The countdown has officially begun for the 97th Academy Awards, with only a few days left until Hollywood’s biggest stars take their seats at the Dolby Theatre.
On Sunday night, the world will be watching as the glamour, excitement, and suspense unfold on stage.
This year, the iconic Conan O’Brien will step into the hosting role for the first time, taking over from Jimmy Kimmel, who had a four-year run.
His arrival adds a fresh dynamic to the star-studded event, which promises some unexpected moments.
The Surprises of the Awards Season So Far
Despite the usual predictability that surrounds awards season, things aren’t entirely certain this year.
Mikey Madison’s surprise win at the BAFTAs over Demi Moore has left the Best Actress race wide open.
Could Moore finally claim her Oscar after years of close calls? We’ll soon find out.
Meanwhile, “Anora” and “The Brutalist” are tipped to dominate the 2025 Oscars, with both films leading the betting markets in multiple categories, according to BetMGM.
But while the odds seem in favor of these two, there are still plenty of surprises in store.
Predictions for Best Picture: Anora Leads, But Competition Looms
When it comes to Best Picture, the nominees are diverse and packed with talent.
From romantic comedies to thought-provoking dramas, “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “Wicked,” and “Dune: Part Two” are all vying for the prestigious award.
“Anora,” a heartfelt romantic drama, leads the pack as the 1/2 favorite, but “The Brutalist” isn’t far behind at 6/1.
There are also longshots like “A Complete Unknown” and “Emilia Perez” that could throw a curveball into the mix, with odds sitting at 66/1.
PR expert Lynn Carratt suggests that after the BAFTA results, the race for Best Picture could be anyone’s game.
She notes that “nothing is guaranteed” in the unpredictable world of the Oscars, especially after “Conclave” swept the BAFTAs.
The Battle for Best Actor: Adrien Brody vs. Timothée Chalamet
The Best Actor category is shaping up to be an exciting contest.
Adrien Brody, a former Oscar winner for his role in “The Pianist,” is the favorite to take home the award again this year for his performance in “The Brutalist.”
However, he faces stiff competition from Timothée Chalamet, who is a strong contender after his surprise win at the BAFTAs for his role in “A Complete Unknown.”
Brody, who took home the Best Actor trophy at the BAFTAs, recently shared an emotional tribute to the British public, acknowledging how much England has come to feel like home for him.
But Chalamet’s sudden rise in the awards circuit makes him a real threat to Brody’s hopes.
The Best Actress Race: Demi Moore or Mikey Madison?
Demi Moore has long been a fan favorite in the Best Actress category, with her performance in “The Substance” earning her the top awards at both the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards this season.
At 62, Moore’s win would be a career-defining moment, especially after overcoming early career criticism.
However, Mikey Madison’s unexpected win at the BAFTAs has put a wrench in Moore’s seemingly secure position.
Madison’s odds for the Oscar stand at 15/8, and if “Anora” wins Best Picture, she could very well snatch the statue from Moore’s grasp.
While Moore’s supporters argue that she deserves the Oscar as recognition for a brilliant career, Madison’s breakout performance in “Anora” makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Lynn Carratt highlights that if “Anora” takes home the Best Film prize, Madison might have the edge.
Best Director: Sean Baker Takes the Lead, But Brady Corbet Is Close Behind
The Best Director category is a highly anticipated showdown between a variety of talented filmmakers.
Sean Baker, the director behind “Anora,” is currently the front-runner, with odds at 8/15, but Brady Corbet’s success at the BAFTAs with “The Brutalist” could shake things up.
Corbet, who won four BAFTA awards for his film, including Best Director, has gained significant momentum in the race.
His humble acceptance speech at the BAFTAs resonated with audiences, and he could be poised for a big night at the Oscars.
Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana Dominate the Supporting Categories
In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana are expected to have a standout night.
Culkin’s performance in “A Real Pain” has earned him multiple accolades, and his odds of winning stand at 1/100, which reflects his dominance in the race for Best Supporting Actor.
Saldana, meanwhile, is the heavy favorite in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in “Emilia Pérez.”
Her odds of 1/25 make her a virtual lock, especially after winning multiple awards already this season.
While the film “Emilia Pérez” has been caught up in controversy surrounding racist tweets from co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, Saldana’s performance is undeniably impressive, and she remains the one to beat in this category.
The Full List of Oscar Nominees for 2025
With the ceremony just days away, here’s a quick look at the full list of nominees for the 2025 Academy Awards:
Best Picture: Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, Wicked
Best Director: Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Sean Baker (Anora), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)
Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)
Best Supporting Actress: Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Isabella Rossellini (Conclave), Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
The 2025 Oscars promise to be a thrilling night filled with surprises, celebrations, and, as always, the best of Hollywood talent.
With only days to go, who will come out on top, and who will be left disappointed? We’ll find out soon enough.