These 20 Movies Are Prime Candidates for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - January 14th 2025, 14:45 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we focused on all the movies that, whether because of glowing reviews, the prestigious circles they've been making rounds in, or the awards they've snagged, we believe have the potential to snag a Best Picture nomination at the 2025 Oscars (even though only 10 can make the cut!).

Now, this doesn’t mean we think all of these are cinematic masterpieces or actually deserving of a nomination (*cough* Emilia Perez *cough*), but we’ve done our best to channel the mindset of the Academy. Because, let’s face it, logic doesn’t always play a starring role in their decisions. | © Paramount

Cropped All We Imagine as Light — All We Imagine as Light

Directed by Payal Kapadia, "All We Imagine as Light" is a cinematic tapestry that weaves together the lives of three women in Mumbai, each grappling with personal and societal challenges. The film's dreamlike visuals and poignant storytelling have captivated audiences and critics alike, earning it the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Its exploration of urban hardship and human resilience resonates deeply, making it a standout in this year's Oscar race. | © Janus Films/Sideshow

Cropped Anora — Anora

Sean Baker's "Anora" is a wild, profane blast that has taken the awards circuit by storm. Mikey Madison's portrayal of the titular character has garnered widespread acclaim, propelling her into the Oscar conversation. The film's raucous narrative and gut-punch ending have left audiences both entertained and contemplative, solidifying its status as a formidable contender for Best Picture. | © Neon

Cropped The Brutalist — The Brutalist

Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist" is a grand in scope yet sensitive portrayal of post-war immigrant experiences, centered on Hungarian Jewish architect László Tóth, played mesmerizingly by Adrien Brody. The film's exploration of art, trauma, and the pursuit of the American dream has garnered critical acclaim, with Brody's performance earning him a Golden Globe and positioning him as a strong contender for the Oscars. | © A24

Cropped A Complete Unknown — A Complete Unknown

James Mangold's "A Complete Unknown" features Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, delivering a performance that captures the enigmatic spirit of the music icon. The film's portrayal of Dylan's early career, combined with Chalamet's hypnotic embodiment, has resonated with both fans and critics. Its box office success and critical reception make it a noteworthy contender in this year's Best Picture race. | © Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Conclave — Conclave

Directed by Edward Berger, "Conclave" delves into the secretive world of a papal election, blending drama and scandal in a narrative that has captivated audiences. Ralph Fiennes leads a stellar ensemble cast, delivering a performance that has garnered critical acclaim. The film's engaging portrayal of power dynamics within the Vatican has positioned it as a strong contender in the Oscar race, with multiple nominations and wins in the awards circuit. | © Focus Features

Cropped Dune part 2 — Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve returns to the sands of Arrakis with "Dune: Part Two," the sequel that has audiences and critics alike singing its praises. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya lead us deeper into the spice-laden political intrigue, with visuals so stunning they might just make your popcorn taste better. The film's technical mastery and epic storytelling have solidified its status as a sci-fi masterpiece, earning it a whopping 15 nominations at the Astra Film Awards. If the Academy has a sweet tooth for grand cinematic spectacles, "Dune: Part Two" might just sweep them off their feet – and maybe even nab that Best Picture Oscar. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Emilia Perez — Emilia Pérez

"Emilia Pérez," directed by Jacques Audiard, is the cinematic equivalent of a genre-blending cocktail – part crime drama, part musical, with a twist of controversy. Starring Karla Sofía Gascón as a cartel leader who undergoes gender-affirming surgery to escape the law, the film has sparked debates over its portrayal of trans identity and Mexican culture. Despite the backlash, it danced away with four Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, and has been selected as France's submission for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. Love it or loathe it, "Emilia Pérez" is the talk of the town this awards season. | © Netflix

Cropped The Substance — The Substance

Demi Moore makes a triumphant return in "The Substance," a film that's been described as both polarizing and unforgettable. Her portrayal of a woman entangled in a body-horror narrative has earned her critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. The film's unique blend of horror and dark comedy has left audiences squirming in their seats – whether from fear or laughter is still up for debate. With seven nominations under its belt, "The Substance" is a wildcard in this year's Oscar race, proving that sometimes, it's the films that defy categorization that leave the most lasting impressions. | © Mubi

Cropped Wicked — Wicked

The long-awaited adaptation of the beloved musical "Wicked" has finally landed, and it's making quite the splash. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film boasts a record-breaking 19 nominations at the Astra Film Awards, including Best Picture and acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba has been particularly lauded, earning her nominations across the board. While some critics have been less enchanted, the film's box office success and fan adoration suggest it has cast a spell over audiences. Whether it can defy the odds and take home the Best Picture Oscar remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure – "Wicked" is a force to be reckoned with this awards season. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Sing Sing — Sing Sing

Directed by Greg Kwedar, "Sing Sing" is a compelling prison drama that delves into the transformative power of art within the confines of the Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The film follows a group of incarcerated men who, through the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, collaborate to stage an original theatrical production titled "Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code." Colman Domingo delivers a standout performance as Divine G, an inmate who finds purpose and resilience through participation in the theater group. | © A24

Cropped Nickel Boys — Nickel Boys

RaMell Ross's "Nickel Boys" adapts Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel into a cinematic experience that's both innovative and deeply moving. Set in the Jim Crow-era South, the film follows Elwood and Turner, two Black teenagers navigating the horrors of a segregated reform school. Ross employs a unique first-person perspective, immersing viewers directly into the protagonists' experiences and emotions. This daring narrative choice has garnered critical acclaim, with many praising the film's ability to convey profound themes of resilience and injustice. "Nickel Boys" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, making it a formidable contender in this year's Oscar race. | © Amazon/MGM

Cropped A Real Pain — A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg's "A Real Pain" is a dramedy that deftly balances humor and heartbreak. The film follows cousins David and Benji, portrayed by Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, as they embark on a journey through Poland to reconnect with their Jewish heritage. Their trip, intended to honor their grandmother's memory, becomes a poignant exploration of personal and historical trauma. Culkin's performance has been particularly lauded, earning him a Golden Globe and positioning him as a strong contender for an Oscar nomination. The film's blend of comedy and deep emotional resonance has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, making it a standout in this awards season. | © Searchlight

Cropped Im Still Here — I'm Still Here

Directed by Walter Salles, "I'm Still Here" is a poignant political drama set against the backdrop of Brazil's military dictatorship in the 1970s. The film centers on Eunice Paiva, portrayed by Fernanda Torres, as she navigates the harrowing disappearance of her husband, Rubens Paiva, a former congressman and vocal critic of the regime. Its timely release has sparked nationwide discussions on the country's past and present political struggles, making it a strong contender for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Oscars. | © Sony

Cropped September 5 — September 5

Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, "September 5" is a gripping historical drama that delves into the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis, focusing on the American ABC sports broadcasting team's real-time coverage of the tragic events. The film meticulously recreates the intense atmosphere within the control room, highlighting the journalists' ethical dilemmas and the pressures of live reporting during a rapidly unfolding international crisis. Peter Sarsgaard delivers a compelling performance as Roone Arledge, the visionary producer steering the broadcast, while John Magaro portrays producer Geoffrey Mason, capturing the tension and urgency of the moment. | © Paramount

Cropped Gladiator 2 — Gladiator II

Ridley Scott returns with "Gladiator II," a sequel that brings audiences back to the grandeur of ancient Rome. The film follows a new protagonist, connected to the legacy of Maximus, navigating the treacherous political landscape of the empire. With epic battle sequences and a compelling storyline, the film has been praised for its production design and cinematography. The lead actor's performance has been highlighted as a standout, bringing depth to the character's journey. "Gladiator II" has garnered significant attention this awards season, positioning itself as a strong contender in multiple categories, including Best Picture. | © Paramount

Cropped Inside Out 2 — Inside Out 2

Pixar's "Inside Out 2" invites us back into the vibrant mind of Riley, now navigating the rollercoaster of adolescence. Under Kelsey Mann's direction, the film introduces new emotions – awkwardness, anyone? – that add depth and humor to Riley's internal ensemble. Critics have hailed it as a worthy successor, with some even dubbing it the "sequel gold standard." Its blend of wit and heart has resonated with audiences, making it a strong contender for Best Animated Feature. | © Disney/Pixar

Cropped Hard Truths — Hard Truths

Mike Leigh's "Hard Truths" delivers an unflinching character study, with Marianne Jean-Baptiste portraying a woman confronting life's bitter realities. The film's raw narrative and Jean-Baptiste's compelling performance have garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. Its exploration of complex emotions and societal issues positions "Hard Truths" as a formidable contender in this year's Oscar race. | © Bleecker Street

Cropped The Wild Robot — The Wild Robot

DreamWorks' "The Wild Robot," directed by Chris Sanders, tells the heartwarming tale of Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island who learns to coexist with the local wildlife. Lupita Nyong'o's voice performance as Roz adds depth to this touching narrative. The film's stunning animation and emotional storytelling have earned it critical acclaim, with some considering it a frontrunner for Best Animated Feature. | © DreamWorks

Cropped Saturday Night — Saturday Night

Directed by Jason Reitman, "Saturday Night" offers a frenetic and nostalgic glimpse into the chaotic 90 minutes leading up to the inaugural broadcast of "Saturday Night Live" on October 11, 1975. Gabriel LaBelle delivers a compelling performance as a young Lorne Michaels, navigating the pressures of launching a groundbreaking live television show. Critics have praised the film for its energetic portrayal of behind-the-scenes dynamics, with Rotten Tomatoes noting that it "captures the essence if not the exact likeness of SNL's original cast and crew." | © Sony

Cropped Flow — Flow

Gints Zilbalodis's "Flow" is a Latvian animated fable that follows a lone black cat navigating a post-human, flooded world. The film's unique animation style and wordless storytelling have been praised for their artistry and emotional depth. "Flow" recently won a Golden Globe and is anticipated to receive an Oscar nomination, making it a standout in the Best Animated Feature category. | © Dream Well Studio

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The Oscars 2025 are just around the corner, and the race for the coveted Best Picture award is heating up. Every year, filmmakers push the boundaries of storytelling, crafting unforgettable cinematic experiences that captivate audiences and critics alike. This year is no exception, with a diverse slate of films vying for a spot among the nominees.

From emotionally resonant dramas to groundbreaking blockbusters, these 20 movies have emerged as the strongest contenders for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards. Whether you're a seasoned Oscar predictor or simply a lover of great cinema, these films are the ones to watch as awards season unfolds.