The 2025 Oscars have seen a dramatic shift in contender status, with several films rising and falling in favor over the past few months. Box office hits Wicked and Dune: Part Two secured nominations, while cult favorites The Substance and Emilia Pérez’s chances are currently uncertain due to external controversies.
However, the real competition lies among four well-received grown-up dramas: Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, and Conclave. Although none have become clear front-runners, A Complete Unknown and Conclave have garnered more traditional Oscar backing.
Anora has made significant gains in award-season voting, but its explicit content may deter some Academy voters. In contrast, The Brutalist’s epic scale and complex subject matter have polarized audiences, while Anora’s romantic drama may not appeal to all. The four films are now vying for the Best Picture title, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the outcome on Oscar night.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/02/oscars-2025-winners-predictions/681845