The Apprentice; A Controversial Biopic Shakes Up the 2025 Oscars

The 2025 Oscar nominations have brought significant attention to The Apprentice, a controversial biopic about Donald Trump’s early years as a New York real estate mogul. Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film has earned two major nominations: Sebastian Stan for Best Actor for his portrayal of Trump and Jeremy Strong for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Roy Cohn, Trump’s mentor. The film, which delves into Trump’s rise to power and his Faustian deal with Cohn, has been described as a bold and politically charged work, with Trump himself denouncing it as a “cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job.”

Despite its polarizing subject matter, The Apprentice has been praised for its performances and its unflinching examination of power and ambition. Stan’s nomination is particularly notable, as it comes at a time when Hollywood has faced pressure to avoid antagonizing the Trump administration. The film’s recognition by the Academy suggests a willingness to celebrate art that challenges political norms, even in a contentious climate.

The film’s journey to the Oscars was not without hurdles. It struggled to secure a U.S. distributor, reportedly due to fears of backlash from Trump and his supporters. However, its critical acclaim and box office success, grossing over $17 million, have solidified its place in this year’s awards conversation. The nominations for Stan and Strong highlight the film’s impact and the risks taken by its creators to tell a provocative story.

As the Oscars approach, The Apprentice stands as a testament to the power of cinema to confront uncomfortable truths and spark dialogue, even in the face of political resistance. Its success at the Academy Awards could mark a turning point for Hollywood, signaling a commitment to artistic integrity over political appeasement.

From The Apprentice to Wicked, the 2025 Oscar nominations are the most political ever

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A Trump movie that Trump hates is going to get a lot more attention, courtesy of the Oscars

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The Apprentice, a controversial movie few people actually saw, is about to get a big boost from the Academy Awards.

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Sebastian Stan nabs Oscar nomination for playing Trump in ‘The Apprentice’

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'The Apprentice's Oscars nominations are a good sign for the future of Hollywood | The Mary Sue

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Maybe we will still have art

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Sebastian Stan Nabs Oscar Nom for 'The Apprentice,' Trump Trolling Backfires

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.

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