As we head into the thick of awards season, the 2025 Best Picture race is starting to take shape—but it's far from settled. With film festivals like Venice, Telluride, and Toronto in the rearview, we now have a clearer picture of the potential nominees. Yet, despite the buzz, one question lingers: Is Anora truly our frontrunner, or could another film sneak past it in the months ahead?
For many cinephiles, Anora has become the movie to watch. The film dominated at Cannes, winning the prestigious Palme d'Or, and followed up that success with strong showings at both TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) and Telluride, finishing second in the People's Choice vote in Toronto. Directed by the enigmatic Denis Petit, the film's haunting narrative and striking visuals have captivated audiences and critics alike. As the awards season rolls on, Anora feels locked for a Best Picture nomination, if not the win.
But Anora isn't running unopposed. The visually stunning Emilia Perez, directed by filmmaker legend Pablo Larraín, is also generating serious buzz. Its sharp social commentary and daring performances, particularly from lead actor Javier Bardem, make it another top contender. Bardem's role is already being discussed as a possible Best Actor nomination, adding more heat to Emilia Perez's campaign.
Another critical player in this Oscar race is Dune: Part Two. The first Dune made waves at the 2022 Oscars, and Denis Villeneuve's sequel is looking like another sure bet for the Best Picture lineup. With an expanded narrative and a star-studded cast featuring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, Dune: Part Two could give the Academy exactly what it wants: a spectacle film with gravitas.
Alongside these films, two standout festival entries, Conclave and The Brutalist, are shaking up the conversation. Conclave, with its suspenseful, slow-burn storytelling, and The Brutalist, a bold piece of architectural drama, are both garnering critical attention, making them hard to overlook. It's unlikely the Academy will ignore these films, which are increasingly being touted for several nominations.
However, there are a few surprises and wild cards left in the mix. Mike Leigh's Hard Truths, which almost didn't make it to any major festivals, has stunned with its late-season acclaim. The film was rejected by Cannes, Venice, and Telluride before finally getting its due at TIFF. Now, with critics rallying behind it, Hard Truths could be a sleeper hit in the Oscar race.
Of course, no Oscar season would be complete without the release of a few late-year heavyweights. Steve McQueen's Blitz and Ridley Scott's Gladiator II are both highly anticipated, and their release could shake up the current standings. We also can't forget about Robert Eggers' Nosferatu or Clint Eastwood's Juror No. 2, which have yet to be seen but hold strong promise.
With so many films still in the running, the 2025 Oscars remain unpredictable. While Anora looks like the current favorite, films like Emilia Perez, Dune: Part Two, and Conclave could easily sweep in and claim the top prize. As festival season closes, the race is just heating up—and only time will tell who walks away with the gold.
This year's Best Picture contenders reflect the diversity and complexity of modern cinema, reminding us of why the Oscars still captivate audiences and filmmakers alike. Whether Anora ultimately triumphs or not, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting races in years.
