Oscars 2025: We Rank The 10 Best Picture Nominees
Now that we've seen all ten, we put them in order according to our favorites.
'Emilia Perez'
Every year, as soon as the Oscar nominees are announced, I spend the next month trying to make sure I see as many of them as possible.
This year, I was able to plow through all the Best Picture nominees in short order, and I have to say, I was impressed. This was a strong year with things to like about all of them.
They're bold, audacious, sweeping, and epic.
Let's dive in.
1. Anora
Every time I think about his movie, I just smile. It's a twisted Cinderlla story that features a stripper with a heart of gold. And it has so much to say about the American Dream, capitalism, and love.
2. The Brutalist
A brilliant entry into the annals of epic filmmaking. This story covers many decades and is edited so energetically that you never feel the length. We're emotionally invested in these people and want a better life for them.
3. The Substance
Body horror is not usually my order, but this movie transcended genre and took us deep into Hollywood, hopes, dreams, and our body. It felt so culturally relevant and emotional, while also being hilarious and bleak.
4. Conclave
I've already waxed about my twelve years of Catholic School, but I do think there's something universal about this movie as well. We want world peace. We want fulfillment. We want happiness. Seeing them try to put the burden of solving that on one leader and hoping for the best is cinema.
5. Nickel Boys
- Director: RaMell Ross
- Screenplay: RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes
- Cast: Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs
I think it's probably unfair to have this in the middle because out of all the movies I felt like this one made me want to do something about the world. It's a brutal look at an abusive school during an abusive time.
6. A Complete Unknown
7. Wicked
I love musicals. My wife and I saw this movie three times in theaters. We had so much fun. It's really a great adaptation from the live show and such an effervescent time to tap into your emotions.
8. I'm Still Here
It took me a while to catch this one, but when I did, I totally understood why it was nominated. It has a powerhouse performance amidst a dark mystery of a disappearing husband and political turmoil.
9. Dune Part II
If you're talking about Dune II and it's ninth on a list, it must have been a good year. This sequel carries us deeper into the mythology. It features another great Chalamet performance as a leader unsure how to put his people first when he starts buying into his own legend.
10. Emilia Pérez
I'm not gonna lie, I can't get the vaginoplasty song out of my head. This is one of those audacious movies that you watch and then have to talk about with someone. While I don't think it's a favorite to win this award, I think people will talk about it for a long time.
Summing Up the 2025 Best Picture Nominees
The Academy Awards are so much fun. It's a celebration of people who worked so hard in Hollywood and made movies that connect. While you may not like all of them as I did, I'm sure there are titles in here that will connect with you and that will stick with you forever.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
