The 97th Academy Awards have announced their nominations, and Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez has taken centre stage with a staggering 13 nods. This Mexican trans crime musical has sparked debates over its artistic value, divisive themes, and cultural authenticity. While Emilia Pérez dominates the Oscars conversation, other notable contenders like The Brutalist and Wicked follow closely with 10 nominations each.
As the Oscars season unfolds, films like Emilia Pérez illustrate how unique narratives can spark industry-wide enthusiasm, even if they divide audiences.
Figure 1: Selena Gomez at Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez: A Controversial Favourite
Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez blends music, crime, and comedy with a Mexican backdrop. Despite criticism from some quarters, the film’s momentum among voters highlights how “different” projects often capture Hollywood’s attention. Audiard, addressing concerns about cultural representation, said his goal was to create “hybrid cinema” by combining distinctive themes and linguistic elements.
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Karla Sofía Gascón’s historic nomination for Best Actress has also brought added attention to the film. Gascón, the first openly transgender nominee in the category, delivered an inspiring Golden Globes speech calling for greater visibility and acceptance of trans people.
While Emilia Pérez enjoys its moment in the spotlight, critics argue that the film’s narrative lacks depth compared to other nominees like Nickel Boys or I’m Still Here. However, its record-breaking nominations suggest voters value its bold creativity over its divisive reputation.
The Brutalist: A Haunting Masterpiece
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist has earned 10 nominations, cementing its place as a strong contender. This epic drama follows Adrien Brody as a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who builds a new life in post-war America as an architect.
Corbet’s use of widescreen VistaVision and a three-hour runtime gives the film a grand, old-Hollywood feel. Its haunting twist ending leaves a lasting impression on viewers. Guy Pearce’s nomination for Best Supporting Actor adds an Australian touch to the ceremony.
While The Brutalist presents itself as a brooding, artistic counterpoint to the vibrant chaos of Emilia Pérez, its sombre tone might limit its chances at Oscar-night dominance.
Wicked: A Crowd-Pleasing Adaptation
The Broadway adaptation Wicked also secured 10 nominations, offering a lighter, feel-good contrast to its competitors. Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, is nominated for Best Actress, adding to her growing legacy. If Erivo wins, she could earn EGOT status, joining an elite group of entertainers who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
While Wicked captures the whimsical charm of its Broadway origins, its sugary tone may keep it from claiming the Best Picture prize. However, it’s a strong contender in musical and technical categories.
Surprises and Snubs
The Oscars this year delivered several surprises. Brazilian director Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here earned a Best Picture nomination, marking a historic moment for Brazil. Meanwhile, the Latvian animated feature Flow impressed voters with its dialogue-free story about a cat fleeing a flooded home, earning two nominations.
On the flip side, major snubs have left fans disappointed. Angelina Jolie’s performance as Maria Callas in Maria failed to receive recognition, as did Selena Gomez for her supporting role in Emilia Pérez. Denis Villeneuve was notably overlooked for Best Director for Dune: Part Two, despite the film’s strong showing in other categories.
Acting Standouts
The acting categories remain fiercely competitive. Adrien Brody leads the Best Actor race for his role in The Brutalist, though Colman Domingo’s performance in Sing Sing could cause an upset. Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) are also strong contenders.
For Best Actress, Demi Moore’s transformative role in The Substance makes her a favourite. However, Mikey Madison (Anora) and Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez) pose strong challenges. Gascón’s groundbreaking nomination has already made history, even if she doesn’t take home the award.
What to Expect on Oscar Night
With Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, and Wicked leading the pack, Oscar night promises a mix of glamour and unpredictability. Whether Emilia Pérez converts its 13 nominations into wins remains to be seen. Critics question whether its record-breaking success stems from genuine merit or groupthink within the Academy.
Regardless of the outcome, this year’s Oscars reflect a growing embrace of diverse storytelling and international cinema. From controversial musicals to sombre dramas, the 97th Academy Awards showcase the evolving tastes of Hollywood voters.
The ceremony, scheduled for 3 March, will reveal whether Emilia Pérez cements its place in Oscars history or if another film steals the spotlight.
