The 2025 Oscar nominations have sparked a mix of excitement and controversy, as fans and critics dissect the list of this year’s contenders. While some expected favorites dominated the categories, others found themselves surprisingly absent, leaving fans to debate the Academy’s choices. Among the most talked-about moments are the snubs and surprises involving big names like Selena Gomez, Angelina Jolie, and a host of other stars who shaped the cinematic landscape this past year. Let’s dive into the highs and lows of this year’s nominations.
Selena Gomez: A Promising Year Overlooked
Selena Gomez’s transformative performance in In the Shadows of Dawn had critics and fans buzzing throughout the awards season. Her role as a single mother navigating a complex relationship with her estranged son was hailed as her career-best. Many expected her to land her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress. However, when the nominations were announced, Gomez’s name was missing, leaving fans outraged. Social media quickly erupted with hashtags like #JusticeForSelena, as many questioned how her performance was overlooked in favor of others that seemed less impactful.
Angelina Jolie: A Surprise Return to Glory
On the other hand, Angelina Jolie shocked many by earning a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in Windswept, a gripping historical drama. While Jolie has been an Oscar darling in the past, this nomination marks a return to the awards circuit after several years focused on directing and humanitarian work. Some critics were pleasantly surprised, praising her nuanced portrayal of a woman caught between loyalty and survival. Others, however, questioned whether her performance truly deserved the nod over other contenders, sparking debate about the Academy’s selection criteria.
Snubs That Stung
Several other notable snubs have left Hollywood and its fans scratching their heads. Despite its critical and commercial success, Echoes of Eternity, a visually stunning fantasy epic, failed to secure a nomination for Best Picture. Additionally, the film’s director, a first-time nominee hopeful, was notably absent from the Best Director category. Another glaring omission was The Last Serenade, a beloved musical that many predicted would dominate in categories like Best Original Score and Best Cinematography.
Veteran actor Paul Giamatti, who delivered a tour de force performance in The Final Lesson, was also surprisingly left out of the Best Actor race, despite sweeping several precursor awards. His snub has reignited long-standing discussions about how the Academy often overlooks consistently brilliant yet understated actors.
Surprises That Thrilled
While some omissions left fans disappointed, a few surprises brought a fresh sense of excitement to the race. Rising star Sofia Calderón earned her first nomination for Best Actress in Beneath the Olive Tree, a small indie film that gained momentum thanks to glowing word-of-mouth. Similarly, the little-known animated film Cloud Harbor stunned everyone by securing a Best Animated Feature nomination, edging out high-profile studio entries.
The Ongoing Debate
As always, the Oscar nominations have reignited debates about representation, favoritism, and the Academy’s voting process. Fans are already speculating how these surprises and snubs will influence the awards ceremony itself. Will the omissions inspire the Academy to embrace more diversity and risk-taking in the future? Or will they serve as yet another reminder of how the Oscars often reflect industry politics rather than artistic merit?
One thing is certain: the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a night filled with intrigue, surprises, and more than a few contentious moments.
