The 2025 OSCARS award ceremony has posted their nominees this morning after a delay due to the wildfires in California. Emilia Perez has a total of 13 nominations with The Brutalist closing in at 10. I am going to go through each category and determine who is going to win based on my knowledge and insight of the Hollywood industry.

Actor in a Leading Role

This award goes to the best male actor throughout the year of 2024. The nominees start with Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, a film about a holocaust survivor searching for work at the end of the second World War. Brody has been doing great work in the past in films such as The French Dispatch and The Pianist.

Timothee Chalamet for A Complete Unknown, a biographical film about singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. He has also made a name for himself amongst the past couple of years, starring in Wonka, Dune, and serving supporting roles in films such as Little Women (2019) and Lady Bird.

Colman Domingo for Sing Sing, a film about a man falsely imprisoned, but uses his time to help others change their lives for the better. Domingo has starred in Candyman (2021), The Color Purple (2023), and If Beale Street Could Talk.

Ralph Fiennes for Conclave, a film about finding the next pope after the death of the old one. This particular film has been gaining international buzz by how "surprisingly good" it really was. Fiennes has appeared in numerous works such as the Harry Potter franchise, The Menu, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

And finally, Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice, a biographical film about the rise in power of Donald Trump. Stan has been in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier as well as smaller films such as The Martian and Ricki and the Flash.

As with any year, these picks are very good, and very hard to decipher. For me, however, I'm giving this award to Adrien Brody. His acting has proven time and time again to be superior. And while I do understand the argument for Sebastian Stan's Trump or even Colman Domingo, I believe the hardships and struggle throughout The Brutalist wouldn't have felt as real as it did without Brody's performance.

Actor in a Supporting Role

This award goes to the secondary characters in the film. This award in particular, the secondary male roles. The nominees start with Yura Borisov for Anora, a film about a stripper who is hired by a wealthy man to perform sexual acts only to fall for the wealthy man's son. Borisov plays a henchman that looks after the wealthy man's son. He's been in films such as The Riot, AK-47, and Has Anyone Seen My Girl?

Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain, a film about mismatched cousins who take a trip to Poland to honor their late grandmother. Culkin being the brother to the kid in Home Alone, he's made appearances in Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Movie 43, and No Sudden Move.

Edward Norton for A Complete Unknown. Norton being most famous for Fight Club and American History X.

Guy Pearce for The Brutalist. Pearce being most famous for Memento and Iron Man 3.

And finally, Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice. Strong being most famous for Molly's Game, and The Trial of the Chicago 7.

I am giving this award to Jeremy Strong. It's either him or Culkin, and while both are very good contenders, I feel Strong may be the right pick here. His performance as the man who put Trump where he is now not only opens the book as to how our society is flawed but puts to perspective the means of morality when it comes to billionaires and hierarchy.

Actress in a Leading Role

This award goes to the best female actors throughout the year of 2024. The nominees start with Cynthis Erivo for Wicked, Part One. A musical film based on the Broadway show based on a novel based on The Wizard of Oz, which, in turn, was based on a book showcasing the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West. Erivo has been in films such as Harriet, Bad Times at the El Royale, and Disney's Pinocchio (2022).

Karla Sofia Gascon for Emilia Perez, a film about a cartel leader who enlists a lawyer to help her disappear by transitioning into a woman. Gascon has also appeared in films such as Nosotros, los Nobles and Di que si.

Mikey Madison for Anora. Madison is most famous for her roles in Scream (2022), It Takes Three, and Liza, Liza, Skies are Grey.

Demi Moore for The Substance, a film about drug abuse in order for her character to appear younger. Moore has appeared in films such as St. Elmo's Fire, Ghost, and G.I. Jane.

And finally, Fernanda Torres for I'm Still Here, a biographical film about the life of Marcelo Rubens Paiva. Torres has been in films such as The Jew and Four Days in September.

I'm giving this award to Demi Moore. Say what you will, but The Substance was a surprise hit, and Moore's performance alone was a huge selling point about this warning over drug abuse. Especially drugs you don't fully understand the consequences for.

Actress in a Supporting Role

This award goes to the secondary female roles of 2024. The nominees start with Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown. Barbaro has appeared in films such as Top Gun: Maverick and The Cathedral.

Ariana Grande for Wicked, Part One. Grande is most famous for her singing career, but she has also made appearances in films such as Don't Look Up and Swindle.

Felicity Jones for The Brutalist. Jones is most famous for starring as Jyn Erso in 2016's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as well as shining in roles for The Theory of Everything and On the Basis of Sex.

Isabella Rossellini for Conclave. Rossellini is most famous for her roles in Blue Velvet, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, and The Saddest Music in the World.

And finally, Zoe Saldana for Emilia Perez. Saldana is most famous for her time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gamora as well as the Na'vi princess in James Cameron's Avatar franchise.

I am giving this award to Zoe Saldana. Emilia Perez is such a wonderful film about empowerment and secrecy, and Saldana's character really drives its plot forward, making for her to fully embrace this prestigious award.

Animated Feature Film

This award goes to the best animated feature that was released in 2024. The nominees start with Flow, an animated spectacle following a grey cat as it struggles to survive the harshness of his environment. Noted for its technical achievement for being rendered on a free and open-source software and being a brilliant work of art without containing any dialogue.

Inside Out 2, a sequel to the 2015 film about the core emotions attempting to balance Riley's new life with new emotions. While nothing too different happens in this sequel, the animation alone is a grand improvement upon its predecessor.

Memoir of a Snail, a claymation film following the life of a young girl with a birth defect learning about the world around her. It's depressing themes and morals showcase what humanity needs to listen to and why it's important to consider those around them.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, a sequel to the 2005 film and another claymation film following comedic duo Wallace and Gromit, this time evading an escaped criminal who happens to be a penguin.

And finally, The Wild Robot, Dreamworks' surprise hit about a robot who discovers the wonders of the outdoors and why the preservation of nature is important, based on the children's book of the same name.

While the Golden Globes gave this award to Flow, and understandably so, I'm giving it to Memoir of a Snail. The story, characters, and world building are astounding and very human. It's the kind of story people need, especially those who face criticism for who they are. It's a canvas of emotion and judgement that really stands on its own.

Animated Short Film

This award goes to the best short film that happens to be animated. The nominees start with Beautiful Men, a claymation short about three brothers facing their insecurities while waiting for a Turkish hair transplant appointment.

In the Shadow of the Cypress, an animated short film about a captain, suffering from PTSD, living with his daughter in a house on the sea. In the short, the duo faces the isolation may not be for the both of them and challenge each other on the harsher reality.

Magic Candies, a stop-motion film about a lone kid who finds marble-shaped candy that can allow him to speak to his furniture. Each encounter, he discovers new perspectives on life. While a clear metaphor for drug intake, this film does deliver another moral than just "Don't Take Drugs!" And that's to appreciate the world around you and value what you are given.

Wander to Wonder, a stop-motion film about three stars of a television show regrouping after the creator passes away. It's deep, it's breath-taking, and it's all kinds of depressing.

And finally, Yuck!, a film about the childhood discovery of love that has been accoladed numerous awards leading up to its OSCAR nomination.

I may have to give this one to Wander to Wonder. It's deep setting and unique approach sets its stage, and just for a short time, you feel the connection each character had with the show, and to its creator.

Cinematography

This award goes to the cinematographers that have proven their work to be more than just "point and shoot," but rather paint the scenery that they are given with the camera that they are working with. The nominees begin with Lol Crawley for The Brutalist.

Greig Fraser for Dune, Part Two, a sequel to 2021's Dune that continues the tale of Paul Atreides as he riles up the people of Arrakis to take pride in their individuality and to fight against the power of the emperor.

Paul Guilhaume for Emilia Perez.

Ed Lachman for Maria, a biographical film about opera singer Maria Callas in the seven days leading up to her death; reflecting on her life and career.

And finally, Jarin Blaschke for Nosferatu, a remake of the 1922 film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror directed by Robert Eggers.

For cinematography alone, I'm giving this award to Dune, Part Two. The scope of Arrakis, Giedi Prime's depth, and the battles - especially the sandworm scene - sold Fraser's skill for me.

Costume Design

This award goes to the people who spent day and night coming up with the costumes of each character. How they were going to look, and how much fun they had creating them. The nominees start with Arianne Phillips for A Complete Unknown.

Lisy Christl for Conclave.

Janty Yates and Dave Crossman for Gladiator II, a sequel to the 2000 film Gladiator starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal.

Linda Muir for Nosferatu.

And finally, Paul Tazewell for Wicked, Part One.

Just because of the time period, the accuracy in the look of Count Orlok, and the specific character items being displayed in Nosferatu, I'm giving this award to Linda Muir. Brilliant work, brilliant looks.

Directing

This award goes to the person(s) responsible for bringing the films together. The person(s) in charge of delivering a vision and for completing their work in their unique style. The nominees start with Sean Baker for Anora.

Brady Corbet for The Brutalist.

James Mangold for A Complete Unknown.

Jacques Audiard for Emilia Perez.

And finally, Coraline Fargeat for The Substance.

I'm giving this award to Sean Baker. It was between him or Coraline Fargeat. Both Anora and The Substance have an artistic merit that really strive at the hands of their respective directors. I'm leaning more on Baker due to the fact Anora creates an example of rich versus poor in ways not even Robin Hood could explain. It's a showcase of modern society and how many would throw away another just so they can be (or remain) on top.

Documentary Feature Film

This award goes to the documentarians that explore our world, so we don't (necessarily) have to. The nominees begin with Black Box Diaries, a film about the director's sexual assault investigation.

No Other Land, a film about the act of resistance on the path to justice during the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian-Israeli region.

Porcelain War, a film about the Ukranian defense and the act of creating porcelain art as a way to emphasize their resistance to the war. It is a showcase of purpose toward art during conflicting times.

Soundtrack to a Coup D'état, a film about the Cold War event that led Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach to infiltrate the United Nations security council in protest against the murder of Patrice Lumumba.

And finally, Sugarcane, a film investigating the Canadian Indian residential school system, allowing the survivors and descendants to reminisce amongst the past.

I'm giving this award to Porcelain War, due to its importance in recent history and the wonderful concept that the players in this documentary have come up with to outstand the troubling times in Ukraine.

Documentary Short Film

This award goes to the short-formed documentarians who strive only to capture a sneak-peek into the world around us. The nominees begin with Death by Numbers, a film about self-empowerment in the aftermath of a school shooting.

I Am Ready, Warden, a film that recounts the tale of John Henry Ramirez - a man convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Incident, a film showcasing the killing of "Snoop" Augustus by Chicago police officer Dillan Halley through bodycam and surveillance footage.

Instruments of a Beating Heart, a film about first graders in Tokyo forming an orchestra and performing at a school ceremony.

And finally, The Only Girl in the Orchestra, a film delivering the life and career of Orin O'Brien, illustrating her unique philosophy as well as showcasing her as the first full-time female musician in the New York Philharmonic.

I'm giving this award to The Only Girl in the Orchestra. Not only is it empowering to the viewer, but it's personal. So personal, the filmmaker is the subject's niece. It's a touching story and one that really dives head-first into a wonderful career for both Orin and Molly O'Brien.

Film Editing

This award goes to those who piece together the various scenes to create a cohesive tale through the lens of the filmmaker(s). The nominees start with Sean Baker for Anora.

David Jancso for The Brutalist.

Nick Emerson for Conclave.

Juliette Welfling for Emilia Perez.

And finally, Myron Kerstein for Wicked, Part One.

I'm giving this award to Myron Kerstein. The pacing, visuals, and smoothness created putting together the first half of this musical was such a blast in theaters, allowing the audience to anticipate the second part.

International Feature Film

This award goes to other countries who have created something huge. The film that they declare to be the best is now in the hands of the OSCAR, and the nominees start with Brazil's pick - I'm Still Here.

Denmark's pick - The Girl with the Needle, a historical film loosely based on the serial killer Dagmar Overbye, telling the story of a young woman who begins working as a wet nurse at a secretive adoption agency for disadvantaged mothers. As time goes on, this young woman grows suspicious of the people running the operation.

France's pick - Emilia Perez.

Germany's pick - The Seed of the Sacred Fig, a political drama about an investigating judge grappling with paranoia as the death of a young woman and the disappearance of a gun makes the "man of the house" distrust his wife and daughters.

And finally, Latvia's pick - Flow.

By proxy, I believe Flow is the winner here. One form of rendering, no dialogue, smooth animation, entertaining story from beginning to end, and it's an amazing feat! Flow sells it to me on many levels; however, I do understand the argument for Emilia Perez.

Makeup and Hairstyling

Much like Costume Designers, Makeup and Hairstyling heads for how each character should look and when. The nominees begin with A Different Man, a film about an aspiring actor who undergoes a medical procedure to transform his appearance. The outcome resulting in unexpected consequences.

Emilia Perez.

Nosferatu.

The Substance.

And finally, Wicked, Part One.

Where costume design was given to Nosferatu, I'm giving this one to Wicked, Part One. Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba alone along with the various looks and creations from every other character emersed the viewer into the world of Oz, making Wicked, Part One a cinematic experience to never miss out on.

Music (Original Score)

This award goes to the original soundtrack(s) created in 2024 for the specific films accompanying them. The nominees start with Daniel Blumberg for The Brutalist.

Volker Bertelmann for Conclave.

Clement Ducol and Camille for Emilia Perez.

John Powell and Stephen Schwartz for Wicked, Part One.

And finally, Kris Bowers for The Wild Robot.

I'm giving this award to Kris Bowers. His compositions and ambience created a mood for The Wild Robot, one that really tied up the film in one complete and uplifting bow.

Music (Original Song)

This award goes to the original songs created for the movies and films that they represent. The nominees start with El Mal from Emilia Perez.

The Journey from The Six Triple Eight. This film was about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion - an all-black all-female battalion - during World War II.

Like a Bird from Sing Sing.

Mi Camino from Emilia Perez.

And finally, Never Too Late from Elton John: Never Too Late. A documentary showcasing Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

I'm giving this award to El Mal. The catchiness and importance of its lyrics to the choreography on screen empowers the field that is the entirety of this wonder-lust of a film that is Emilia Perez.

Production Design

This award is given to the designers on set, behind set - everyone involved in building the set(s) of each film. The nominees are led by The Brutalist.

Conclave.

Dune, Part Two.

Nosferatu.

And finally, Wicked, Part One.

I'm giving this specific award to Nosferatu. The real places, the real designs, the physical realness that falls on the hands of this film really shine it through any of its contenders. I do appreciate the work that went into each film, but Nosferatu really did their homework when it came to hand-crafting its scenery.

Live Action Short Film

This award goes out to the short films that have made a name for themselves. A Lien kicks off this list. This film shows a young couple facing a dangerous immigration process.

Anuja, a film about a young girl struggling with the choice of school or staying at the factory.

I'm Not a Robot, a film about a music producer questioning if she's a robot after failing the Captcha tests.

The Last Ranger, the second in an anthology about a Lithia who is ambushed by poachers after being introduced to the magic of a game reserve by the last remaining ranger.

And finally, The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, a film telling the story of a passenger train as it is stopped by paramilitary forces due to an ethnic cleansing operation in 1993 Bosnia.

I'm giving this award to A Lien, due to its tried-and-true showcasing of modern society and how well it resembles the struggles many are facing in day-to-day life.

Sound

This award goes to the people that helped create the best-sounding experience for the audience. To really create a compelling and groundbreaking performance the chance to fulfill the promise of the act. The nominees begin with A Complete Unknown.

Dune, Part Two.

Emilia Perez.

Wicked, Part One.

And finally, The Wild Robot.

I'm giving this award to Dune, Part Two. The ambience of Arrakis, the sandworms, swords and shields, spacecrafts, everything brought it to the next level it needed to be a spectacle and that's all thanks to the wonderful sound designers accompanying this motion picture.

Visual Effects

This award goes to those who have created effects either practical or digitally to fully create something wonderful. The nominees start with Alien: Romulus, a sequel a part of the Alien franchise focusing on escaped convicts discovering the dangers of the Xenomorph.

Better Man, a biographical film about the life and career of UK pop singer Robbie Williams. But this time, he's a monkey.

Dune, Part Two.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, a sequel a part of the Planet of the Apes franchise detailing the descendants of Caesar in a new age of Apes.

And finally, Wicked, Part One.

I'm giving this award to Better Man. This may be a shock but hear me out. The choreography, realism, and pure work that's been done to the monkey portraying Williams is astounding and groundbreaking. It's hard doing whatever Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, and Peter Stubbs did to make Monkey Williams work. That deserves my award.

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

This award goes to the writers that took a known source and put it into their own words for a potential screen adaptation. The nominees begin with A Complete Unknown.

Conclave.

Emilia Perez.

Nickel Boys, based on the novel by RaMell Ross, the story follows two African American boys who are sent to an abusive reform school in the 1960s.

And finally, Sing Sing.

I'm giving this award to Emilia Perez. Not only was it a surprise hit, but it garnered the respect of anyone who watched it. And whoever watched it knows, this script had to be really something to become what it is today.

Writing (Original Screenplay)

This award goes to the writers who put in their hard time and brainpower to come up with an original concept. The nominees begin with Anora.

The Brutalist.

A Real Pain.

September 5, a historical film chronicling the Munich massacre of 1972 from the perspective of the ABC Sports crew and their coverage of events.

And finally, The Substance.

Much like my reasoning(s) with Emilia Perez, this award goes to The Substance. It's dark, it's necessary, and it blew everyone out of the park. Coralie Fargeat really told a story worth sharing, and I applaud her for that.

Best Picture

The main event. Why everyone watches the OSCARS to begin with. What (according to the accolades of the Academy) is the best film of 2024? Which producer earned their bang for their buck when greenlighting their nominated masterpiece? The nominees are:

Anora

The Brutalist

A Complete Unknown

Conclave

Dune, Part Two

Emilia Perez

I'm Still Here

Nickel Boys

The Substance

Wicked, Part One

Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions as to who is going to win, which is why I encourage you to determine for yourself which of these you think is the correct answer.

As for me, I believe the winner is going to be Emilia Perez. Say what you will about its production value, but the Golden Globes have been a really good prediction-picker for the OSCARS. Emilia Perez and The Brutalist are the top contenders according to that award show.

At the beginning of the year, I would've told you it would be down to either Dune, Part Two or Nosferatu. But Wicked, Part One was a surprise hit (to me) and Nosferatu isn't even in this category, leaving Dune, Part Two to combat against Wicked, Part One.

Both films are great! But when comparing amongst the rest of the board, my bets are on Emilia Perez. Only for its cultural input and unique storytelling device.

And these are my predictions for the best of the best in the year 2024 for the OSCARS award ceremony on March 2, 2025. You are welcomed to your own opinion and predictions, I can't wait to see what this year unfolds.