With many dubbing 2025 one of the best years of film in the last decade, the announcement of nominations for the 98th Annual Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, was either a great success or major upset for films released last year. Nominations for a total of 23 categories were revealed on Jan. 22, with notable films like “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” taking the lead.
“Sinners”
Toward the final scene of the film, Smoke (Michael B. Jordan) embraces Sammie (Miles Caton) as they watch the barn burn. Caton received a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Actor/Actress, also being nominated for a BAFTA Rising Star award. (photo from The New York Times)
Record-breaking
Starring Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners,” released on April 18, 2025, was an immediate hit among audiences. Carrying over one million 5-star ratings on Letterboxd, “Sinners” grossed 368.5 million dollars at the global box office. With many iconic scenes, such as “I Lied to You,” “Sinners” is being revered as one of the best horror films of 2025. This film attained a record-breaking 15 nominations for the Oscars this year, beating past films such as “Titanic” and “La La Land.” Some of the most notable nominations include Best Picture, Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Michael B. Jordan), and Achievement in Cinematography.
“Bugonia”
Riding his bike, Teddy (Jesse Plemons) listens to a podcast while on the way to work. Plemons, alongside Aidan Delbis, portrayed conspiracy-obsessed cousins in Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Bugonia.” (photo from Vulture)
A corporate thriller
From director Yorgos Lanthimos (“Poor Things,” “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”), “Bugonia” focuses on the world of conspiracy theorists and corporate big business. With an 88 percent on the Tomatometer (critics’ score), many critics either loved or hated the boldness of the film. Spearheaded by veterans Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, the film features many twists that keep audiences on their toes. “Bugonia” received four nominations: Best Picture, Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Emma Stone), Original Score, and Writing (Adapted Screenplay).
“The Secret Agent”
Armando (Wagner Moura) looks off-screen in a scene from the film. The film was shot on-location in many parts of South America, and received the Golden Globe for Best Non-English Language Motion Picture. (photo from AP News)
International breakthrough
With a soaring 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, “The Secret Agent” is one of the most successful Brazilian films of all time. As one of the only five Brazilian films to do so, “The Secret Agent” grossed over one million dollars at the U.S. box office during its theatrical release. Following a former professor, the film revolves around the Brazilian military dictatorship in the ‘70s. The film is nominated for four awards at the Oscars, including Best Picture, Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Wagner Moura), Best international feature film, and Achievement in Casting.
Major Snubs
Peering around a corner, Ray (D’Pharaoh Woon-a-Tai) looks in worry in a scene from “Warfare.” The film, among many others, went overlooked for nominations for the Academy Awards. (photo from NPR)
Disappointing results
With over 110 films released in 2025, there was bound to be some misses among nominations. Notable films like “Warfare” and “Wicked: For Good” received no nominations on Jan. 22. Other noteworthy snubs include Park Chan-wook for his direction of the international film “No Other Choice”, Miley Cyrus’ song Dream As One for “Avatar: Fire and Ash”, and Odessa A’zion for her breakout performance in “Marty Supreme” as Rachel Mizler.
Find out what wins and who loses at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.
