Oscars 2025: “Anora” and “Conclave” Battle for Best Picture

The 2025 Oscars promise a tight race, with Sean Baker’s “Anora,” winner of the Palme d’Or, and Edward Berger’s “Conclave” leading the Best Picture contenders. “Anora” celebrates resilience, while “Conclave” explores Vatican struggles, appealing to different Academy voters. Hulu’s live streaming of the Oscars marks a major shift, increasing accessibility for cord-cutters and potentially boosting viewership for this landmark event celebrating cinema.

The Oscars 2025: A Close Race Between “Anora” and “Conclave” ###

The 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a fiercely contested event, with “Anora” and “Conclave” emerging as the leading contenders for Best Picture. “Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, has garnered significant attention with its Palme d’Or win and six nominations, while “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger, has eight nominations and a strong showing at the BAFTAs. Both films have captured the zeitgeist in unique ways, with “Anora” celebrating the resilience of a worker against a backdrop of oligarchic power, and “Conclave” delving into the Vatican’s internal struggles between progressives and conservatives.

The preferential ballot system used by the Academy could play a crucial role in determining the winner. “Anora” has already secured victories at the Critics Choice Awards, DGA, PGA, WGA, and Indie Spirits, indicating strong support from American voters. However, “Conclave” has resonated with the international voting bloc, which makes up 20 percent of the Academy’s 10,000 voters. This international appeal could tip the scales in favor of “Conclave,” making the race even more unpredictable.

Sean Baker’s Triumph in Directing ###

Sean Baker is poised to win the Best Director award for “Anora,” marking his first nomination in this category. His work on “Anora” showcases his ability to craft compelling narratives with limited resources, a testament to his skill as an independent filmmaker. Baker’s victory at the DGA Awards further solidifies his position as a frontrunner.

Despite the strong competition from Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist,” which has ten nominations and a BAFTA win, Baker’s unique approach to storytelling and his track record with indie films give him an edge. “The Brutalist” is an ambitious project that has garnered international acclaim, but Baker’s consistent success in the indie circuit and his fresh perspective on filmmaking make him the likely winner.

Adrien Brody’s Return to the Oscars ###

Adrien Brody is set to win the Best Actor award for his role in “The Brutalist,” marking a significant return to the Oscars 21 years after his win for “The Pianist.” Brody’s performance as a Holocaust survivor navigating life in America has been widely praised, carrying the film with his powerful portrayal. His competition, Timothée Chalamet for “A Complete Unknown,” has also delivered a career-defining performance, but Brody’s extensive awards haul gives him the advantage.

Brody’s role in “The Brutalist” showcases his ability to convey deep emotional complexity, a skill that has been evident throughout his career. His performance has resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning him nominations and wins at various awards ceremonies. This recognition underscores his enduring talent and his ability to captivate viewers with his nuanced acting.

Demi Moore’s Breakthrough in Best Actress ###

Demi Moore is predicted to win the Best Actress award for her role in “The Substance,” a film that has resonated with audiences despite its body horror elements. Moore’s performance has been lauded for its emotional depth and her ability to convey the horrors of aging in Hollywood. Her competition, Mikey Madison for “Anora,” has also made a strong impression, but Moore’s compelling portrayal and her impactful promotional tour have positioned her as the frontrunner.

Moore’s journey to this nomination has been marked by her powerful speeches and her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Her performance in “The Substance” challenges societal norms and highlights the struggles faced by women in the entertainment industry. This narrative has struck a chord with voters, making her a strong contender for the award.

Supporting Roles: Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña Shine ###

Kieran Culkin is expected to win the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in “A Real Pain,” a film that has captured hearts with its poignant storytelling. Culkin’s performance as a troubled man reconnecting with his cousin in Poland has been universally acclaimed, earning him a sweep of the precursors. His chief rival, Edward Norton for “A Complete Unknown,” has not managed to secure a win yet, leaving Culkin in a strong position.

Zoe Saldaña is predicted to take home the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” Her performance as a lawyer helping a cartel boss transition to a new life has been praised for its emotional depth and her ability to carry the film. Despite strong competition from Ariana Grande for “Wicked,” Saldaña’s compelling portrayal and her sweep of the precursors make her the likely winner.

Screenplay Categories: “Anora” and “Conclave” Lead ###

Sean Baker is expected to win the Best Original Screenplay award for “Anora,” a film that has resonated with audiences and critics alike. Baker’s screenplay has been lauded for its originality and its ability to tell a compelling story with humor and heart. His competition, Jesse Eisenberg for “A Real Pain,” has also received praise, but Baker’s Best Picture nomination gives him the edge.

In the Best Adapted Screenplay category, Peter Straughan is predicted to win for “Conclave.” His adaptation of Robert Harris’s novel has been praised for its cinematic quality and its focus on character development. Straughan’s competition, Joslyn Barnes and RaMell Ross for “Nickel Boys,” has also been well-received, but Straughan’s consistent wins at various awards ceremonies position him as the frontrunner.

Animated Features: “The Wild Robot” and “In the Shadow of the Cyprus” ###

“The Wild Robot” is expected to win the Best Animated Feature award, a film that has captured audiences with its heartfelt story and stunning animation. Directed by Chris Sanders, the film follows robot Roz as she learns to coexist with animals on a remote island. Its competition, “Flow,” has also made an impact, but “The Wild Robot’s” box office success and multiple nominations give it the advantage.

In the Best Animated Short category, “In the Shadow of the Cyprus” is predicted to win for its moving story of an Iranian man with PTSD and his wife’s efforts to save a beached whale. The film’s emotional depth and elegant animation have resonated with audiences. Its competition, “Yuck!,” offers a lighter take on young love, but “In the Shadow of the Cyprus” is the clear frontrunner.

Craft Awards: “The Brutalist,” “Wicked,” and “Dune: Part Two” ###

“The Brutalist” is expected to win the Best Cinematography award, with Lol Crawley’s stunning work on the film earning widespread acclaim. The film’s inventive visuals and epic scope have set it apart, despite strong competition from Ed Lachman’s work on “Maria.” “The Brutalist’s” unique aesthetic and its ability to convey the story through visuals make it a strong contender.

“Wicked” is predicted to win both the Best Costume Design and Best Production Design awards, with its lavish recreation of the land of Oz earning praise from critics and audiences alike. The film’s attention to detail and its ability to bring the world of Oz to life have set it apart, making it a strong favorite in both categories.

“Dune: Part Two” is expected to win the Best Sound and Best Visual Effects awards, with its immersive sound design and stunning visual effects earning widespread acclaim. The film’s ability to transport audiences to the world of Arrakis has set it apart, making it a strong contender in both categories.

The Impact of Streaming on Oscar Viewing ###

The 2025 Oscars will be more accessible than ever, with Hulu offering live streaming of the ceremony for the first time. This move is a significant step forward for cord-cutters, who can now watch the Oscars without a cable subscription. Hulu’s decision to offer the Oscars live to all subscribers, regardless of whether they have the ad-supported or ad-free version, is a game-changer for viewers.

The Oscars will also be available on-demand the day after the ceremony, allowing viewers to catch up on any missed moments. This increased accessibility is likely to boost viewership and engagement, as more people can participate in the celebration of cinema. The inclusion of streaming options reflects the evolving nature of media consumption and the Academy’s efforts to reach a broader audience.

Implications and Conclusion ###

The 2025 Oscars are set to be a landmark event, with “Anora” and “Conclave” leading a fierce competition for Best Picture. The preferential ballot system and the international voting bloc add layers of complexity to the race, making it one of the most unpredictable in recent years. The success of films like “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” in various craft categories highlights the diversity of talent and storytelling in this year’s lineup.

The increased accessibility of the Oscars through streaming platforms like Hulu is a significant development, reflecting the changing landscape of media consumption. This move is likely to engage a wider audience and bring more people into the conversation about cinema. As the industry continues to evolve, the Oscars remain a crucial platform for celebrating the art of filmmaking and recognizing the talent that drives it forward.

More Reading and Sources…

Additional Sources

• The Brutalist used AI for Adrien Brody’s Oscar-nominated performance. Is that cheating?
• Brady Corbet Uses Criterion Closet Visit to Praise Mia Hansen-Løve: ‘One of Our Great Contemporary Treasures’
• Stream the Oscars: Watch the 2025 Academy Awards Without Cable
• Oscars 2025: Anne Thompson’s Final Predictions in 23 Categories