As we digest the 2025 Oscar nominations, it’s worth considering how the subject matter of several nominated films resonates with the current political climate in the United States.
Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez,” a musical about a Mexican drug lord’s journey to becoming a transgender woman, leads with a record-breaking 13 nominations for a film not in English (Spanish).
“Wicked: Part One,” which received 10 nominations, offers a powerful message. The film challenges the notions of absolute good and evil by revealing how perception and propaganda can distort the truth. Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch, is portrayed as a misunderstood (on purose) and marginalized figure, exposing the destructive nature of prejudice, societal pressures, and the weakness behind certain forms of power. Ultimately, the film highlights the importance of standing up for equality and being on the right side of history.
Cynthia Erivo made Oscar history with her Best Actress nomination for “Wicked.” She becomes only the second African American woman to receive multiple nominations in this category, joining Viola Davis in this remarkable achievement. Erivo stars as Elphaba Thropp, the iconic Wicked Witch of the West, in Jon M. Chu’s ambitious adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. This marks her second Best Actress nomination, following “Harriet” (2019), which also earned her a nod for Best Original Song for “Stand Up,” co-written with Joshuah Brian Campbell.
In addition to Erivo’s recognition, “Wicked” earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda.
“Conclave” will draw attention due to its timely subject matter and Pope Francis’s recent criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies. On Jan. 19, the Pope called Trump’s plans a “disgrace,” particularly his approach to immigration, stating, “It would make the migrants, who have nothing, pay the unpaid bill. It doesn’t work. You don’t resolve problems this way.”
”Nickel Boys,” based on Colson Whitehead’s 2019 novel, earned RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film sheds light on the brutal history of the Dozier School, a reform school in Florida notorious for abuse and the mysterious deaths of 81 boys. The story is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of racism and systemic violence.
“The Brutalist,” an international co-production, stars Adrien Brody as a Hungarian-born Jewish Holocaust survivor. Its themes of survival and warning against rising authoritarianism feel especially relevant in light of current events. The recent controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s gesture, perceived by many as a Nazi salute, has intensified global discussions about the resurgence of extremism.
Sebastian Stan’s nomination for his portrayal of Donald Trump in “The Apprentice” has also generated significant buzz. The controversial film delves into Trump’s early business career in 1970s New York and his mentorship under Roy Cohn, showcasing the “win at all costs” philosophy that defined his rise.
Colman Domingo continues to make history as the first Afro-Latino to earn two Oscar nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role, following last year’s breakthrough nomination. This year, he is recognized for his role in “Sing Sing.”
Zoe Saldaña, an Afro-Latina, is also making waves with her first Oscar nomination for “Emilia Pérez.” Saldaña recently won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Rita Mora Castro and now has a chance to secure her first Oscar. She joins a small but growing list of Latina nominees, including Ariana DeBose, who won for “West Side Story.” Saldaña will compete against Monica Barbaro (“A Complete Unknown”), Ariana Grande (“Wicked”), Felicity Jones (“The Brutalist”), and Isabella Rossellini (“Conclave”).
Active Academy members can vote for the winners in all 23 categories from Tuesday, Feb. 11, through Tuesday, Feb. 18. The 97th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC, streamed on Hulu, and aired in over 200 territories worldwide.
For the complete list of nominees, visit www.oscars.org.
