Oscar 2025 Predictions: Who Will Win and Who Should Win

The 97th Academy Awards are shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. With Emilia Pérez leading the pack at 13 nominations, followed closely by The Brutalist and Wicked, this year’s race is filled with surprises, record-breaking nods, and standout performances. From powerhouse acting categories to a strong lineup of films in Best Picture, predicting the winners is no easy task. With Hollywood’s biggest night just around the corner, let’s take a deep dive into the major categories—who is most likely to win, and who truly deserves the Oscar 2025 predictions.

Oscar 2025 Predictions

Best Picture

Who Will Win: Anora – Sean Baker’s heartfelt and critically acclaimed film has been a festival darling, resonating with audiences and critics alike for its raw and emotional storytelling.

Who Should Win: The Brutalist – Brady Corbet’s bold and thought-provoking exploration of art and morality is a standout in this category.

Other Nominees: Dune: Part Two, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, Wicked.

Best Director

Who Will Win: Sean Baker (Anora) – Baker’s intimate and empathetic direction, combined with his ability to capture raw human emotions, makes him the frontrunner.

Who Should Win: Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) – Corbet’s daring vision and innovative storytelling make him a deserving winner.

Other Nominees: James Mangold (A Complete Unknown), Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance).

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Who Will Win: Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) – Chalamet’s portrayal of a young Bob Dylan is both transformational and captivating, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.

Who Should Win: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) – Brody delivers a haunting and deeply layered performance that showcases his immense talent.

Other Nominees: Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice).

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Who Will Win: Mikey Madison (Anora) – Madison’s raw and emotionally charged performance as the titular character has been a revelation, earning her critical praise.

Who Should Win: Demi Moore (The Substance) – Moore delivers a career-best performance, blending vulnerability and strength in a way that is unforgettable.

Other Nominees: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here).

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Who Will Win: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) – Culkin’s portrayal of a man grappling with grief and identity is both heartbreaking and darkly humorous, earning him widespread acclaim.

Who Should Win: Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice) – Strong’s intense and magnetic performance as a key figure in the political drama remains a standout.

Other Nominees: Yura Borisov (Anora), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist).

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Who Will Win: Ariana Grande (Wicked) – Grande’s star power and vocal prowess as Glinda will likely make her the favorite in this category.

Who Should Win: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) – Saldaña’s transformative performance as a conflicted lawyer is both powerful and nuanced.

Other Nominees: Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Isabella Rossellini (Conclave).

Best Animated Feature

Who Will Win: Inside Out 2 – Pixar’s sequel to the beloved original is a crowd-pleaser with emotional depth and stunning animation.

Who Should Win: The Wild Robot – This visually stunning and heartfelt story about survival and connection stands out for its creativity and emotional resonance.

Other Nominees: Flow, Memoir of a Snail, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.

Best International Feature Film

Who Will Win: Emilia Pérez (France) – Jacques Audiard’s bold and innovative film about a transgender cartel leader is a critical darling.

Who Should Win: The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany) – A powerful and timely story about resistance and resilience in the face of oppression.

Other Nominees: I’m Still Here (Brazil), The Girl with the Needle (Denmark), Flow (Latvia).

Best Documentary Feature

Who Will Win: Black Box Diaries – This gripping documentary about investigative journalism and justice is both timely and impactful.

Who Should Win: Sugarcane – A deeply moving exploration of Indigenous identity and cultural preservation.

Other Nominees: No Other Land, Porcelain War, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat.

Best Cinematography

Who Will Win: Greig Fraser (Dune: Part Two) – Fraser’s breathtaking visuals and innovative use of light and shadow make this a likely winner.

Who Should Win: Lol Crawley (The Brutalist) – Crawley’s bold and unconventional cinematography perfectly complements the film’s themes.

Other Nominees: Paul Guilhaume (Emilia Pérez), Ed Lachman (Maria), Jarin Blaschke (Nosferatu).

Best Costume Design

Who Will Win: Paul Tazewell (Wicked) – The lavish and imaginative costumes in this musical adaptation are a visual feast.

Who Should Win: Linda Muir (Nosferatu) – Muir’s gothic and period-accurate designs are both haunting and beautiful.

Other Nominees: Arianne Phillips (A Complete Unknown), Lisy Christl (Conclave), Janty Yates and Dave Crossman (Gladiator II).

Best Production Design

Who Will Win: Patrice Vermette and Shane Vieau (Dune: Part Two) – The richly detailed and immersive world of Dune is a technical marvel.

Who Should Win: Judy Becker and Patricia Cuccia (The Brutalist) – The film’s bold and unique visual style sets it apart.

Other Nominees: Suzie Davies and Cynthia Sleiter (Conclave), Craig Lathrop and Beatrice Brentnerová (Nosferatu), Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales (Wicked).

Best Film Editing

Who Will Win: Sean Baker (Anora) – Baker’s seamless and dynamic editing style enhances the film’s emotional impact.

Who Should Win: Juliette Welfling (Emilia Pérez) – Welfling’s innovative and precise editing elevates the film’s narrative.

Other Nominees: David Jancso (The Brutalist), Nick Emerson (Conclave), Myron Kerstein (Wicked).

Best Sound

Who Will Win: Dune: Part Two – The film’s immersive sound design is a technical masterpiece.

Who Should Win: The Wild Robot – Its creative and impactful soundscape adds depth to the storytelling.

Other Nominees: A Complete Unknown, Emilia Pérez, Wicked.

Best Visual Effects

Who Will Win: Dune: Part Two – Its groundbreaking effects are a standout achievement.

Who Should Win: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – The seamless blend of CGI and storytelling is remarkable.

Other Nominees: Alien: Romulus, Better Man, Wicked.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Who Will Win: The Substance – Its transformative makeup work is both innovative and impactful.

Who Should Win: Nosferatu – The gothic and period-accurate designs are hauntingly beautiful.

Other Nominees: A Different Man, Emilia Pérez, Wicked.

Best Music (Original Score)

Who Will Win: John Powell and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) – The sweeping and memorable score is a highlight of the film.

Who Should Win: Volker Bertelmann (Conclave) – His haunting and innovative composition adds depth to the film.

Other Nominees: Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist), Clément Ducol and Camille (Emilia Pérez), Kris Bowers (The Wild Robot).

Best Music (Original Song)

Who Will Win: Never Too Late from Elton John: Never Too Late – The emotional and powerful song resonates deeply.

Who Should Win: Mi Camino from Emilia Pérez – Its beautiful and culturally rich composition stands out.

Other Nominees: El Mal, The Journey, Like A Bird.

Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Who Will Win: A Complete Unknown – A sharp and engaging adaptation of a compelling story.

Who Should Win: Nickel Boys – A faithful and powerful adaptation of the acclaimed novel.

Other Nominees: Conclave, Emilia Pérez, Sing Sing.

Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

Who Will Win: Anora – A fresh and compelling original story with strong emotional resonance.

Who Should Win: The Brutalist – A bold and thought-provoking script that challenges conventions.

Other Nominees: A Real Pain, September 5, The Substance.

Best Live Action Short Film

Who Will Win: The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent – A timely and impactful story about standing up for justice.

Who Should Win: I’m Not a Robot – A creative and heartfelt narrative about human connection.

Other Nominees: A Lien, Anuja, The Last Ranger.

Best Animated Short Film

Who Will Win: Magic Candies – A visually stunning and imaginative short that captivates audiences.

Who Should Win: Wander to Wonder – A charming and innovative story that leaves a lasting impression.

Other Nominees: Beautiful Men, In the Shadow of the Cypress, Yuck!.

Best Documentary Short Film

Who Will Win: Incident – A powerful and timely documentary about a pivotal moment in history.

Who Should Win: Instruments of a Beating Heart – A deeply moving and artistic exploration of music and identity.

Other Nominees: Death by Numbers, I Am Ready, Warden, The Only Girl in the Orchestra.

Oscar 2025 Predictions

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