The 2025 awards season is well underway, and a fierce competition is shaping up for the top Oscars categories. From Hollywood icons like Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Demi Moore, to emerging talents such as Mikey Madison and Karla Sofía Gascón, the race for Oscar glory is wide open. Entertainment Weekly’s awards tracker provides a detailed look at who is dominating early on in the season—and who might be falling behind.
Best Actress: A Crowded Field
This year’s Best Actress category has proven to be particularly competitive. Veteran actresses like Angelina Jolie (Maria), Nicole Kidman (Babygirl), and Demi Moore (The Substance) have all garnered significant accolades. However, newcomers such as Mikey Madison (Anora) and Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez) have also attracted attention with impressive performances. Despite early praise, Jolie faced a setback when she was excluded from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nominations, a critical blow following her absence from the BAFTA longlist.
Best Actor: An Intense Battle
The Best Actor category is just as heated. Ralph Fiennes is gaining momentum for his performance in Conclave, while Adrien Brody is eyeing a potential comeback with The Brutalist. Colman Domingo, who earned an Oscar nomination last year for Rustin, may earn another nod for his role in Sing Sing, making him a strong contender for back-to-back nominations in this category.
The supporting categories are also proving to be unpredictable. Carol Kane has emerged as a strong contender with two major recognitions for Between the Temples—a win at the New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) and a nomination at the Indie Spirits. Meanwhile, stars like Ariana Grande (Wicked), Zoë Saldaña (Emilia Pérez), and Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) are all drawing attention with strong early nominations.
Top 2025 Oscar Contenders
Here are some of the top contenders in various categories:
Best Picture
Emilia Pérez: With wins at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) and the Golden Globes for Best Musical or Comedy, this film is positioned well in the race.
Anora: Already a favorite, having secured wins at Cannes (Palme d’Or) and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA).
The Brutalist: A frontrunner after winning the NYFCC and receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama.
Best Director
Brady Corbet (The Brutalist): Early recognition from the Golden Globes and various critics groups puts him at the forefront.
Sean Baker (Anora): A potential standout, with nominations from the Gotham Awards and Indie Spirits.
Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez): Poised to make waves with nominations across the board, including at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice.
Zoë Saldaña (Emilia Pérez): Saldaña’s powerful role has earned her nominations from the Golden Globes and Critics Choice, alongside a win at Cannes.
Ariana Grande (Wicked): Grande is gaining praise for her supporting role in Wicked, with multiple nominations expected.
The awards season will continue to heat up as more nominations and awards announcements roll in, with the Oscars ceremony on March 2, 2025. For more updates on the Oscars race, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
An entertainment news writer with over 3 years of experience, specialized in K-entertainment and Hollywood news trends, with a growing focus on anime. Dedicated to delivering the latest trending and genuine stories.
