The 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a thrilling race, with the film industry still reeling from the effects of last year’s strikes. While some anticipated blockbusters failed to live up to expectations, a crop of smaller, more daring films are stepping into the spotlight, offering a diverse and exciting slate of potential nominees. Here are 11 movies that could make a major impact at the Academy Awards:
1. Sing Sing
Greg Kwedar’s moving and powerful film, “Sing Sing,” tells the true story of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the infamous New York prison. Featuring real-life inmates playing versions of themselves, the film offers a poignant and deeply human look at redemption and second chances. Colman Domingo, nominated for Best Actor earlier this year for “Rustin,” could be in the running for another nomination for his powerful performance as John “Divine G” Whitfield. The real Divine G, a co-writer on the script, along with fellow inmate Clarence Maclin, could also be recognized for Best Adapted Screenplay. Maclin’s performance deserves recognition as well, making this a film that could sweep the awards with its poignant storytelling and inspiring message.
2. Conclave
Edward Berger, who directed the Oscar-winning “All Quiet on the Western Front,” returns with “Conclave,” a gripping thriller that follows the intense election of a new Pope. With a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, and John Lithgow, the film is sure to garner plenty of nominations. Fiennes, a two-time Oscar nominee, delivers a steely performance as the cardinal overseeing the proceedings. The film’s slick direction, sharp screenplay, stunning production design, and campy score all have the potential to win awards. “Conclave” offers a timely reflection on power, corruption, and the complexities of leadership, making it a compelling contender for the 2025 Oscars.
3. Anora
Sean Baker, known for critically acclaimed films like “Tangerine” and “The Florida Project,” is back with “Anora,” a vibrant and energetic romp about a spirited exotic dancer (Mikey Madison) who falls for the charming son of a Russian oligarch (Mark Eydelshteyn). The film, which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes, is sure to be a strong contender in several categories. Madison is a lock for Best Actress, while Eydelshteyn could sneak into the Best Supporting Actor race. Baker, who has never been nominated for an Oscar despite his impressive body of work, could receive long overdue recognition for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
4. Nickel Boys
RaMell Ross, nominated for an Oscar for “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” adapts Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Nickel Boys” into a powerful and moving drama. Using a first-person point of view, the film allows audiences to experience the harrowing story of two boys (Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson) sent to a brutal reform school in 1960s Florida. Ross’s direction is deft and observant, while the script, editing, cinematography, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s touching performance as Elwood’s grandmother all deserve recognition. This deeply affecting film has the potential to win awards for its artistic achievements and its unflinching examination of the injustices of the past.
5. The Brutalist
Brady Corbet’s ambitious historical saga, “The Brutalist,” is a sprawling and epic tale of a Jewish-Hungarian architect who flees the Holocaust and builds a new life in America. Adrien Brody delivers a powerful performance as the architect, while Felicity Jones shines as his formidable wife. Despite its imperfections, the film’s sheer scale, scope, and ambition make it a formidable Oscar contender. Look out for Brody in the Best Actor race, Jones and Guy Pearce in the supporting categories, and nominations for the film’s direction, screenplay, editing, production design, score, and cinematography.
6. Emilia Pérez
Jacques Audiard’s wild and unpredictable crime drama, “Emilia Pérez,” is set to stir up conversation and debate. The film, which centers on a trans cartel head (Karla Sofía Gascón) seeking gender-confirmation surgery, features powerful performances from Gascón, Zoe Saldana, and Selena Gomez. Gascón could make history as the first openly trans Best Actress nominee, while Saldana and Gomez could be nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Audiard’s bold direction, wild script, and ingenious soundtrack all deserve recognition. If the film can stand out from the other international contenders, it could be a strong contender for Best International Feature.
7. Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve’s epic sci-fi sequel, “Dune: Part Two,” is even more stunning and impactful than its predecessor, which garnered 10 Oscar nominations and six wins. While the performances of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson are strong, the film’s technical achievements are sure to dominate the nominations. Look for awards for Villeneuve’s direction, the masterful adaptation, the jaw-dropping production design, the breathtaking cinematography, and the incredible visual effects. This film is a visual masterpiece that could win big at the Oscars.
8. The Substance
Coralie Fargeat’s mind-bending body horror, “The Substance,” sees a washed-up movie star (Demi Moore) inject herself with a mysterious green liquid that causes a more perfect version of herself (Margaret Qualley) to emerge. The film is a visual feast, with mind-blowing prosthetics that could earn a nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Both Moore and Qualley could receive nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. The film’s immersive soundscape and visual effects also deserve recognition, making it a dark horse contender for Best Original Screenplay and other categories.
9. The Piano Lesson
Denzel Washington continues his streak of producing successful August Wilson adaptations with “The Piano Lesson,” a captivating family drama set in the 1930s that explores the legacy of slavery. Malcolm Washington, Denzel’s youngest son, makes his feature debut with a poetic script co-written by Virgil Williams. John David Washington delivers a strong lead performance, while Danielle Deadwyler, a recent Oscar contender for “Till,” is poised to receive a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film’s powerful themes and strong performances make it a likely contender for several Oscar nominations.
10. Maria
Pablo Larraín, known for his unconventional biopics, has created a mesmerizing and captivating film about the final days of opera diva Maria Callas. Angelina Jolie delivers a career-defining performance, making her a strong contender for Best Actress. The film’s visual splendor, with its lavish production design, dreamy cinematography, and luxurious costumes, is sure to garner nominations for Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume Design.
11. A Complete Unknown
James Mangold’s film about Bob Dylan’s rise to fame, “A Complete Unknown,” starring Timothée Chalamet, is a wild card in the 2025 Oscar race. Mangold’s previous film about a music legend, “Walk the Line,” earned five nominations and one win, and Chalamet’s transformative performance could resonate with Academy voters. Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and newcomer Monica Barbaro could also receive nominations for their performances, as well as the adapted screenplay, production design, makeup and hairstyling, and costume design.
The 2025 Oscar race is full of surprises, and these 11 movies are just a glimpse of the incredible films that could be vying for the coveted awards. Get ready for an exciting and unpredictable awards season!