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Lights, camera, action! The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards are officially out, and it's clear that 2025 will be a year of thrilling competition in Hollywood. The biggest contenders? "Emilia Pérez," "The Brutalist," and "Wicked." What a lineup!
First up, "Emilia Pérez," the musical that made waves with 13 nominations, including Best Picture. Despite its controversies, like Selena Gomez's struggle with Spanish dialogue and some criticisms around its portrayal of the transgender community, "Emilia Pérez" is showing Hollywood how it's done. It even beat out classics like "Roma" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" as the highest-grossing non-English language film! Talk about breaking barriers!
Next, "The Brutalist" enters the race with 10 nominations. Directed by Brady Corbet, this gripping drama follows Hungarian refugees (played by Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones) as they navigate life in the US after WWII. The film stirred up some controversy, particularly regarding the use of artificial intelligence for dialects. But Corbet wasn't having it—he defended his actors passionately. This movie's clearly got grit and staying power.
And then there's "Wicked," the musical sensation we all know and love. With 10 nominations, it's clear that Jon M. Chu's adaptation has cast a magical spell over the Academy. The film not only landed a Best Picture nomination but also highlighted the extraordinary talents of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. And hold your applause, folks—if Erivo wins, she'll be one step closer to achieving the elusive EGOT status. That's Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—talk about a bucket list for a performer!
In a major first, this year marks the first time in over five decades that two musicals have been nominated for Best Picture, following the success of "Oliver!" and "Funny Girl" in 1968. So, get ready for a spectacular night at the Oscars—especially with Conan O'Brien hosting the show on March 2nd.
