The 2025 Academy Awards are set to be a historic night, with groundbreaking nominations and first-time contenders making waves in Hollywood.
The ceremony, airing live on March 2 on ABC, will spotlight films and actors pushing boundaries, including the record-breaking Emilia Pérez, which leads the pack with 13 nominations—the most ever for a non-English-language film.
First-Time Acting Nominees Stealing the Spotlight
This year sees a mix of Hollywood veterans and rising stars earning their first Oscar nominations.
Demi Moore, at 62, has received her long-awaited nod for The Substance, while Sebastian Stan has made an impact with his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice.
Ariana Grande and Kieran Culkin are among the fan-favorite newcomers, earning nominations for Wicked and A Real Pain, respectively.
Major Milestones and Historic Achievements
- Karla SofÃa Gascón is the first trans actress nominated for Best Actress, though her nomination has sparked controversy due to resurfaced social media posts.
- Cynthia Erivo could become the youngest EGOT winner at 38 if she wins for Wicked.
- Timothée Chalamet, at 29, becomes the youngest actor since James Dean to receive two Best Actor nominations.
- Colman Domingo secures back-to-back Best Actor nominations, becoming the first out LGBTQ+ and Afro-Latino actor to achieve this.
‘Emilia Pérez’ Makes History
With 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez surpasses previous records, becoming the most-nominated non-English language film in Oscar history.
The Spanish-language crime musical is competing in major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director (Jacques Audiard), and Best Actress (Gascón).
With a mix of established icons and fresh talent, this year’s Oscars promise to be a night of groundbreaking wins and unforgettable moments.