The 2025 Oscar nominations have finally been announced, and as always, they come with a mix of joy, shock, and bewilderment. While some expected names secured their spots, others were glaringly absent, leaving fans and critics buzzing. Let’s dive into the biggest snubs and surprises from this year’s list.
Biggest Snubs
1. Christopher Nolan for Best Director
Despite Oppenheimer receiving critical acclaim and a slew of nominations in major categories, Christopher Nolan was shockingly left out of the Best Director race. Many thought his intricate storytelling and direction would make him a shoo-in, but the Academy had other ideas.
2. Greta Lee for Past Lives
Greta Lee’s haunting performance in Past Lives captivated audiences and critics alike. Yet, her absence from the Best Actress category left fans questioning why such a deeply emotional portrayal was overlooked.
3. The Killer in Major Categories
David Fincher’s The Killer was widely praised for its moody storytelling and Michael Fassbender’s gripping performance. However, it failed to make a significant impact, missing out on key categories like Best Picture and Best Actor.
4. Paul Giamatti for The Holdovers
Paul Giamatti delivered one of the most nuanced performances of the year in The Holdovers, but his exclusion from the Best Actor category was a surprise, especially given the film’s strong momentum during award season.
5. Taylor Swift for Best Original Song
Despite her dominance in the music industry, Taylor Swift’s contributions to film soundtracks were snubbed in the Best Original Song category, disappointing her massive fanbase.
Biggest Surprises
1. Anatomy of a Fall Lands a Best Picture Nomination
While many predicted it to shine in the International Feature Film category, Anatomy of a Fall broke into the coveted Best Picture lineup, a rare feat for a non-English language film.
2. Emma Stone for Poor Things
Though Emma Stone was a contender, few expected her to be such a strong frontrunner after her quirky and daring performance in Poor Things. Her nomination solidifies her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses.
3. Ryan Gosling for Barbie
Gosling’s hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of Ken in Barbie earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination, proving that even comedic performances can receive serious recognition.
4. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse for Best Picture
In a major win for animation, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse snagged a Best Picture nomination, challenging the notion that animated films are only for younger audiences.
5. Surprise Win for Best Documentary
The inclusion of an indie documentary (Voices from the Underground) in the Best Documentary Feature category was unexpected, as it flew under the radar during the award season but captured the hearts of voters.
What These Snubs and Surprises Mean
This year’s Oscar nominations highlight the Academy’s evolving tastes and priorities, embracing diverse voices and unconventional genres. While some omissions may feel unjust, the recognition of films like Barbie and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse shows a willingness to broaden the scope of what defines “award-worthy” cinema.
As we head into Oscar night, one thing is certain: the road to the gold statue is always full of twists and turns. Whether you’re celebrating the surprises or lamenting the snubs, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a night to remember.