PEAKLIFE

By Muskan Singh

The Oscars are more than just a celebration of cinematic excellence—they represent the very pulse of the film industry, highlighting the finest stories, performances, and visuals that have captured the world’s imagination.

As the race for the 2025 Academy Awards heats up, movie buffs and casual viewers alike are already buzzing about which films will earn a coveted nomination. This year’s contenders offer a diverse range of genres and themes, from poignant dramas that explore the depths of the human experience to vibrant animated worlds and futuristic sci-fi spectacles. Whether you’re in the mood for an emotional journey, a visual masterpiece, or a thought-provoking narrative, these Oscar hopefuls are bound to make an impression.

Immerse yourself in our top picks for the 2025 Oscar-nominated films that are destined to make waves in award season!

1. Emilia Pérez

A compelling story emerges in the film Emilia Pérez, which follows the journey of a notorious criminal on the run and the impact of her decisions on people around her. With outstanding performances and a gripping script, the picture is garnering a lot of Oscar buzz, especially for its screenplay and lead performances. Its emotional depth and tension make it a viable contender for multiple Academy Award nominations.

2. Inside Out 2

The beloved Pixar classic returns with Inside Out 2, taking viewers once again into an imaginative and utterly real world of a young girl’s mind, but this time exploring new visceral emotions and deeper complexities of growing up. This time it takes audiences one step further with new internalization and development of other fundamental concepts that exist within a human personality. The animation is top-notch, and the story is as soul-stirring as ever. This film is expected to sweep the animation categories, with many predicting a nomination for Best Animated Feature and potentially a Best Original Screenplay nod.

3. Laapata Ladies

Laapata Ladies is a charming and witty film set in rural India. It tells the story of two women who go missing on the day of their wedding; the ensuing chaos guarantees laughter galore and heartwarming moments. The film’s exploration of societal expectations, gender roles, orthodox societal norms, and love has resonated with both critics and audiences alike. Its unique storytelling style could earn it a nomination for Best International Feature Film.

4. Dune: Part Two

The follow-up to the 2021 hit, Dune: Part Two, has arrived with even more grandeur and spectacle. Picking up where the first film left off, this movie delves deeper into the intricate world of Arrakis, filled with political intrigue, power struggles, and desert warfare. The fascinating visual effects and a star-studded cast, led by Timothée Chalamet, make this film a strong contender in technical categories like Best Visual Effects and Best Production Design, while also vying for the top prizes like Best Picture.

5. Conclave

Conclave is a dramatic thriller with hues of comedy and horror. It depicts the aftermath of a pope’s sudden death and the chaotic succession process that follows. This political thriller unravels nuanced layers of deception, ambition, and faith as Cardinal Lawrence finds himself at the centre of a plot that has the potential to upend the Church itself when he is entrusted with overseeing one of the most ancient and clandestine processes in history—the selection of a new Pope.

6. Anora

A gripping period drama, Anora explores and celebrates themes of love, war, and sacrifice. Set against the backdrop of a country in turmoil, the film beautifully captures the strength of its protagonist, Anora, as she navigates a world torn apart by conflict. Anora, a Brooklyn-based prostitute, meets and marries an oligarch’s son, giving her a chance at a Cinderella tale. The cinematography is breathtaking, with an emotionally charged story. Anora is a raucous film that ensures a fun time with a gut-punching ending.

7. The Brutalist

The Brutalist is a visually striking film that focuses on the life of an architect who is fixated on creating his ultimate masterpiece. The film’s narrative explores the darker sides of human ambition, and its minimalist design and eerie imagery leave a lasting impression. With many critics hailing it as a possible dark horse in the Best Picture and Best Director categories, it is being praised for its cinematography and direction.

8. Sing Sing

Inspired by true events, Sing Sing tells the narrative of an unlikely friendship that emerges in the most unusual of settings—a prison. The film’s heart is in its deeply humane and visceral storytelling, which centres on redemption, second chances, and the complex bonds formed within the prison system. The nuanced performances and raw emotional depth of the story make Sing Sing a strong contender for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay.

9. Joker: Folie à Deux

Joker: Folie à Deux, the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2019 smash blockbuster, delves further into Arthur Fleck’s psyche. In an animated scenario, the Joker is impersonated by his shadow, who takes his place and performs a singing performance for a TV show before abandoning him on stage half-dressed, where three police officers beat him. Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, adding a musical touch to the movie. The blend of psychological drama and musical elements has garnered critics’ attention, putting it on the list of contenders for the Best Original Score, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and acting awards for Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.

10. The Piano Lesson

The Piano Lesson presents a stage adaptation of the August Wilson drama about a family wrestling with the legacy of a piano that holds their history and soul. The movie version of the film, led by a great cast, has already been predicted for the Best Adapted Screenplay. Owing to the themes of family, heritage, and identity, it stands a good chance of winning in several categories, especially the acting performances and screenplay.