The anticipation around this year’s Academy Award nominations has been intense, and the official list released on January 23, 2025, has certainly made waves.
British talent, in particular, has had a standout moment with Cynthia Erivo, Felicity Jones, and Ralph Fiennes receiving nominations.
However, one name that is noticeably absent from the mix is Daniel Craig, whose performance in Queer failed to secure a spot.
Cynthia Erivo Competes for Best Actress in a Leading Role
Cynthia Erivo, known for her powerful role as Elphaba in Wicked, is aiming for the Best Actress Oscar.
Her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in the Broadway adaptation has earned her widespread acclaim.
Wicked received 10 nominations in total, a significant achievement for a Broadway show, and Erivo will compete for the top honor against Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Fernanda Torres.
Her inclusion is one of the highlights of this year’s list, but the competition is fierce.
Felicity Jones Nominated for Best Supporting Actress
Another British talent making waves is Felicity Jones, who has earned a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Erzsébet Tóth in The Brutalist.
The film, which explores the life of a Hungarian architect, also stars Adrien Brody, and has garnered significant attention for its powerful performances.
Jones will face off against her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, who also secured her first-ever Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch.
Other contenders in the same category include Monica Barbaro, Isabella Rossellini, and Zoe Saldaña.
Ralph Fiennes Nominated for Best Actor
Ralph Fiennes is another notable British star to receive a nomination, competing for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Cardinal Lomeli in Conclave.
He faces stiff competition from Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, and Sebastian Stan, who are also vying for the prestigious award.
Daniel Craig Left Out Despite Strong Performance in Queer
However, not all British stars have reason to celebrate.
Daniel Craig, the beloved actor known for playing James Bond, was noticeably snubbed this year.
His role in Queer, a period drama set in 1950s Mexico City, failed to earn him a nomination.
In the film, Craig plays William Lee, an American expat and war veteran who enters a romance with a younger man.
Despite the film’s anticipation and Craig’s strong performance, he missed out on recognition in the Best Actor category.
Other Noteworthy Nominations and Highlights
This year’s nominations also feature significant attention to Emilia Pérez, which led the pack with 13 nominations, including Best Picture and International Feature Film.
The film, starring Zoe Saldaña, has dominated this year’s awards season and is expected to be a strong contender in multiple categories.
Meanwhile, Elton John earned a nod for Best Original Song with Never Too Late, while the beloved Wallace & Gromit franchise secured a nomination for Best Animated Feature Film with Vengeance Most Fowl.
The film’s creators, Nick Park and Merlin Corssingham, expressed their excitement, calling the nomination a “surprise and privilege.”
Oscars Ceremony and Delays Due to Wildfires
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2, 2025, and will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, marking his debut as an Oscar host.
The nominations announcement was delayed due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which affected many in the entertainment industry.
The announcement, initially set for January 17, was postponed until January 23, as the Academy extended its voting period to allow members more time to cast their ballots.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Take Home the Oscar?
As the race to the Oscars heats up, fans and critics alike are eager to see which of these talented stars will take home the coveted golden statue.
With major films like Wicked, Emilia Pérez, Dune: Part Two, and The Brutalist all vying for top honors, the competition promises to be fierce.
Who will triumph on March 2? Only time will tell.
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