Our Oscar Predictions for 2025

Our Oscar Predictions for 2025: Who Will Take Home the Gold?

Why Predicting the Oscars Matters

The Academy Awards aren’t just about golden statues and glamorous red carpets—they serve as a barometer for cinematic excellence, influencing industry trends and shaping the legacy of films for years to come. As the biggest night in Hollywood approaches, early predictions ignite excitement, sparking debates among cinephiles about which films, performances, and visionary directors will claim the industry’s highest honours. With a mix of returning legends and breakout stars, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and thrilling in recent memory. Let’s dive into our predictions for the top categories.

Best Picture: A Stacked Lineup, but Only One Winner

This year’s Best Picture race is packed with diverse storytelling, genre-defying narratives, and powerhouse performances. From sweeping epics to intimate character studies, these ten films have made a serious impact on critics and audiences alike.

The Contenders:

"Anora": Sean Baker’s latest indie darling captures raw human emotion with his signature realism.
"The Brutalist": A bold historical drama, beautifully crafted and packed with emotional depth.
"A Complete Unknown" – WINNER: James Mangold’s take on Bob Dylan’s early years has Oscar written all over it. If the Academy’s love for musical biopics is any indication, this could be the one to beat.
"Conclave": A tense political thriller set in the Vatican, featuring a powerhouse cast.
"Dune: Part Two": A sci-fi epic with breathtaking visuals and massive fan anticipation—could this be the year the Academy finally embraces the genre?
"Emilia Pérez": A unique mix of crime, drama, and musical elements, with an unforgettable lead performance.
"I’m Still Here": A deeply personal and reflective film that could resonate with the Academy.
"Nickel Boys": Based on the Pulitzer-winning novel, this one packs an emotional gut punch.
"The Substance": Body horror meets psychological drama in one of the most audacious films of the year.
"Wicked": If the Academy finally embraces the musical genre again, this could be a strong contender.

Why "A Complete Unknown" Wins: Mangold’s direction, Timothée Chalamet’s transformative lead performance, and a narrative steeped in cultural history make this the film to beat. With the Academy’s love for biopics (see Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis), it checks all the right boxes.

Best Actor & Best Actress: Will Veterans or Rising Stars Triumph?

This year’s acting categories feature a fascinating mix of industry icons and breakthrough stars, making for a highly competitive race.

Best Actor Predictions:

Adrien Brody, "The Brutalist": A career-defining comeback role for Brody.
Timothée Chalamet, "A Complete Unknown" – WINNER: As Bob Dylan, Chalamet disappears into the role. If the Academy rewards transformation, this is his year.
Colman Domingo, "Sing Sing": A powerful performance from one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
Ralph Fiennes, "Conclave": A masterclass in acting that could sneak into the top spot.
Sebastian Stan, "The Apprentice": A dark horse candidate with Oscar-worthy depth. And relevant too, given the current US political climate.

Why Chalamet Wins: His complete physical and vocal transformation into Bob Dylan, combined with the Academy’s penchant for real-life portrayals, makes this a clear frontrunner.

Best Actress Predictions:

Cynthia Erivo, "Wicked": If the film lands, Erivo’s vocal and acting chops will be impossible to ignore.
Karla Sofía Gascón, "Emilia Pérez": A performance that breaks barriers and could make history.
Mikey Madison, "Anora": A star-making turn in Sean Baker’s intimate drama.
Demi Moore, "The Substance" – WINNER: A fearless, transformative performance in a genre-bending film.
Fernanda Torres, "I’m Still Here": A stunning portrayal of resilience and reinvention.

Why Demi Moore Wins: The Academy loves a comeback story, and Moore’s daring, career-redefining performance in The Substance is exactly the kind of bold choice that could secure her the win.

Best Director: The Year of Bold Visionaries

The Best Director race is stacked with auteurs who have pushed cinematic boundaries this year.

Top Contenders:

Jacques Audiard, "Emilia Pérez" – A visually striking and deeply emotional film.
Sean Baker, "Anora" – The indie powerhouse continues to impress with raw storytelling.
Brady Corbet, "The Brutalist" – WINNER – A meticulously crafted period drama with stunning cinematography.
Coralie Fargeat, "The Substance" – A genre-defying female director making waves in Hollywood.
James Mangold, "A Complete Unknown" – A masterful take on one of music’s greatest legends.

Why Brady Corbet Wins: The Brutalist is an ambitious, visually stunning epic with layered storytelling—a perfect match for the Academy’s sensibilities.

Final Thoughts: Who Are Your Picks?

With so many standout films, performances, and visionary directors in contention, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be one of the most exciting races in years. Do you agree with our predictions? Who do you think will take home the gold? Drop your picks and join the conversation.