Hollywood, CA: As the 97th Academy Awards approach on March 2, 2025, the race for Best Picture is heating up with a diverse slate of ten nominees. From epic sci-fi sequels to intimate indie dramas, this year’s contenders offer something for every cinephile. With the ceremony just days away, we’ve ranked the 2025 Best Picture nominees based on their artistic merit, impact, and buzz. Here’s our take on the films vying for Oscar gold.
- Anora
Topping our list is Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning gem, a modern Cinderella story with a twist. Mikey Madison’s electric performance as a sex worker caught in a whirlwind romance with a Russian oligarch’s son anchors this raw, raucous tale. Its blend of humor and heartbreak makes it a standout. - The Brutalist
Brady Corbet’s ambitious epic lands at number two, with Adrien Brody delivering a soulful turn as a Holocaust survivor rebuilding his life in America. This visually stunning architectural odyssey is a testament to the immigrant experience, though its length might test some viewers. - Conclave
Edward Berger’s papal thriller secures third place with its gripping narrative and Ralph Fiennes’ commanding performance. A crowd-pleaser with brains, it’s the kind of film that could sneak away with the top prize if the Academy favors consensus over flash. - Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi spectacle ranks fourth, a breathtaking continuation of Paul Atreides’ journey. While its technical prowess is undeniable, its sequel status might dim its chances against more original narratives. - The Substance
Demi Moore’s visceral comeback in Coralie Fargeat’s body-horror satire takes fifth. Audacious and unapologetic, it’s a wild ride that critiques Hollywood’s ageism with blood-soaked flair—though its divisive tone won’t win everyone over. - I’m Still Here
Walter Salles’ poignant portrait of resistance under Brazil’s dictatorship earns sixth place. Fernanda Torres shines, and its emotional depth resonates, even if it lacks the flash of some competitors. - A Complete Unknown
Timothée Chalamet’s Bob Dylan biopic slides into seventh. It’s a compelling look at the folk icon’s rise, elevated by Chalamet’s charisma, but it struggles to break new ground in the crowded biopic genre. - Nickel Boys
RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel ranks eighth. Its innovative first-person visuals pack a punch, though the execution occasionally stumbles, softening its emotional impact. - Wicked
The dazzling musical adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lands ninth. It’s a colorful crowd-pleaser, but its split-story structure and uneven pacing keep it from soaring higher. - Emilia Pérez
Rounding out the list is Jacques Audiard’s musical crime drama, despite its 13 nominations. Karla Sofía Gascón’s bold performance can’t fully salvage a polarizing plot that blends trans identity with cartel intrigue—ambitious, but messy.
