Oscar Nominations: Did They Make The Right Choices?

As 2025 begins, the year has not got off to a promising start, given issues permeating America, Palestine, the Congo, and more we cannot even begin to think about. However, in times of dismay, the arts remain a steadfast figure, helping us escape the state of our society. One way in which we can celebrate this is none other than the Oscars, where we can recognise the genius behind film, and the creative teams that bring it together. However, were the Oscar’s making the right choices this year? Was it full of snubs or deserving surprises; let’s take a look.

Most films nominated for Best Picture were expected, giving their success in awards season prior to The Academy’s votes, such as Dune: Part Two, Anora, and The Brutalist. Alongside our predictions lay the pleasant surprise of Nickel Boys, also nominated for Best Picture despite not racking up the same nominations as its fellow nominees. However, disappointment arose with the lack of Sing Sing in this list, which, arguably, deserved a place as nominee for Best Picture.

Disappointment continued as Denis Villeneuve, the creative mastermind behind the cinematic epic Dune: Part Two, was not nominated for Best Director despite its nomination for Best Picture. Another director arguably snubbed by the Academy was Luca Guadagnino, racking up a grand total of zero nominations for both Queer and Challengers. Although we could take a grain of salt for the lack of nominations for Challengers, it is hard to ignore the fact that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross weren't nominated for their heart-thumping score that kept the movie driving. This is truly a travesty.

The lack of nominations for a Luca Guadagnino film also means that Daniel Craig is not nominated for his critically-acclaimed role in Queer. Not only did this feel like an absolute snub, but it was heartbreaking to not see 007 himself recognised by the Academy for his outstanding depiction of Lee.

However, it is not all doom and gloom, as we get a nomination for Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown for Best Supporting Actress, a truly deserving nominee. Despite its issues of trans and Mexican representation, Emilia Perez racks up a whopping 13 nominations, tying with films such as Forest Gump and Lord of The Rings. And finally, how can we ignore the wonderful Demi Moore and her nomination for Best Actress in The Substance?

It will certainly be a surprising year at The Oscars. However, what a privilege we have to debate and celebrate the arts in times of international turmoil.