2025 Oscar Nominations Highlight Political Themes and Controversial Films
The 2025 Oscar nominations have sparked significant attention, particularly for their political undertones and the recognition of controversial films. Among the standout nominees is The Apprentice, a biopic about Donald Trump’s early years as a real estate mogul, which has earned two nominations: Sebastian Stan for Best Actor and Jeremy Strong for Best Supporting Actor. Stan portrays Trump, while Strong plays his mentor, Roy Cohn. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, has been a lightning rod for controversy, with Trump himself denouncing it as a “cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job.” Despite its polarizing reception, the Academy’s recognition has reignited interest in the film, which struggled at the box office and faced distribution challenges due to its contentious subject matter.
The Apprentice is not alone in its political messaging. This year’s Oscar nominations are notable for their focus on contemporary issues, with films like Emilia Pérez, a French musical addressing transgender identity and political corruption, and I’m Still Here, a Brazilian drama about political resistance, also receiving nods. Other nominees, such as The Brutalist and Anora, explore themes of immigration, class disparity, and systemic racism, reflecting a broader trend of socially conscious storytelling in cinema.
The nominations have also highlighted the Academy’s willingness to embrace bold, provocative narratives. For instance, The Apprentice includes a controversial scene depicting Trump’s alleged rape of his then-wife Ivana, a moment that has drawn both criticism and praise for its unflinching portrayal. Maria Bakalova, who plays Ivana, shared that the scene was carefully choreographed with an intimacy coordinator to ensure safety and respect, though it left a lasting emotional impact on her.
The political nature of this year’s Oscars raises questions about how winners might use their platform during acceptance speeches. Historically, Oscar speeches have avoided overt political statements, but given the current climate and the themes of the nominated films, this year’s ceremony could see more pointed commentary.
In addition to The Apprentice, other films like Wicked and The Zone of Interest have also garnered attention for their exploration of power dynamics and historical injustices. The 2025 Oscars promise to be a celebration of cinema that not only entertains but also challenges and provokes, marking one of the most politically charged awards seasons in recent memory.
From The Apprentice to Wicked, the 2025 Oscar nominations are the most political ever
The contenders for the film industry's biggest prizes this year represent a range of genres and styles – but there's a common thread that's hard to mi
www.bbc.comA Trump movie that Trump hates is going to get a lot more attention, courtesy of the Oscars
The Apprentice, a controversial movie few people actually saw, is about to get a big boost from the Academy Awards.
www.businessinsider.com
Sebastian Stan nabs Oscar nomination for playing Trump in ‘The Apprentice’
Sebastian Stan, who portrays a younger version of President Trump in the film “The Apprentice,” is among this year’s Academy Award nominees. The 42-ye
thehill.com
Sebastian Stan Lands Oscar Nom for Playing Donald Trump in ‘The Apprentice’
The film, which earned two Academy Award nominations, was the subject of controversy after premiering at Cannes.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
Irish group Tailored Films react to The Apprentice earning 2 Oscar nominations
Irish eyes were still smiling as the Irish co-funded The Apprentice earned two nominations for its two stars Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan.
geekireland.com
Emilia Clarke's Next Movie Gets Filming Update & Intriguing Story Tease From Director
Sophia Hyde talks binaries, biology, and boxes.
screenrant.com
Sebastian Stan Nabs Oscar Nom for 'The Apprentice,' Trump Trolling Backfires
Sebastian Stan's controversial portrayal of a young Donald Trump has scored the highest honor in Hollywood ... he's now an Oscar nominee.
www.tmz.com
Hollywood Rebukes Trump, Saves The Apprentice With Nominations for Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong - Showbiz411
Hollywood has rebuked Donald Trump. Despite all efforts to kill it, “The Apprentice” received two Oscar nominations this morning. Sebastian Stan was n
www.showbiz411.com
‘The Apprentice’ Star Maria Bakalova Didn’t Stay in Character as Ivana Trump Off the Set: ‘That Could Have Affected My Mental Health’
The Iron Curtain had already collapsed when Maria Bakalova was growing up in Bulgaria, but old sensibilities still lingered: as a girl she was discour
www.yahoo.com
The sizzling snaps that prove this year's Apprentice cast is the hottest ever
THEY are the sexiest – and trendiest – Apprentice candidates the long-running BBC series has ever seen. So if the 2025 cast don’t impress Lord Sugar i
www.thesun.co.uk