Yes, they're still a while away but the Oscars are never far from the front of our minds. We're obviously always interested in what's happening on the red carpet, but most importantly, we want to know who the winners are.
There are plenty of arguments for and against the validity of the Oscars in regards to its true merit in addressing which films have made the biggest cultural or technical splashes each year, but either way, they're still heralded as the epitome of critical success in the film world, and that won't stop us from speculating on our 2025 winners. Read on for our best Oscars predictions for the year.
1. Anora
Sean Baker's Anora is one film we can't overlook in the potential Best Picture category. Directed by Sean Baker, the film tells the story of a sex worker who marries into wealth a la a Russian Oligarch. So far, it's swept several awards ceremonies, including taking home Cannes 2024's Palme d'Or prize, plus earning Best Picture at the Critics Choice, Directors Guild of America, and Producers Guild of America Awards.
2. Inside Out 2
A sure-fire winner in our Oscars predictions book for this year's Best Animated Feature Film is Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2. Already climbing up the network's ranks to be one of their highest-grossing films of all time, the much beloved animated sequel to 2015's Inside Out is well on its way to an Oscar in February.
3. Dune: Part 2
The second instalment of Denis Villneuve's epic sci-fi fantasy starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya will be in with a great chance at some of the evening's top awards, but especially for its effects, costumes, soundtracking and foley. It's the only movie I bothered to see TWICE in cinemas this year, and for good reason – you really need to take your time with it to appreciate all its wonderful special details.
4. A Complete Unknown
Another Timothée Chalamet hit, A Complete Unknown is one of only two films (alongside Anora) to receive nominations from all five major industry groups — the PGA, DGA, SAG, WGA and BAFTA. The biopic — which tells of Bob Dylan's elusive rise to fame — is up for eight Oscars in total, so we're hopeful it will walk away with at least one.
5. Emilia Pérez
Another awards season heavyweight added to our Oscars predictions, this French musical crime comedy film written and directed by Jacques Audiard has been heralded as a masterpiece. Starring Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz, it centres on the story of a cartel boss who enlists an unappreciated lawyer to help fake her own death and embrace her true gender identity.
6. Gladiator II
If it were up to us, the Gladiator sequel would have taken home every category for the Paul Mescal fodder alone. Alas, the film is only nominated for Costume Design at this year's Oscars, but we think it's in with a very good shot.
7. Wicked Part 1
John M. Chu's take on the magical musical Wicked not only made splash at the Box-Office, but in the Oscar nominations, too. While commercial success doesn't always translate to critical regard, this film is definitely the exception, with a whopping 10 Oscar nominations across the board.
