Oscar nominations happen despite fires; "Emilia Pérez" breaks Hollywood ground

The Academy Awards nominations for 2025 have been announced. According to the Los Angeles Times, the nominations were delayed due to the wildfires in Los Angeles. The film "Emilia Pérez" emerged as the frontrunner, securing an impressive 13 nominations across various categories, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director. This Netflix-distributed crime musical has broken records for international film nominations, surpassing achievements of films like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Roma."

The nomination list includes several notable films. According to the Oscar.org official list, the Best Picture category features a diverse range of films such as "Anora," "The Brutalist," "A Complete Unknown," "Conclave," "Dune: Part Two," "I'm Still Here," "Nickel Boys," "The Substance," and "Wicked."

The acting categories showcase talented performers like Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist," Timothée Chalamet for "A Complete Unknown," and Colman Domingo for "Sing Sing" in the Best Actor category. The Best Actress category includes Cynthia Erivo from "Wicked" and Karla Sofía Gascón from "Emilia Pérez."

The film "Emilia Pérez" stands out for its historic significance in representation. Karla Sofía Gascón has made history by becoming the first openly transgender woman nominated in an acting category, portraying a cartel boss who undergoes gender-affirming surgery. Her nomination represents a significant milestone for transgender representation in the film industry. The movie, directed by Jacques Audiard, has been praised for its innovative storytelling and powerful performances. With 13 nominations, the film has captured the attention of the academy and audiences alike, highlighting the importance of diverse storytelling and inclusive narratives in contemporary cinema.

The ceremony, held on March 2,  will be led by Conan O'Brien and aired on ABC and Hulu. This New York Times story provides additional insights into the nominations.

The Brazilian feature "I'm Still Here" has also gained recognition, having previously won a best actress prize at the Golden Globes for its lead actress Fernanda Torres. The nominations reflect a year of diverse and compelling filmmaking, with "Emilia Pérez," "The Brutalist," and "Wicked" showcasing the breadth of talent in the film industry.