Oscars 2025: ‘Emilia Pérez’ Makes History With Record 13 Nominations; ‘Wicked,’ ‘The Brutalist’ Earn 10 Each

Beverly Hills, California – Jacques Audiard’s genre-bending Spanish-language musical thriller “Emilia Pérez” emerged as the dominant force in the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, announced on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

The French-made production garnered an impressive 13 nominations, setting a new record as the most-nominated non-English-language film in the history of the Oscars. Its nominations span key categories including Best Picture, Best Directing, and Best Original Screenplay.

Leading the acting nominations for “Emilia Pérez” is Karla Sofía Gascón, who received a historic nod for Best Actress, becoming the first openly trans actor nominated for an Academy Award. Zoe Saldaña also secured a nomination for her supporting performance in the film. Additionally, “Emilia Pérez” received two nominations for its original songs, highlighting its unique musical elements.

Trailing closely behind with 10 nominations each are Jon M. Chu’s highly anticipated musical fantasy “Wicked” and Brady Corbet’s ambitious drama “The Brutalist.”

Strong Contenders Emerge

“Wicked,” the cinematic adaptation of the beloved stage musical, secured nominations including Best Picture, Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo, and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande, recognizing the central performances in the visually spectacular film.

“The Brutalist,” an A24 release directed by Brady Corbet, also made a significant impact with its 10 nominations. Its recognition includes Best Picture, Best Directing, and multiple acting nominations for its ensemble cast, featuring Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones.

The Best Picture Race Takes Shape

The highly competitive Best Picture category for the 97th Academy Awards features a diverse array of films. The 10 nominees vying for the top honor are:

* “Anora”
* “The Brutalist”
* “A Complete Unknown”
* “Conclave”
* “Dune: Part Two”
* “Emilia Pérez”
* “I’m Still Here”
* “Nickel Boys”
* “The Substance”
* “Wicked”

This list showcases a blend of critical darlings, box office successes, and international features, setting the stage for a compelling race.

Other Notable Nominations

Beyond the major categories, the nominations celebrated achievements across the breadth of filmmaking. The Indian short film “Anuja” secured a notable nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category, bringing international recognition to the production.

The Road to the 97th Academy Awards Ceremony

The nominations were announced by actors Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The announcement marks the official start of the final voting period for Academy members, culminating in the highly anticipated awards ceremony.

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 2, 2025, at the historic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Comedian and television host Conan O’Brien has been announced as the host for the evening, promising an entertaining telecast.

Context for the Nomination Announcement

The date of the nominations announcement on January 23, 2025, was reportedly adjusted from its initially planned schedule. Reports indicated that the delay was a result of the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires, affecting logistics and preparations for the event.

With “Emilia Pérez” leading the pack and strong showings from “Wicked” and “The Brutalist,” the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards present a fascinating and historically significant field, building anticipation for the ceremony in March.