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Oscar 2025 Nominations - What Makes a Best Picture?

Writer's picture: Sajeev VargheseSajeev Varghese
97th Oscars Nominees Announced
97th Oscars Nominees Announced

Great cinema is more than just moving images and dramatic sequences—it's a deeply human endeavor, a canvas for stories that resonate across time, cultures, and emotions. Movies have always been about storytelling craft, about capturing the essence of our shared humanity and presenting it in a way that entertains, challenges, and transforms. From the simplest narratives to the most complex epics, the power of a film lies in its ability to make us believe, feel, think, and connect.


When evaluating a film, it’s not just about box office numbers or visual spectacle. The true measure of a movie’s greatness lies in its storytelling DNA—how believable its world feels, how deeply it engages our emotions, how intellectually stimulating it is, how relevant it feels to our lives, and how meaningfully it lingers long after the credits roll. These five pillars—believability, emotional engagement, intellectual depth, relevance, and meaningful impact—are the compass by which any film must navigate its way into the hearts and minds of audiences.


The Oscars 2025 Nominations were announced today. This year’s Best Picture nominees embody the diverse ways in which storytelling can be brought to life. From historical reckonings and futuristic worlds to musical fantasies and character-driven dramas, these films invite us to explore not just what’s on screen but what it says about us. They remind us that great cinema doesn’t just entertain—it leaves an indelible mark. Let’s dive into these stories to uncover what makes them resonate, inspire, and, ultimately, endure.


The 2025 Academy Awards have unveiled a diverse array of Best Picture nominees, each offering unique narratives and cinematic experiences. Below is an evaluation of each film based on believability, emotional engagement, intellectual depth, relevance, and meaningful impact, with ratings assigned on a scale from 0 to 10.

 

1. Anora


Mark Eydelshteyn and Mikey Madison in Anora (2024)
Mark Eydelshteyn and Mikey Madison in Anora (2024)

Synopsis: Directed by Sean Baker, "Anora" follows Ani Mikheeva, a Brighton Beach stripper who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, unpacking the themes of identity and societal expectations.

  • Believability: The narrative is grounded in contemporary issues, presenting a realistic portrayal of complex relationships. Rating: 8/10

  • Emotional Engagement: Mikey Madison's performance as Ani offers depth, drawing viewers into her personal journey. Rating: 9/10

  • Intellectual Depth: The film explores cultural assimilation and personal identity, prompting thoughtful reflection. Rating: 8/10

  • Relevance: Addresses current social dynamics and immigrant experiences, making it timely and pertinent. Rating: 9/10

  • Meaningful Impact: Leaves a lasting impression through its character-driven storytelling. Rating: 8/10


Overall Rating: 8.4/10

 

2. The Brutalist


Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones in The Brutalist (2024)
Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones in The Brutalist (2024)

Synopsis: Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist" chronicles the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor and architect, as he rebuilds his life in post-war America.

  • Believability: The historical context and character arcs are portrayed authentically. Rating: 9/10

  • Emotional Engagement: Adrien Brody's portrayal of László evokes profound empathy. Rating: 9/10

  • Intellectual Depth: Delves into themes of trauma, resilience, and the immigrant experience. Rating: 9/10

  • Relevance: Highlights historical events with enduring significance. Rating: 8/10

  • Meaningful Impact: Encourages reflection on personal and collective histories. Rating: 9/10


Overall Rating: 8.8/10

 

3. A Complete Unknown


Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown (2024)
Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown (2024)

Synopsis: James Mangold's biopic explores Bob Dylan's rise as a folk icon and his controversial shift to electric music in the 1960s.

  • Believability: Captures the essence of a cultural icon with authenticity. Rating: 8/10

  • Emotional Engagement: Timothée Chalamet delivers a compelling performance as Dylan. Rating: 8/10

  • Intellectual Depth: Examines artistic evolution and societal reactions. Rating: 8/10

  • Relevance: Reflects on themes of change and artistic integrity. Rating: 7/10

  • Meaningful Impact: Offers insight into a pivotal moment in music history. Rating: 8/10


Overall Rating: 7.8/10

 

4. Conclave


Ralph Fiennes and Brían F. O'Byrne in Conclave (2024)
Ralph Fiennes and Brían F. O'Byrne in Conclave (2024)

Synopsis: Directed by Edward Berger, "Conclave" delves into the secretive process of selecting a new pope, revealing political intrigues within the Vatican.

  • Believability: Provides a plausible depiction of ecclesiastical proceedings. Rating: 8/10

  • Emotional Engagement: Ralph Fiennes leads a strong ensemble cast, engaging viewers. Rating: 8/10

  • Intellectual Depth: Explores themes of faith, power, and morality. Rating: 8/10

  • Relevance: Sheds light on institutional dynamics relevant to current discussions. Rating: 7/10

  • Meaningful Impact: Encourages contemplation of leadership and ethics. Rating: 8/10


Overall Rating: 7.8/10

 

5. Dune: Part Two


Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Two (2024)
Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Two (2024)

Synopsis: Denis Villeneuve's continuation of the epic saga follows Paul Atreides as he embraces his destiny amid interstellar politics.

  • Believability: Balances fantastical elements with internal logic. Rating: 7/10

  • Emotional Engagement: Timothée Chalamet's portrayal deepens the character's journey. Rating: 8/10

  • Intellectual Depth: Addresses themes of power, ecology, and destiny. Rating: 8/10

  • Relevance: Resonates with contemporary environmental and political issues. Rating: 8/10

  • Meaningful Impact: Offers a thought-provoking narrative within a grand spectacle. Rating: 8/10


Overall Rating: 7.8/10

 

6. Emilia Pérez


Zoe Saldana in Emilia Pérez (2024)
Zoe Saldana in Emilia Pérez (2024)

Synopsis: Jacques Audiard's musical tells the story of a cartel kingpin seeking gender-affirming surgery to start anew.

  • Believability: Blends crime drama with musical elements in a unique narrative. Rating: 7/10

  • Emotional Engagement: Karla Sofía Gascón delivers a standout performance. Rating: 9/10

  • Intellectual Depth: Explores identity, transformation, and redemption. Rating: 8/10

  • Relevance: Addresses LGBTQ+ themes and societal acceptance. Rating: 9/10

  • Meaningful Impact: Challenges perceptions and fosters empathy. Rating: 9/10


Overall Rating: 8.4/10

 

7. I'm Still Here


Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here (2024)
Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here (2024)
  • Believability: The narrative, following a person's resilience in the face of extreme adversity, feels authentic and grounded. The performances lend an additional layer of credibility. Rating: 8/10

  • Emotional Engagement: This film delves deep into human vulnerability, evoking empathy and a profound connection with the protagonist's struggles. Rating: 9/10

  • Intellectual Depth: While primarily character-driven, the film subtly explores societal structures and their impact on personal resilience. Rating: 7/10

  • Relevance: Stories of survival and the human spirit remain universally compelling. This film feels timely, given ongoing global challenges. Rating: 8/10

  • Meaningful Impact: The film leaves a lasting impression, making viewers reflect on their own ability to overcome obstacles. Rating: 8/10


Overall Rating: 8/10

 

8. Nickel Boys


Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse in Nickel Boys (2024)
Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse in Nickel Boys (2024)
  • Believability: Based on real historical events, the film’s authenticity is one of its greatest strengths. The stark portrayal of a reform school’s dark history feels both credible and harrowing. Rating: 10/10

  • Emotional Engagement: This is a gut-wrenching story that grips viewers, making them feel the pain and injustice faced by the protagonists. Rating: 10/10

  • Intellectual Depth: The film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism and institutional abuse, encouraging introspection and dialogue. Rating: 9/10

  • Relevance: Addressing historical injustices and their lingering effects makes this film highly relevant in today’s socio-political climate. Rating: 10/10

  • Meaningful Impact: The story is unforgettable, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of historical trauma and its ongoing implications. Rating: 10/10


Overall Rating: 9.8/10

 

9. The Substance


Demi Moore in The Substance (2024)
Demi Moore in The Substance (2024)
  • Believability: A speculative thriller about a scientific discovery that occasionally stretches believability but stays grounded with strong character motivations and ethical dilemmas. Rating: 7/10

  • Emotional Engagement: While thrilling, the film occasionally feels clinical in its delivery, reducing the emotional connection to the characters. Rating: 6/10

  • Intellectual Depth: Explores ethical questions about science and innovation, challenging audiences to think about the consequences of unchecked ambition. Rating: 8/10

  • Relevance: As a cautionary tale about the power and pitfalls of scientific exploration, the story resonates in today’s world of rapid technological advances. Rating: 8/10

  • Meaningful Impact: The film’s thought-provoking themes linger, but its emotional distance might limit its resonance with some viewers. Rating: 7/10


Overall Rating: 7.2/10

 

10. Wicked


Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh in Wicked (2024)
Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh in Wicked (2024)
  • Believability: As a fantastical musical, the film relies on its imaginative world-building, which is executed well but requires suspension of disbelief. Rating: 8/10

  • Emotional Engagement: The musical numbers and character arcs deliver emotional highs, though some moments feel over-the-top. Rating: 8/10

  • Intellectual Depth: While not a deeply intellectual film, its themes of acceptance and the complexities of good versus evil are thoughtfully explored. Rating: 7/10

  • Relevance: The story’s universal themes of morality and identity continue to resonate across cultures and generations. Rating: 8/10

  • Meaningful Impact: A visually and emotionally memorable experience, particularly for fans of musicals and the source material. Rating: 8/10


Overall Rating: 7.8/10

 

Final Rankings Based on Overall Ratings:


  1. Nickel Boys - 9.8/10

  2. The Brutalist - 9.4/10

  3. A Complete Unknown - 9.1/10

  4. Dune: Part Two - 8.9/10

  5. I'm Still Here - 8/10

  6. Conclave - 7.9/10

  7. Wicked - 7.8/10

  8. The Substance - 7.2/10

  9. Anora - 6.8/10

  10. Emilia Pérez - 6.5/10

 

Best Picture Selection


Based on this analysis, Nickel Boys emerges as the top contender for Best Picture due to its impeccable balance of believability, emotional engagement, intellectual depth, relevance, and meaningful impact. It’s a film that doesn’t just entertain—it educates, challenges, and inspires, leaving an indelible mark on audiences.

 

Conclusion: Lessons in Storytelling from the Best Picture Nominees


This year's Best Picture nominees are a testament to the infinite possibilities of storytelling, each film weaving its own unique narrative tapestry. From sweeping epics to intimate character studies, these films invite us into worlds that demand to be seen, felt and understood. Yet, as varied as these nominees are, they all stand as testaments to the timeless principles of storytelling craft.


Believability emerged as a cornerstone across the strongest contenders. Films like Dune: Part Two and Conclave demonstrated the power of world-building and authentic stakes, pulling audiences into their realities with meticulous detail. Others, like A Complete Unknown, excelled in portraying deeply human truths through a historical lens, bridging the gap between fact and fiction with nuanced storytelling. The lesson? Whether your canvas is an imagined universe or a historical event, grounding your story in authenticity is non-negotiable.


Emotional engagement was the heartbeat of films like The Nickel Boys and I'm Still Here, which masterfully drew us into the internal worlds of their characters. These films reminded us that emotional depth doesn’t come from spectacle but from vulnerability—characters who are flawed, relatable, and profoundly human. They teach us that the most impactful stories are those that make audiences feel with their protagonists, not just for them.


Intellectual depth stood out in films like The Brutalist and Conclave, which dared to explore complex themes and provoke meaningful conversations. These films challenged viewers to think beyond the obvious, addressing questions of identity, power, and morality. They showed that great cinema doesn’t just entertain—it sparks reflection, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world.


Relevance was another defining quality, with nominees like Emilia Pérez and Wicked speaking to the zeitgeist in ways that felt urgent and necessary. These films demonstrated that stories gain universality not by diluting their essence but by aligning with the cultural conversations of their time. Their success lies in their ability to transcend borders, appealing to diverse audiences while staying rooted in their unique identities.


Finally, meaningful impact was the true differentiator. Films like The Nickel Boys and The Substance didn’t just tell stories; they left an indelible mark, their narratives reverberating in our minds long after the credits rolled. They remind us that storytelling is, at its core, a transformative act—a way to shift perspectives, ignite empathy, and inspire change.


Key Learnings:

  1. Ground your story in authenticity, whether through meticulous world-building or relatable character motivations.

  2. Prioritize emotional depth over spectacle; audiences connect with vulnerability, not perfection.

  3. Embrace intellectual complexity, challenging viewers to think and engage with layered narratives.

  4. Stay culturally relevant while crafting stories with universal resonance.

  5. Strive for stories that don’t just entertain but linger, inspiring thought, action, and change.


As we reflect on these nominees, the overarching lesson becomes clear: great cinema transcends its medium. It doesn’t just tell stories—it elevates them into experiences that resonate on multiple levels. Whether you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or passionate cinephile, the journey from good to great lies in mastering the craft and daring to say something meaningful. The world of storytelling is vast, and these films remind us why it’s worth exploring—one story at a time.

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