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Emilia Perez dominates Oscar nominations with 13 nods, competing against Wicked and The Brutalist in a tight race.

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Netflix’s ‘Emilia Perez’ Leads Oscar Nominations Amid Hollywood Challenges

 The Netflix (NFLX.O) film Emilia Perez has emerged as the frontrunner in this year’s Academy Award nominations, securing 13 nods and offering the streaming giant another opportunity to claim its first-ever Best Picture trophy. Following closely behind are the historical drama The Brutalist and the highly anticipated musical adaptation Wicked, both earning 10 nominations each.

Emilia Perez Takes Center Stage

The Spanish-language film Emilia Perez tells the compelling story of a Mexican drug lord who undergoes a gender transition and starts anew. Its dominance in the nominations list signals strong support from the Academy, placing it at the forefront of the Best Picture race.

Other notable contenders in the Best Picture category include A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan; dark romantic comedy Anora; and political drama Conclave. Also nominated are Dune: Part Two, the Brazilian political docudrama I’m Still Here, racial drama Nickel Boys, and the horror feature The Substance.

Tight Competition for Best Picture

Despite Netflix’s previous nominations for critically acclaimed films like Roma and The Irishman, the streaming giant has yet to clinch a Best Picture win. This year’s race remains open-ended, with no clear frontrunner. Industry expert Marc Malkin, senior culture and events editor at Variety, predicts a competitive battle between Wicked, Conclave, and The Brutalist.

“Wicked has mass appeal and strong audience backing, while Conclave is gaining momentum through word-of-mouth. However, The Brutalist stands out due to Adrien Brody’s exceptional performance and its gripping narrative,” Malkin said.

Historic Moment in Acting Nominations

In a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation, Emilia Perez star Karla Sofía Gascón has become the first openly transgender performer to be nominated for an acting Oscar. Meanwhile, veteran actress Demi Moore, who has spoken candidly about being underestimated in Hollywood, earned a nomination for her role as a fading celebrity in The Substance.

Best Actor nominees include Chalamet, Brody, and Sebastian Stan, who portrayed a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice. Jeremy Strong, who played the controversial Trump attorney Roy Cohn, secured a nod for Best Supporting Actor.

Wicked Soars in Major Categories

The adaptation of Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, also performed strongly in the nominations tally. Lead actress Cynthia Erivo and supporting actress Ariana Grande, who play young witches-in-training, received recognition in their respective categories.

Grande took to Instagram to share her reaction, writing, “Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you. I cannot stop crying.”

Notable Omissions and Industry Reactions

Not everyone made the cut. Missing from the list were Angelina Jolie, who portrayed opera singer Maria Callas in Maria, and Nicole Kidman for Babygirl. The unexpected snubs have fueled discussions about the unpredictability of this year’s race.

Hollywood Amidst Wildfires

This year’s nominations announcement coincided with devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles, causing disruptions across the city. Several awards season events have been postponed or canceled due to safety concerns.

Despite these challenges, Academy CEO Bill Kramer emphasized the resilience of the film industry. “We will honor the talented filmmakers nominated today, pay tribute to our brave first responders, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Los Angeles and the entertainment community.”

Oscars Night: A Celebration of Cinema

With approximately 11,000 Academy members set to cast their votes, the stage is set for an unpredictable awards night. The 2025 Oscars will be broadcast by ABC, with comedian Conan O’Brien hosting the ceremony.

Industry analysts suggest that beyond the competition, this year’s Academy Awards will serve as a moment of triumph for Hollywood, reaffirming its commitment to storytelling and creativity amid adversity. As Malkin put it, “The last thing people in the industry want is to seem defeated by these fires. The Oscars will be a testament to Hollywood’s resilience.”

Source:  (Reuters)

 

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