominations at the Oscars this year, with the other three besides Best Motion Picture in Best Cinematography, Best Original Song and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film is a deep look into the life of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a railroad worker with a surprisingly complex life. While the film was critiqued over its favoring of the atmosphere over a cohesive plot, “Train Dreams” still received praise for its beautiful depiction of 20th-century America and rich characters.
“Train Dreams” is available to watch on Netflix.
@micahdfenner
