20 Films Expected To Make Waves In The 2025 Oscar Race

Alright, picture this—you’re settling in with your favorite movie snack (popcorn, nachos, maybe a sneaky pint of ice cream), and the Oscars buzz is already in full swing. The predictions and the inevitable snubs, and let’s be real, 2025’s race is looking stacked. So, which films are leading the charge? Let’s look at 20 movies that could shake up the 2025 Oscars because the awards season is about to get really interesting.

Emilia Pérez

Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” is a genre-defying crime drama-musical that has generated significant Oscar buzz following its acclaimed premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. With its socially relevant themes, this film is expected to be a strong contender across multiple Oscar categories.

The Brutalist

This movie brings big Oscar energy with a gripping tale of ambition, art, and post-war reinvention. Adrien Brody shines as a Hungarian architect chasing the American dream, and Felicity Jones delivers a standout performance. Stunning cinematography makes this a serious awards-season contender.

Anora

What happens when a Brooklyn stripper unexpectedly marries a Russian oligarch’s son? Chaos, drama, and a film that’s got Oscar buzz written all over it! Sean Baker’s “Anora” is a fearless ride packed with sharp social commentary and powerhouse performances, which makes it a must-watch this awards season.

Conclave

Political intrigue and faith collide in “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger. Ralph Fiennes leads as a conflicted cardinal navigating Vatican power struggles. Adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, the suspense-driven drama reveals secrets behind papal elections.

Wicked

Musicals thrive at the Oscars, and “Wicked” could be next. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo bring Broadway’s beloved prequel to life. Director Jon M. Chu’s dazzling visuals and the iconic Stephen Schwartz score promise an unforgettable cinematic event.

A Complete Unknown

Bob Dylan’s story gets the big-screen treatment in James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” with Timothee Chalamet stepping into the shoes of the legendary musician. Covering Dylan’s rise in the ’60s folk scene, this biopic promises music, rebellion, and star power.

The Substance

Gruesome yet gripping, “The Substance” immerses in psychological torment. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley lead this genre-bending thriller, which captivated audiences at Cannes. With bold themes and an audacious script, Coralie Fargeat’s directorial vision could push horror into the Oscar spotlight.

Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve is back with “Dune: Part Two,” and it’s bigger, bolder, and ready to shake up awards season. Paul Atreides steps fully into his destiny, the stakes are higher, and the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking. Expect this sci-fi spectacle to dominate the Oscars, both artistically and technically!

The Nickel Boys

What do you get when a Pulitzer-winning novel and a haunting true story collide? “The Nickel Boys,” an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel, explores the horrors of a Jim Crow-era reform school. Inspired by Florida’s infamous Dozier School, this gut-wrenching drama is primed for Oscar glory.

Sing Sing

An emotional powerhouse, “Sing Sing” dramatizes true prison rehabilitation efforts. Starring Colman Domingo and actual formerly incarcerated actors, it highlights art’s transformative power. This A24-backed drama’s real-world impact and raw performances make it an undeniable awards season contender.

A Real Pain

Oscar voters love a film that balances humor and heartbreak, and “A Real Pain” does just that. Jesse Eisenberg directs and stars alongside Kieran Culkin in this poignant road trip dramedy about family, loss, and identity. After winning big at Sundance, it’s already generating serious awards season buzz.

September 5

International cinema makes waves at the Oscars, and “September 5” is a standout. A full-fledged drama set against Argentina’s military dictatorship, its haunting narrative and stellar direction by Pablo Larraín give it a strong shot at Best International Feature and beyond.

Gladiator II

Epic battles, political intrigue, and a legendary legacy—”Gladiator II” has all the makings of an Oscar contender. Ridley Scott returns to direct, and Paul Mescal leads a powerhouse cast. The original won Best Picture, so expectations are sky-high for this long-awaited sequel to make its mark on awards season.

Queer

Pedro Almodóvar takes on William S. Burroughs’ controversial novel, bringing his signature blend of desire, isolation, and self-discovery to the screen. Also, Ethan Hawke and Daniel Craig lead this moody 1950s-set drama about an American expat wrestling with unrequited love in Mexico. 

The Last Showgirl

Hollywood loves a comeback story, and “The Last Showgirl” delivers. Michelle Pfeiffer stars as a former Vegas dancer forced to rebuild her life after aging out of the spotlight. Written and directed by Maid’s Molly Smith Metzler, this character-driven drama has all the ingredients for a Best Actress nomination.

All We Imagine As Light

Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” made history as the first Indian film to compete for the Palme d’Or in decades. This quiet yet profound drama exploring sisterhood and resilience has a strong chance of being the Best International Feature, which marks a milestone for Indian cinema.

The Seed Of The Sacred Fig

Political turmoil and family tension—this could be one of the most powerful international films of the year. “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, follows a judge torn between duty and conscience in modern-day Iran. Given Rasoulof’s history with the Academy, expect major awards attention.

The Room Next Door

Tilda Swinton delivers a mesmerizing dual role in Joanna Hogg’s “The Room Next Door.” Known for introspective storytelling, Hogg crafts a dreamlike exploration of memory and self-perception. Swinton’s powerful presence makes him a strong Oscar player.

The Piano Lesson

August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” comes to the screen with Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington. Directed by Malcolm Washington, this adaptation of Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning play dives into heritage and family legacy, giving it strong acting and screenplay nod potential.

The Outrun

A deeply personal story and a transformative performance could put “The Outrun” on the Oscar map. Saoirse Ronan stars as a woman battling addiction, returning to her remote Scottish homeland to rebuild her life. Based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir, this emotional drama blends raw storytelling with a scenic backdrop.