Title: The Dark Side Triumphs and Sci-Fi Thrives at the Oscars with Wicked, Dune, and Substance
In the realm of cinematic awards, 2025 is set to be quite a spectacle, with genre heavyweights like Dune: Part Two, Wicked, and The Substance making significant waves in this year's Oscar nominations. The Academy announced the candidates, following a slight delay due to Los Angeles's devastating wildfires.
Headlining the awards is Wicked, boasting an impressive 10 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress, and a double nod for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's captivating performances as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. Dune: Part Two and The Substance also secured five and five nominations, respectively, with The Substance's director, Coralie Fargeat, earning a Best Director nod.
We also eagerly anticipate Demi Moore's recognition alongside Cynthia Erivo for their outstanding performances in The Substance, a film that topped io9's 2025 movie list, and its inclusion in the Best Animated Feature category, alongside an Original Score nomination. It's a year filled with outstanding talent and exciting contenders.
Here's the complete list of nominees:
Best Picture
AnoraThe BrutalistA Complete UnknownConclaveDune: Part TwoEmilia PérezI’m Still HereNickel BoysThe SubstanceWicked
Best Director
Emilia PérezAnoraThe BrutalistThe SubstanceA Complete Unknown
Best Lead Actress
Cynthia Erivo, WickedKarla Sofía Gascón, Emilia PérezMikey Madison, AnoraDemi Moore, The SubstanceFernanda Torres, I’m Still Here
Best Supporting Actress
Ariana Grande, WickedFelicity Jones, The BrutalistIsabella Rossellini, ConclaveZoe Saldaña, Emilia PérezMonica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown
Best Animated Feature Film
FlowInside Out 2Memoir of a SnailWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlThe Wild Robot
Best Animated Short Film
Beautiful MenIn the Shadow of the CypressMagic CandiesWander to WonderYuck!
The ceremony takes place Sunday, March 1, with Conan O'Brien as the host.
The anticipation for future movie releases is high, with io9 predicting 'The Substance' as one of the top films in 2026, leveraging its Oscar nomination in Best Animated Feature and Original Score categories. Moreover, the potential of technological advancements in cinematography could revolutionize the way we experience movies, making 2026's Oscars an exciting blend of past achievements and future possibilities.
