The Oscars 2025 (97th Academy Awards) on March 2, 2025, delivered a night of surprises and disappointments. While films like Anora swept major categories, several high-profile snubs left many fans and critics puzzled. Notably, the film A Complete Unkown failed to win any awards despite multiple nominations, and heavy favorites like Demi Moore and renowned songwriter Diane Warren did not receive the recognition many expected. Additionally, the film Nosfetaru and the multi-nominated Emilia Pérez experienced setbacks that stirred debate among industry watchers. This report takes an in-depth look at the five most surprising snubs of the evening.
A Complete Unkown
The biopic inspired by Bob Dylan, titled A Complete Unkown, was nominated in eight categories. Expectations were high—especially after Timothée Chalamet’s recent SAG Award win—which led many to believe the film would secure at least one major Oscar. However, the film did not take home a single statuette. Instead, the Best Actor award went to Adrien Brody for his role in The Brutalist. The absence of wins for A Complete Unkown has sparked discussions about how even strong critical support does not always translate into Oscar success.
Demi Moore Snubbed
Demi Moore, who garnered widespread acclaim for her performance in The Substance, was a favorite in the Best Actress category. With multiple accolades including Golden Globe and SAG trophies, many expected her to finally win an Oscar for her long-spanning career. Instead, the award went to Mikey Madison for her role in Anora. Moore’s loss, which surprised many viewers, has ignited debates on whether the Academy favored a fresher face over a seasoned performer. The decision marks another unexpected twist in a night already filled with major upsets.
Diane Warren Loses
One of the biggest surprises came in the Best Original Song category. Diane Warren, a veteran with 16 Oscar nominations, was once again overlooked. Her track “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight lost to “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez. This marks another setback for Warren, despite her long history of delivering award-worthy compositions. The recurring snub has prompted discussions about whether the Academy is shifting its focus toward emerging talents in music composition.
Nosfetaru’s No Awards
The film Nosfetaru, starring Lily-Rose Depp, was nominated in four categories. Yet, much like A Complete Unkown, it failed to secure any wins. Despite being part of a competitive slate, the film’s performance on Oscar night did not live up to the expectations set by its multiple nominations. This outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of the awards process, where critical recognition does not always lead to victory on the night.
Emilia Pérez’s Setback
Emilia Pérez was one of the most buzzed-about films of the evening, receiving a record 13 nominations for a non-English language production. With a star-studded cast featuring Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, the film had significant momentum. However, it managed to win only two awards. This result placed the film alongside others that, despite high nomination counts, fell short of winning in most categories. The outcome has led to debates on whether the film’s controversies and external criticisms influenced its limited success at the Oscars.
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The night’s surprises, from unexpected wins to notable omissions, have set off extensive discussions among fans and industry insiders. While films like Anora and The Brutalist celebrated their triumphs, the snubs of A Complete Unkown, Demi Moore’s loss, Diane Warren’s setback, the empty-handed Nosfetaru, and the limited win for Emilia Pérez serve as reminders that even widely favored projects can be overlooked by the Academy. The results have reinforced the view that the Oscars remain as unpredictable as ever, leaving many to wonder about the criteria behind the decisions.
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Credits: Variety, Entertainment Weekly