2025 Oscar Predictions: Who Will Take Home the Gold?

The race for Oscar gold in 2025 has been a wild ride with no Oppenheimer–like front-runner, making this one of the most unpredictable Academy Awards in recent memory. The Brutalist looked strong. Meanwhile, Emilia Pérez stormed in with 13 nominations. Dune: Part Two, Wicked, Conclave, and A Complete Unknown all have something different to offer Best Picture. In acting, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) leads Best Actor after winning a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. Best Actress could finally give Demi Moore (The Substance) a much needed comeback. With so many close calls, this year’s Oscars is anyone’s game!

With the ceremony just days away, everything is looking ready for one of the most anticlimactic Oscar ceremonies in decades. Will Hollywood embrace traditional prestige films, or will the bold, unconventional choices steal the show? Now, is the time to break it all down and here are our predictions for who will take home the gold on Hollywood’s biggest night!

The Oscars prediction 2025, these are the names to watch!

Best Picture Nominees and Prediction

This year’s Best Picture race feels like a cinematic buffet—there is something for everyone. Anora is the favorite, surfing on a tide of critical acclaim and industry chatter, but The Brutalist has the kind of grand, ambitious storytelling that screams Oscar moment! Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two could play spoiler if the Academy leans towards blockbuster. With Wicked, Conclave, and The Substance in the mix, it is a wild showdown. Anora will probably take home the gold, but The Brutalist deserves a standing ovation.

Best Directors Nominees and Predictions

All signs point to Sean Baker taking home the gold. His Anora has been sweeping awards season, backed by a mix of heart, humor, and social realism that Academy voters love. But Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist could just shake things up—its sweeping narrative and artful direction make it a dark horse contender. If voters decide to reward bold ambition, Coralie Fargeat could surprise everyone with The Substance. But let us be real—this is Baker’s moment! He has won at the DGA and PGA, and that momentum is hard to beat. Still, do not be shocked if the Academy splits the love, giving Best Director to Corbet while Anora snags Best Picture. 

Best Actors Nominees and Prediction

This is the kind of Oscar showdown that keeps everyone guessing. Timothée Chalamet has the buzz, Adrien Brody has the legacy, and Colman Domingo has the critics on his side. Chalamet’s SAG win puts him at the front of the pack, but Brody’s commanding performance in The Brutalist may be the spoiler to claim the gold. And while Domingo’s Sing Sing performance is a dark horse contender with undeniable power. While Chalamet has momentum, Brody’s comeback story is the kind of Hollywood moment the Academy loves—this one is going down to the wire.

Best Actress Nominees and Prediction

Demi Moore has been sweeping major awards, making her the current frontrunner for the Oscar. Hollywood adores a comeback victory, and her fearless acting in The Substance is impossible to ignore. But keep an eye on Mikey Madison—her BAFTA win and growing industry backing could shake things up. Our prediction? Demi Moore takes the Oscar, but if the Academy decides to crown a rising star, Madison could pull off a stunning victory. Either way, this contest is going down to the wire!

Best Supporting Actor Nominees and Prediction

Kieran Culkin has run through award season, sweeping the Critics’ Choice, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG. At this point, it is his Oscar to lose. But if there is any surprise, it could come from Pearce, whose performance was quietly brilliant. But Culkin has momentum going for him, and let us face it—his acceptance speeches alone have been award-worthy. Will the Academy seal the deal? Or are we in for a shocking twist? 

Best Supporting Actress Nominees and Prediction

Ariana Grande might just have her Wicked moment at the Oscars. While Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) has dominated this awards season, winning, taking home BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards, making her the clear frontrunner to win, the Academy does love a breakout star. Isabella Rossellini (Conclave) delivers a masterclass in presence, making her a sentimental favorite, but our 2025 Oscars prediction is— Ariana Grande’s Best Supporting Actress nod deserves the gold. Her transformation into Glinda is not just a performance—it is a revelation. 

Best Original Screenplay Nominees and Prediction

While Anora is the clear frontrunner here, A Real Pain arguably deserves the win. Jesse Eisenberg’s sharp and deeply personal screenplay blends humor, grief, and existential musings in a way that feels both intimate and universal. Critics have praised its witty dialogue and resonance, making it a standout in a category filled with strong contenders. However, given Anora’s sweeping success this season, it is likely the Oscars will go with the safe choice and reward the favorite.

Best Adapted Screenplay Nominees and Predictions

This race feels like a duel between Emilia Pérez and A Complete Unknown. With its groundbreaking storytelling and a wave of nominations, Emilia Pérez looks like the Academy’s favorite, making it the likely winner. But if we are talking about sheer writing brilliance, A Complete Unknown weaves a narrative so rich and immersive that it truly deserves the gold. The Oscars do love a well-told story, but they also love momentum, so while Emilia Pérez might simply take it, do not be surprised if A Complete Unknown pulls off a victory!

Best Animated Feature Nominees and Predictions

The Best Animated Feature race is a battle between heart and innovation. Inside Out 2 has the nostalgia factor and Pixar’s history of Oscar dominance, making it a likely winner. But Flow, with its stunning, wordless storytelling one-of-a-kind visual design, has won over critics’ hearts and deserves the gold. The Wild Robot also carries big emotional weight, but its momentum has slowed. While Pixar might take it home, Flow is the bold, artistic choice the Academy should reward. Will the Academy go traditional or embrace something fresh? 

Best Documentary Feature Nominees and Predictions

The 2025 Oscars’ Best Documentary Feature presents a strong roster of contenders, with No Other Land being the top contender. However, Porcelain War, winner at Sundance, has been gaining strong steam all year as well. While No Other Land is generally favored to win, the Academy may favor the more mainstream story of Porcelain War. 

Best International Feature Nominees and Predictions

This year’s Best International Feature lineup is compelling storytelling, but The Seed of the Sacred Fig from Germany stands out. Its gripping narrative and the bravery of its cast have made headlines. Although Emilia Pérez and The Girl With the Needle are serious contenders, The Seed of the Sacred Fig has both emotional resonance and political significance, so it is likely and most deserving to win. 

Best Cinematography Nominees and Predictions

In the Oscars 2025 race for Best Cinematography, The Brutalist and Dune: Part Two are the two front-runners with their breathtaking visuals. Lol Crawley’s cinematography on The Brutalist has received widespread acclaim, and thus it is likely to win. However, Greig Fraser’s masterful cinematography in Dune: Part Two has also attracted much attention, positioning it as a potential winner. While both films are deserving, current predictions favor The Brutalist to take home the Oscar in this category. 

Best Original Score Nominees and Predictions

The 2025 Oscars’ Best Original Score is stocked with a captivating lineup, with Daniel Blumberg’s haunting compositions for The Brutalist leading the charge. His innovative approach has set him apart as the favorite to win. However, Volker Bertelmann, fresh off his previous Oscar win, brings a compelling score to Conclave, catapulting him into the running for a second win in a row. Additionally, the widespread popularity of Wicked positions it as a potential dark horse in this race. 

Best Song Nominees and Predictions

In the category of 2025 Oscars Best Original Song, the competition is stiff. Elton John’s ‘Never Too Late’ off  Elton John: Never Too Late brings his signature flair, and is a heavy favorite. While ‘El Mal’ off Emilia Pérez won hearts with its energetic vibe that mirrors the vibrancy of the film. Given the Academy’s appreciation for legendary artists, Elton John’s track is likely to clinch the Oscar. Yet, the infectious rhythm of ‘El Mal’ makes it a deserving winner, adding an exciting twist to this musical showdown!

 Best Sound Nominees and Predictions

Dune: Part Two is the leading candidate in the Best Sound building on its predecessor’s legacy of asound greatness. The soundscapes in the movie have been highly engaging for audiences, making it the favorite to win. However, Emilia Pérez, poses a significant threat. While A Complete Unknown, Wicked, and The Wild Robot provide distinctive audio experiences, they fall under a category of being less likely to win the award. With their previous success and critical acclaim, Dune: Part Two has a strong chance of winning the Oscar for Best Sound.

Best Editing Nominees and Predictions

In the Best Editing race, Dune: Part Two is the strongest contender. Its seamless weaving of complex narratives and stunning visuals received high praise from critics, making the film a likely winner. However, The Brutalist presents a worthy challenge with its creative approach to storytelling. While both films exhibit exceptional editing, but the current bets are on Dune: Part Two taking home the Oscar.

 Best Production Design Nominees and Predictions

The 2025 Oscars race for Best Production Design is quite a clear category. Wicked charms with its rich, fantastical presentation of Oz, and it is a sure winner.  But The Brutalist is astounding with its sophisticated architectural style, offering stiff competition. While Wicked is favored to win, The Brutalist could just surprise us on Oscar night!

Best Costume Design Nominees and Predictions

The Best Costume Design is a battle of spectacle vs. authenticity. Wicked stuns with its dazzling, larger-than-life fantasy wardrobe, while Gladiator II revives the grit and grandeur of ancient Rome. Nosferatu weaves eerie period detail into its gothic horror, Conclave introduces somber Vatican chic, and A Complete Unknown captures Bob Dylan’s changing sense of style. Who will win? Wicked seems to be unstoppable with its fun theatrical flair, but Gladiator II could challenge it with its epic historical precision.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling Nominee and Predictions

The 2025 Oscars’ Best Makeup and Hairstyling is another clear race with The Substance taking the lead. Emilia Pérez also impresses with its colorful and creative designs, presenting a new interpretation of character looks. However, The Substance has the momentum, and it is almost guaranteed to win the Oscar in this category. 

Best Visual Effects Nominees and Predictions

Dune: Part Two takes viewers on a journey to the mesmerizing deserts of Arrakis with its stunning visuals, making it a strong contender. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes brings revolutionary ape performances, while Wicked bewitches with its magical landscapes. Still, Dune: Part Two is anticipated to win the Oscar for Best Visual Effects having already gained recognition in this category. 

Best Animated Short Nominees and Predictions

In the 2025 Oscars’ Best Animated Short category, Wander to Wonder has wooed both fans and critics with its imaginative storytelling and stunning visuals, setting it up for the win. However, Beautiful Men has made considerable waves for its originality in storytelling and presentation, positioning it as a potential upset. While Wander to Wonder is widely forecasted to win the Oscar, the creative method of Beautiful Men makes it a worthy competitor. 

Will the predicted frontrunners secure their gold, or will there be shocking upsets that leave Hollywood buzzing for weeks? One thing is for sure—the 2025 Academy Awards will be a night of cinematic triumphs, unforgettable speeches, and moments that spark endless debate. Whether it is a veteran securing another statue or a rising star making history, every winner will shape the legacy of this year’s movie season.

Who do you think will take home the gold? Do you agree with the predictions, or do you have a surprise winner in mind? Let us know in the comments below!