This Sunday, the 97th edition of the Oscars will be celebrated in Los Angeles. The current film season does not have a definitive favorite, with titles such as 'Conclave', 'Anora', 'The Brutalist', and 'Emilia Pérez' competing for the prestigious award. 'Emilia Pérez' leads the nominations with thirteen, followed by 'The Brutalist' and 'Wicked' with ten, 'Conclave' and 'A Complete Unknown' with eight, and 'Anora' with six.
The bookmakers place 'Anora', directed by Sean Baker, as the favorite to win the Best Picture award. The gala will take place at the Dolby Theatre and will be dedicated to cinema, Hollywood, and Los Angeles in solidarity with the recent fires in the area. 'Conclave' is also considered a strong contender after its victory at the BAFTAs and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The film 'The Brutalist', winner of the Golden Globe in the drama category, and other productions like 'The Substance' and 'Nickel Boys' have not been dismissed by critics. The French film 'Emilia Pérez' faces controversies due to recent issues involving its lead, Karla Sofía Gascón, nominated for Best Actress. However, the film has received praise and awards at international festivals.
As for the actors, Adrien Brody stands out as a favorite in the Best Actor category, although his use of artificial intelligence in 'The Brutalist' has sparked debates. Timothée Chalamet for 'A Complete Unknown', Ralph Fiennes for 'Conclave', Colman Domingo for 'Sing Sing', and Sebastian Stan for 'The Apprentice' remain as competitors. In the female category, Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, and Fernanda Torres are the favorites, while Karla Sofía Gascón has lost ground.
The gala will also feature a Brazilian influence, as Fernanda Torres has high chances of becoming the first Brazilian to win an Oscar for her performance in 'I'm Still Here'. The ceremony will include tributes to Quincy Jones, musical performances, and participation from stars like Penélope Cruz, Halle Berry, and Robert Downey Jr.
In summary, the 2025 Oscars present a tight and surprising competition, with standout films and actors vying to take home the coveted Academy Award.
