In anticipation of the 97th Academy Awards–the most publicized and prestigious film awards of the year–we offer our take on this year’s nominees. Amid a season of snubs (ahem, “Challengers”) and a staggeringly high number of nominations for a movie widely dismissed by critics–Emilia Pérez–Hollywood will gather as Los Angeles grapples with the aftermath of devastating wildfires, which have already impacted parts of the ceremony’s schedule and events. This year’s host is Conan O’Brien. Like any year, we will see how a host and the show’s presenters balance poking fun at celebrities without taking things too far.
See our writers’ personal favorites and list of predictions for this year’s Academy Awards below:
Holly: My personal favorite of this year’s picks was “Anora.” In addition to my prediction that the film will take home the Oscar for Best Picture, I felt that the film captures something fresh and urgent. The film, which is described in more detail below, stars Mikey Madison as Ani in her first leading role. The story unfolds in two clear halves, beginning with a whirlwind romance that soon takes a dramatic turn. As Ani’s world shifts, places like a friend’s candy store or the strip club where she works transform from thrilling and fun to simply chaotic and soulless. Truly one of the most wild and fun movies of the year, I highly recommend “Anora.”
Rhiannon: I will say my favorite of this year’s picks was “Wicked.” Although it is only one of many of my predictions this year, it was an overall beautiful movie with production design and costumes absolutely killing it. The movie has definitely cemented itself as the best movie musical in recent years.
Nominees for Best Picture are listed below, with our writers’ predictions highlighted in bold.
“Anora” – Holly’s prediction for Best Picture. Despite its shutout at the Golden Globes, “Anora” has won a string of prestigious awards in recent weeks, including best film awards by the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America. This positions the film well in taking on the Academy Awards. Personally, I hope to see it win.
Alex Coco, Samantha Quan, and Sean Baker, Producers
Ani, a Russian-American sex worker living in New York City, meets the son of a Russian oligarch, Ivan. On a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas, they decide to get married. When Ivan’s parents find out that the two are married, they send three men after the couple in hopes of splitting them apart. Starring Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn.
“Conclave” – Rhiannon’s prediction for Best Picture. With its SAG and BAFTA wins, there is a possibility it could win the Oscar this year.
Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, and Michael A. Jackman, Producers
Cardinal Lawrence participates in one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events–the selection of a new pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the Vatican, he uncovers deep secrets that shake the foundation of the Roman Catholic Church. Starring Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini
“The Brutalist”
Nick Gordon, Brian Young, Andrew Morrison, D.J. Gugenheim and Brady Corbet, Producers
A Jewish architect escapes Europe after World War II and moves to Pennsylvania, where he takes on a wealthy client whose work becomes all-consuming. Starring Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce.
“A Complete Unknown”
Fred Berger, James Mangold and Alex Heineman, Producers
“A Complete Unknown” follows a young Bob Dylan, played by Timothee Chalamet, as he grows up and finds commercial success. It chronicles the story of the musicians around him and highlights the women in his life.
“Dune: Part Two”
Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Tanya Lapointe and Denis Villeneuve, Producers
Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. Starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.
“Emilia Pérez”
Pascal Caucheteux and Jacques Audiard, Producers
Rita Mora Castro, a Mexican lawyer, offered to help a notorious drug cartel boss retire and transition as a woman to fulfill a long-held desire.
“I’m Still Here”
Maria Carlota Bruno and Rodrigo Teixeira, Producers
Facing the oppressive forces of the Brazilian military dictatorship present in 1970, Eunice struggles to find justice for her family when her husband disappears after a military coup.
“Nickel Boys”
Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Joslyn Barnes, Producers
Elwood Curtis’s college dreams shatter when he is sent to Nickel Academy, a vicious reformatory school in the Jim Crow South. Clinging to his optimistic worldview, he strikes up a friendship with Tucker, a fellow Black teen, dispensing fundamental tips for surviving.
“The Substance”
Coralie Fargeat and Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner, Producers
In a world where people can take a mysterious formula, called the Substance, to emerge as their younger selves. However, for every week in their new body, they must spend a week in their old one–a balance that, when disrupted, proves disastrous. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.
“Wicked”
Marc Platt, Producer
Wicked takes on a magical trip through Oz, following Elphaba and Glinda as a loathing-turned-loving friendship takes an unexpected turn. Based on the 2003 Broadway musical of the same name, the film stars nominated leading and supporting actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Check out our list of predicted winners in each major category: See the full list of categories and nominees here.
DIRECTOR
- Sean Baker, “Anora” – Holly’s prediction
- Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist” – Rhiannon’s prediction
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
- Demi Moore, “The Substance” – Holly’s prediction
- Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked” – Rhiannon’s prediction
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
- Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist” – Holly’s prediction
- Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave” – Rhiannon’s prediction
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
- “The Substance” – Holly’s prediction
- “A Real Pain” – Rhiannon’s prediction
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
- “Conclave “– Holly and Rhiannon’s prediction
ANIMATED FEATURE
- “The Wild Robot” – Holly’s prediction
- “Flow” – Rhiannon’s prediction
ORIGINAL SCORE
- “Wicked” – Holly and Rhiannon’s prediction
CINEMATOGRAPHY
- “Dune: Part Two” – Holly’s prediction
- “The Brutalist” – Rhiannon’s prediction
COSTUME DESIGN
- “A Complete Unknown” – Holly’s prediction
- “Wicked” – Rhiannon’s prediction
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
- “The Substance” – Holly’s prediction
- “Wicked” – Rhiannon’s prediction
The 97th annual Academy Awards are set to begin at 4 p.m. PT on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Tune in and see how your own predictions stack up against the real results using Vanity Fair’s 2025 Oscars ballot.
Check back next week for our follow-up article, where we’ll break down the winners, surprises, and the biggest moments from the Oscars!
Author
Holly Brusse is a first-year student at Seattle Central College. Her interest in journalism started when she joined her high school newspaper during her sophomore year of high school. She enjoys writing on politics, music, and pop culture. Outside of school she enjoys listening to music, painting in watercolor, and spending time with her cat.
As Rhiannon had done journalism in the past for her high school. She hopes to continue that path through the Collegian.
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