Historic Nominations for *Emilia Pérez*

The excitement is palpable in Hollywood as the nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards were announced, marking a historic milestone for Netflix's highly acclaimed film, *Emilia Pérez*. With an astounding 13 nominations, it has shattered the previous record for most nominations received by a foreign film, surpassing both *Roma* and *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, which garnered 10 nominations each.

Ceremony Under Difficult Circumstances

This year's nominations ceremony was held in Los Angeles and had a more subdued atmosphere, primarily due to the devastating wildfires affecting the area. The 97th Academy Awards will take place on March 2nd, and fans are eagerly awaiting the results.

Notable Nominations and Representation

*Emilia Pérez* is nominated across various categories, including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Actress, with Karla Sofía Gascón making history as the first transgender individual nominated for an acting Oscar. Gascón's performance has garnered significant attention, marking a new era of representation in Hollywood.

*Wicked* and *The Brutalist* Stand Out

Meanwhile, *Wicked*, the musical adaptation, stands as the second most nominated film with 10 nominations. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are vying for accolades in the Best Actress and Supporting Actress categories, respectively. Their combined talent has made *Wicked* a fierce contender in both critical acclaim and box office success.

A Diverse Best Picture Race

The Best Picture nominees include a diverse array of films: *Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I'm Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance,* and *Wicked*. Each film presents unique storytelling and artistic innovation, making the competition this year particularly intense.

Experts Weigh in on the Competition

When discussing the Best Picture race, experts note that it's wide open with several serious contenders. *Conclave*, previously deemed a strong candidate, may have weakened its position with its director Edward Berger failing to secure a nomination, potentially hampering its overall campaign.

Conversely, *The Brutalist* has solidified its status with strong performances and impactful storytelling, leading many to believe it could snag the coveted top prize. Additionally, *Anora*, which previously won the Cannes Film Festival, remains a sleeper hit with considerable support from Academy voters.

Emotional Responses from Nominees

In a wave of emotional responses, nominees like Fernanda Torres, nominated for Best Actress for *I'm Still Here*, expressed heartfelt gratitude on social media. Isabella Rossellini, nominated for her role in *Conclave*, shared a poignant reflection on her parents, hoping they could celebrate this achievement with her.

Changes to the Ceremony Format

In a notable change this year, the Oscars ceremony will pivot away from live performances in favor of celebrating the artistry of songwriters, a decision influenced by the recent tragedies from the wildfires. This marks a significant departure from previous years where live musical performances were a highlight of the event.

Debates Over Category Placements

The nominations have also reignited debates around “category fraud,” as many viewers question the placement of certain actors in lead versus supporting roles. For instance, Zoe Saldaña’s nomination in Supporting Actress has raised eyebrows given her extensive screen time.

Demi Moore's Comeback

Among other notable nominations, Demi Moore has made a comeback with her role in *The Substance*, earning her a spot in the Best Actress category and an opportunity to reclaim her place among Hollywood's elite.

A Year of Historical Milestones

This year’s nominations also highlight historical milestones, such as Gascón's landmark nomination, and Cynthia Erivo becoming the first black British woman to receive two acting nominations. Best Actress has also seen a diverse range of performances, with all nominees this year being from films in the Best Picture category, showcasing an unprecedented level of talent.

Anticipation for the Ceremony

Anticipation builds as the Oscars ceremony approaches, with fans tuning in across various platforms to witness who will take home the prestigious awards. As buzz continues to circulate around these groundbreaking nominations, the film industry watches closely to see which stories and performances capture the Academy's heart.