Hollywood’s awards season has nearly come to a standstill as wildfires disrupt life and work in the Los Angeles area. The Oscar nominations have been delayed twice—initially scheduled for January 17, then January 19, and now postponed again to January 23. The delay accommodates an extended voting deadline, as many actors and Academy voting members have been directly affected by the wildfires. The nominations will be announced via a “virtual presentation,” forgoing an on-site press event.
As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, anticipation builds for a season poised to celebrate an unprecedented array of voices, stories, and talents from around the globe.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the 323 feature films eligible for this year’s Oscars. Among the 207 films competing for Best Picture, eight films either set in India or made by Indian talents are in the running. The Indian films vying for a Best Picture nomination include Kanguva (Tamil), Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) (Hindi), Santosh (Hindi), All We Imagine as Light (Malayalam-Hindi), Girls Will Be Girls (Hindi-English), Putul (Bengali), and Anuja (Hindi).
From thought-provoking narratives and trailblazing performances to the continued rise of international and independent films, the competition is fierce across all categories. Ahead of Thursday’s big announcement, ETimes spoke with Srjit Mukherji, Girish Wankhede, GK Desai, and Raja Sen, who shared their predictions for the films most likely to score Academy Award nominations. They also provided in-depth analyses of the frontrunners and the emerging trends shaping this year’s race.
Over the past few weeks, several major guilds and organizations—including the Cinema Audio Society, the Directors Guild, the Art Directors Guild, the Visual Effects Society, BAFTA, the Writers Guild, the Producers Guild, and the American Society of Cinematographers—have announced their nominees. The leaderboard is reportedly topped by The Brutalist and Emilia Perez, both of which triumphed at the Golden Globes. Hot on their heels are Conclave, Anora, A Complete Unknown, and Wicked, all of which were notably snubbed at the Globes.
If these trends hold, it may leave little room for Indian films in the main categories. However, with a diverse range of global narratives and talents, surprises could be on the horizon.
Keep reading for a full breakdown, including bold predictions and deep insights into this year’s Oscars race.
Diversity Takes Centre Stage
The Academy Awards have faced criticism for years over a lack of diversity and inclusivity in their nominations. However, recent efforts to address these concerns are reshaping the landscape of cinema’s most prestigious awards. Girish Wankhede notes, “The Oscars, long accused of overlooking talented actors of colour, female directors, and artists from underrepresented backgrounds, have implemented new standards to foster inclusivity.”
These changes include expanding the voting membership to over 9,000 individuals from around the world, compared to just 4,000–6,000 voters in previous years. This year’s frontrunners reflect the Academy’s evolving values. Wankhede says, “Films like Nickel Boys, The Brutalist, and All We Imagine as Light are expected to push the boundaries of representation, challenging the status quo,” says Wankhede, “advocating for greater visibility of marginalised voices in cinema.”
India’s Hopes and Hurdles at the Oscars
India’s journey at the Oscars this year is marked by hope, tempered with realism. The country has eight films in the running, including Kanguva, Santosh, and All We Imagine as Light hoping to strike gold. However, experts remain cautious about their chances of securing nominations in the main categories.
GK Desai offers a stark assessment, “It’s not Cannes. You should not confuse Cannes with Oscars.” He adds, “It’s important to understand that the Oscars are an American awards season. They tend to favour their own country’s cinema. While India has some strong contenders, the competition is tough.”
Sharing his pick for the Oscars, he says, “I don’t think India’s fate will be good in the Oscars. Except for Sonita Rajwar, I think she should get nominated in Best Supporting Actress.”
He singles out Anuja, a short film produced by Guneet Monga, as a potential bright spot. Monga, who previously secured an Oscar for The Elephant Whisperers, has teamed up with Priyanka Chopra and Mindy Kaling to bolster the film’s chances. “With such a talented team behind it, Anuja is well-positioned to make an impact,” says Desai.
Meanwhile, Girish Wankhede highlights ‘Santosh’, a British-Indian production, as another strong candidate. The film bridges Indian narratives with a global perspective, reflecting the growing trend of cross-cultural storytelling. He also acknowledges ‘All We Imagine as Light’, Payal Kapadia’s debut feature, which has garnered international acclaim and is vying for recognition in the Oscars’ foreign film race.
Yet, Desai remains cautious, adding, “It’s not Cannes. You should not confuse Cannes with the Oscars.” Despite the Academy’s efforts toward diversity, he believes India faces an uphill battle in categories dominated by Western narratives.
Five Films to Dominate Oscars 2025Oscars 2025
As the Academy Awards approach, the race for the coveted Best Picture nomination is heating up, with several standout films capturing the attention of critics and audiences alike. From visually stunning epics to thought-provoking dramas, this year’s contenders promise a dynamic mix of storytelling and cinematic artistry.
The Brutalist
A frontrunner in the Best Picture category, The Brutalist has captivated audiences with its sweeping narrative and breathtaking cinematography. The film delves into profound themes of art, identity, and the human experience, weaving a richly crafted story that resonates on an emotional level. Its grand scale and depth have positioned it as a favourite among critics, making it a serious contender for Oscar recognition.
Anora
Anora takes a bold and unconventional approach to storytelling, addressing the often-stigmatised subject of sex work with a mix of humour and social commentary. The film’s lighter tone, combined with its sharp exploration of societal norms, has struck a chord with viewers. Its unique blend of genres and relatable characters make it a standout, particularly for voters seeking films that entertain while challenging conventions.
Conclave
Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci deliver powerhouse performances in Conclave, a gripping thriller that delves into morality and justice. The film’s intense storytelling and well-developed characters keep audiences enthralled, setting it apart in a competitive field. With its high stakes and compelling narrative, Conclave has emerged as a strong candidate for Best Picture and other major categories.
A Real Pain
Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain has become a critical darling for its poignant exploration of human relationships and the intricacies of modern life. Eisenberg’s sharp writing and distinctive directorial style have earned widespread acclaim, with the film emerging as a top contender in multiple categories.
The Substance
Starring Demi Moore, The Substance dives into the raw realities of addiction, recovery, and the human condition. Moore’s powerful performance has garnered significant praise, with many calling it one of her career’s finest. The film’s emotional resonance and universal themes have made it a hot topic in this year’s awards conversation, solidifying its status as a serious contender.
Oscar Nomination Predictions Based on Votes
Based on the voting data provided by our four film experts, the following films and performances have emerged as the strongest contenders in their respective categories. Films like The Brutalist and The Substance might still pose a challenge for other contenders like Anora, Conclave, and Emilia Pérez which also have strong support across multiple categories, making them likely favourites for Best Picture and Director.
In the acting categories, Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, and Daniel Craig are the leading names in the Best Actor race. The data suggests Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana, are among the strongest contenders in the Best Actress categories. These entries have captured significant support and reflect a mix of celebrated performances and impactful narratives.
Best Picture
With four votes each, Anora, Conclave, and Emilia Pérez emerge as front-runners. The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, and The Substance remain strong competitors. All We Imagine as Light may also pull off a surprise and earn a nomination if not push through to strike gold.
Anora
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
The Substance
Wicked
All We Imagine as Light
Queer
Nickel Boys
Best Director
The directors likely to earn nominations for their films this year are:
Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
Sean Baker (Anora)
Coralie Fargeat (The Substance),
James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)
RaMell Ross (Nickel Boys)
Best Actor
The leading candidates in the Best Actor category are:
Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)
Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Daniel Craig (Queer)
Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)
Hugh Grant (Heretic)
Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)
Best Actress
The leading candidates in the Best Actress category are:
Demi Moore (The Substance)
Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)
Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl)
Mikey Madison (Anora)
Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
Angelina Jolie (Maria)
Best Supporting Actor
The actor likely to take home the award for their supporting role include:
Denzel Washington (Gladiator II)
Yura Borisov (Anora)
Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown)
Guy Pearce (The Brutalist)
Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice)
Stanley Tucci (Conclave)
Best Supporting Actress
The actresses likely to score a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category are:
Zoe Saldana (Emilia Pérez)
Margaret Qualley (The Substance)
Ariana Grande (Wicked)
Isabella Rossellini (Conclave)
Felicity Jones (The Brutalist)
Best Animated Film
The most likely nominees in the animated film category are:
Inside Out 2
The Wild Robot
Flow
Moana 2
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Best International Film
The strongest contenders in the International film category are:
The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany)
Emilia Pérez (France)
From Ground Zero (Palestine)
Flow (Latvia)
Santosh (United Kingdom)
The Road Ahead for Indian Cinema
India’s representation at the Oscars this year highlights the growing prominence of its storytelling on the global stage. Whether it’s Anuja, backed by influential producers, or Santosh, showcasing cross-cultural narratives, these films highlight the richness and versatility of Indian cinema.
As the Academy continues to champion inclusivity, the door is opening wider for films like All We Imagine as Light to gain recognition. “The combination of innovative storytelling, diverse perspectives, and influential backers could bring at least a trophy or two home for India,” says Wankhede.
The 2025 Oscars represent not only a celebration of cinema but also a reflection of the cultural shifts shaping the industry. As the countdown to the nominations continues, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. Will this be India’s year at the Oscars? Only time will tell.
