Oscar Nominations Recap: The Most Controversial Awards Yet?

Sam LaPalm, Staff Writer • February 19, 2025

This March the 97th Academy Awards will commence once again at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. It’s set to be hosted by comedian and former talk show host Conan O’Brian replacing 4 time host Jimmy Kimmel. This year’s ceremony will feature 23 categories including both artistic and technical categories. Emilia Pérez currently holds the most nominations at 13, followed closely by Wicked and A24’s The Brutalist tied at 10. However most nominations don’t necessarily guarantee most wins with previous years featuring movies like Dune (2021) beating out The Power of The Dog which held twelve nominations but only walked away with one.

Some of this year’s nominees have come under controversy for various reasons, the two most notable being Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist. Emilia Pérez has been criticized for its mishandling of its subject matter of representing both the trans community, Hispanic culture, and the cartel. The movie has both critics and audiences split with some considering it to be distasteful and disrespectful. Both the film’s director Jacques Audiard and its lead Karla Sofia Gascón have also been criticized for racist statements made.

Similarly The Brutalist has also faced controversy recently for its use of generative AI to ‘enhance’ actor Adrian Brody’s Hungarian Accent and AI generated architecture. It’s not exactly known the extent that AI has been implemented but it has had The Academy consider requiring disclaimers for films that use AI. Brody has been nominated for Best Actor but could lose out due to this factor, possibly giving the award to another actor. The 97th Oscars will be streaming on Hulu and ABC March 2nd.

Abbreviated list of nominees:

For the full list please read the official announcement

Best Picture