The 2025 Oscar nominations have been announced, highlighting a record-breaking year for non-English films with 'Emilia Pérez' leading with 13 nominations. Notable historic nominations include Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly transgender actress nominated for Best Actress. The ceremony, delayed due to wildfires, promises a diverse and politically charged slate of films.
The Brazilian film 'Ainda Estou Aqui', directed by Walter Salles, has achieved a historic milestone by earning three nominations for the 2025 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Actress for Fernanda Torres. This marks the first time a Brazilian production has been nominated for Best Picture. The film, an adaptation of Marcelo Rubens Paiva's book, tells the story of Eunice Paiva, a human rights activist during Brazil's military dictatorship. Fernanda Torres, who portrays Eunice, has already won a Golden Globe for her performance. The film's success at international festivals and its poignant narrative highlight the importance of culture in social transformation and historical memory.
The 2025 Oscar nominations have highlighted the French-Spanish musical film *Emilia Pérez*, which leads with 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film explores the story of a Mexican drug cartel leader transitioning to live as a woman, starring Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez. Despite its critical acclaim, the film has faced backlash for its portrayal of trans identity and the use of AI in enhancing Gascón's singing voice, sparking debates on representation and ethics in filmmaking.
RaMell Ross's adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, *Nickel Boys*, has received critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture. The film, Ross's first narrative feature, follows two Black teenagers navigating the brutal realities of a Florida reform school during the Jim Crow era. With innovative storytelling techniques, powerful performances, and a focus on systemic racism and resilience, *Nickel Boys* stands out as a transformative work of art. The film also sparks important conversations about reclaiming Black history and the enduring impact of trauma.
The 2025 Oscar nominations have spotlighted *The Apprentice*, a bold biopic about Donald Trump's early years, earning nods for Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. Despite controversy and political backlash, the film's critical acclaim and box office success underscore its impact and the risks taken by its creators. This recognition by the Academy highlights a potential shift towards valuing artistic integrity over political appeasement in Hollywood.
Walter Salles’s film 'I’m Still Here' has become a significant contender in the awards season, receiving critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best International Feature Film. The movie, based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir, portrays the true story of Eunice Paiva during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Fernanda Torres’s performance as Eunice has earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination, marking a historic achievement for Brazilian cinema. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, has been a box office success in Brazil and is set for a U.S. nationwide release in February 2025. Its exploration of political repression and familial resilience has resonated widely, making it a notable cinematic achievement.