2025 Oscars: Win your pool with these 10 golden picks

As the anticipation for the 2025 Oscars builds, industry experts and fans alike are speculating on which films and performances will take home the coveted awards. With a diverse array of nominees, this year’s Oscars promise exciting outcomes in several categories. From international features to standout performances, let’s look at the frontrunners vying for Oscar glory and my predictions that will win you office cred and some money.

Best International Feature: “I’m Still Here”

For the Best International Feature category, keep an eye on films that have garnered critical acclaim. “I’m Still Here” looks like the favorite, as “Emilia Pérez” is starting to fade in cultural film relevance.

Best Costume Design: “Wicked Part 1”

Predicted to win for its elaborate and visually stunning costumes, “Wicked Part I” is favored due to its impressive precursor nods from BAFTA, Critics Choice, and the Costume Designers Guild. Its intricate designs are likely to captivate voters, making it a strong contender for the Oscar.

Best Cinematography: “The Brutalist”

Likely to win due to its technical dominance and visual impact, “The Brutalist” impresses with its use of the VistaVision process, offering a stunning cinematic experience. Its cinematography, handled by Lol Crawley, has garnered widespread acclaim for its historical and aesthetic authenticity.

Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana is the frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress with her role in “Emilia Perez,” having swept precursor awards. Ariana Grande and Felicity Jones are also contenders, with Grande’s nomination marking a significant crossover from music to film.

Best Adapted Screenplay: “Conclave”

Predicted to win for its tightly written and engaging screenplay, “Conclave,” written in a 2016 novel by British writer Robert Harris and adapted by Peter Straughan, has already secured Best Adapted Screenplay at the BAFTAs, bolstering its Oscar chances.

Best Original Screenplay: “Anora”

“Anora” is a strong contender for Best Original Screenplay at the 2025 Oscars. Its narrative depth and emotional resonance have captivated audiences, making it a likely winner. With Sean Baker’s direction and the film’s overall acclaim, “Anora” stands out as a top choice in this category.

Best Actress: Mikey Madison

This is one of my two major upset picks. Demi Moore is the big favorite for Best Actress, bolstered by her Golden Globe and SAG Awards wins for her role in “The Substance”. Her momentum makes her a likely winner, especially given her career-first Oscar nomination and the film’s critical acclaim. However, I’m not sure older Academy members, particularly the Brits, wanna give Moore such a prestigious award. She’s now the heavy favorite, but Madison won at the BAFTAs and I think the 25-year-old pulls off the upset and becomes the third-youngest Best Actress Oscar winner ever.

Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet

I’m going with the kid who’s just 29 and portrays Dylan — not an easy task — at the same age Dylan was then and Chalemet is now. Adrien Brody is favored for Best Actor due to his powerful performance in ‘The Brutalist.’ He has won at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs, solidifying his lead over Chalamet. A win would end a three-year trend of first-time Oscar winners, started by Will Smith in 2022. But here’s the deal: Brody has already won one Best Actor Oscar (“The Pianist” in 2003, when he was also 29). Plus, the Academy adores actors who play musicians. Billboard has posted a great list of winners and nominees. This will be a vote for Dylan as much as Chalamet.

Best Director: Brady Corbet

Brady Corbet is a strong contender for Best Director with “The Brutalist,” having already won at the BAFTAs. His film’s epic scope and technical achievements make it a compelling choice, though Sean Baker’s DGA (Directors Guild of America) win for “Anora” poses a significant challenge.

Best Picture: “Anora”

“The Brutalist” is the strong favorite for Best Picture due to its monumental (3 hours and 35 minutes running time) scope and prestigious cast, including Adrien Brody. Despite fluctuating odds, it remains a favorite among critics for its depiction of an architect’s struggle with capitalism. OK, but Anora is an adorable movie and I think Oscar voters this year will go with this shorter, sweeter feel-good feature. Don’t count out “Conclave” either, which is gaining momentum. I just don’t feel like the winner is going to be “The Brutalist”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2025 Oscars promise to celebrate a diverse array of talents and creative achievements in the film industry. From the intricate costume design of “Wicked Part I” to the epic cinematography of “The Brutalist,” each category is brimming with exceptional work deserving of recognition. As the awards night approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see which nominees will emerge victorious, solidifying their place in cinematic history.