Alright, pop culture fanatics!
Mark your calendars, set your alarms, do whatever you need to do because March 2nd is Oscar Sunday!
And this year, the suspense is thicker than my grandma’s gravy.
With ten films battling it out for that coveted Best Picture statue, Hollywood is holding its breath, and so am I.
Forget about a clear frontrunner; this year, it’s anyone’s game.
We’re talking indie darlings, big-budget epics, and everything in between.
So, who’s got the edge?
Let’s break it down, shall we?
The Contenders: A Motley Crew of Cinematic Dreams
They’re calling it the “Big Six,” but honestly, with a lineup this diverse, everyone’s got a shot.
We’ve got stories of unlikely romance, legendary musicians finding their voice, an architect’s American Dream turning brutal, a wicked backstory getting its due, a cartel musical that’ll have you tapping your toes (maybe nervously), and a tale of power, faith, and secrets lurking within the Vatican walls.
Sounds like a party, right?
But which of these gems will actually take home the gold?
- Anora: This Cinderella story, clocking in at a cool $6 million budget, is suddenly a frontrunner.
Erik Davis, a big fan of Dune Part Two, even pointed out, “If there is a picture that is sort of slightly becoming a frontrunner, I look at Anora as that film.
It’s very unconventional, you’re laughing and you’re crying at the end.” - The Brutalist: Ah, The Brutalist.
Critics have been swooning over this one since day one.
Dave Karger said, “The Brutalist feels like such a monumental cinematic achievement that I see a world where The Brutalist wins Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor in something of a mini sweep.” Monumental, huh?
Sounds promising! - Conclave: A papal thriller?
Sign me up!
This peek behind the curtain of the Vatican has already snagged a BAFTA for Best Film.
Plus, with Ralph Fiennes and John Lithgow sharing the screen, you know you’re in for some serious acting fireworks.
But that’s just scratching the surface.
We’ve got a whole host of other contenders vying for the top spot.
Which leads us to the million-dollar question…
Is “Anora” the Underdog Story We’re All Rooting For?
After snagging some major guild awards and a BAFTA for Mikey Madison, this little Cinderella story is making serious waves.
As Madison herself put it, “Being able to play such an incredible, vulnerable, strong character like Anora, to me, that’s the reward.” But can a small film like this really go all the way against the big-budget giants?
Only time will tell.
Quick Question: Is it just me, or is there something incredibly satisfying about seeing an underdog come out on top?
“The Brutalist”: A Monumental Achievement or Just a Lot of Hype?
Now, let’s talk about The Brutalist.
This film has been an early favorite among critics, and some are even predicting a major sweep at the Oscars.
But does it have the broad appeal needed to win over the Academy?
Starring Adrien Brody as an architect grappling with the harsh realities of capitalism, it’s certainly a thought-provoking film.
But will it resonate with enough voters?
That, my friends, is the million-dollar question.
“Conclave”: Papal Intrigue and Acting Powerhouses
Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for a good thriller.
And Conclave, with its peek into the secretive world of papal elections, has me hooked.
Plus, the cast is phenomenal!
Ralph Fiennes and John Lithgow?
Yes, please!
As Lithgow said about working with Fiennes, “To be able to act with someone like John, that’s the reward.
That is like the icing on the cake.” When actors are that excited about working together, you know the on-screen chemistry is going to be electric.
Side Note: Anyone else find the inner workings of the Vatican endlessly fascinating?
Just me?
Okay, moving on…
Where to Watch These Oscar Nominees: Your Streaming Guide
So, you’re itching to see these potential Best Picture winners for yourself, right?
Good news!
The Associated Press has graciously compiled a guide for where to watch this seasons big contenders.
Are they streaming?
For free?
In theaters?
Fear not, I’ve got you covered.
From intimate character studies to sci-fi epics, sprawling historical dramas to instant body-horror classics, this year’s Oscar-nominated movies offer something for everyone.
Let’s take a peek.
Here’s Dan Murrell to break it down even further:
Streaming Options: A Quick Guide
- Alien Romulus: Best visual effects – Stream on…
(you know the usual suspects) - Anora: Best picture, best director, best actress and more!
– Stream on…
(ditto) - The Apprentice: Best actor noms – Streaming options galore.
- The Brutalist: Basically ALL the nominations.
You know the drill, streaming platforms ahoy!
And that’s just a taste!
We’ve got everything from Dune Part Two (for your sci-fi fix) to Emilia Pérez (the musical crime thriller that everyone’s talking about, or was…).
Point is, there’s no excuse to be out of the loop come Oscar night.
The “Emilia Pérez” Controversy: Can It Recover?
Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard’s audacious musical crime thriller, was steamrolling awards season with a leading 13 Oscar nominations…
until controversy struck.
Some not-too-old comments from Karla Sofía Gascón threw a wrench in the works.
Can the film recover?
Maybe!
After a few BAFTA wins, it still has a shot, especially for Zoe Saldaña.
Don’t Count Out the Dark Horses!
While Anora and The Brutalist are getting a lot of buzz, let’s not forget about the other contenders.
A Complete Unknown, James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic, is generating serious Oscar buzz.
And Dune Part Two, despite the director snub, could still pull off a surprise win.
This is the Oscars, after all.
Anything can happen!
“Best Picture up for grabs at Oscars 2025”: A different perspective
Still wondering about the frontrunners for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars?
Here’s a take from Eyewitness News ABC7NY:
The Big Night: How to Watch the Oscars 2025
Okay, you’ve seen the movies, you’ve picked your favorites, now it’s time to tune in!
The 97th Oscars, hosted by the legendary Conan O’Brien (yes, you read that right!), will air live on ABC and Hulu on March 2nd.
Red carpet coverage kicks off at 3:30 p.m.
ET / 12:30 p.m.
PT, so you can feast your eyes on all the glitz and glamour.
The main event starts at 7 p.m.
ET / 4 p.m.
PT.
Don’t miss it!
Remember: This year, they’re ditching the usual live performances of the Best Original Song nominees.
Instead, they’re focusing on the songwriters themselves, which, honestly, sounds pretty cool.
Get ready for some “powerful musical moments” that connect the past and future of film.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Take Home the Gold?
So, there you have it, folks!
A comprehensive (and hopefully entertaining) guide to the Oscars 2025 Best Picture race.
With so many deserving films in the mix, predicting a winner is practically impossible.
But hey, that’s what makes it so exciting, right?
So, place your bets, grab your snacks, and get ready for a night of surprises, snubs, and hopefully, some truly memorable moments.
And remember, even if your favorite film doesn’t win, at least you got to see some amazing movies along the way.
Happy watching!
Oscar Buzz: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Oscars 2025?
The 97th Academy Awards will be held on March 2nd.
Who is hosting the Oscars 2025?
Conan O’Brien is set to host the 2025 Oscars.
Where can I watch the Oscars 2025?
The Oscars will air live on ABC and Hulu.
What time does the Oscars 2025 start?
Red carpet coverage begins at 3:30 p.m.
ET / 12:30 p.m.
PT, and the main event starts at 7 p.m.
ET / 4 p.m.
PT.
Which films are contenders for Best Picture at the Oscars 2025?
Films like Anora, The Brutalist, Conclave, A Complete Unknown, Dune Part Two, and Emilia Pérez are among the contenders.
The Curtain Closes: Reflections on the 2025 Best Picture Race
The Oscars 2025 Best Picture race is a thrilling, unpredictable spectacle.
While frontrunners like Anora and The Brutalist are gaining momentum, dark horses and controversies add to the drama.
Ultimately, the Academy’s choice remains a mystery, but the journey through these cinematic achievements is a reward in itself.
Whether your favorite wins or not, the Oscars offer a celebration of film and storytelling.
Ready for Oscar Night?
Your Next Steps:
- Catch Up on the Nominees: Use the streaming guide to watch the films you haven’t seen.
- Mark Your Calendar: Don’t forget the date: March 2nd!
- Tune In Early: Catch the red carpet coverage for all the glamour.
- Prepare Your Predictions: Make your own picks for who will win big!
