Unlocking Oscars 2025: Must-See Picks from Our Chief Film Critic for Every Category

It’s Almost Awards Time!

The awards season feels endless, and excitement is building as the finale approaches this weekend. The votes are in, the campaigns have taken their toll, and predictions have been tossed around like confetti. The big night is almost here, and we’re ready to see who takes home some shiny trophies.

As a film critic, I can’t help but dive into my thoughts about the Oscars, even if they feel beneath my stature. So, let’s skip the pleasantries and jump straight into my predictions for the major categories.

Best Supporting Actress

This year, the competition is tough. We have some fantastic performances lined up:

• Monica Barbaro (“A Complete Unknown”)
• Ariana Grande (“Wicked”)
• Felicity Jones (“The Brutalist”)
• Isabella Rossellini (“Conclave”)
• Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”)

Isabella Rossellini is a treasure, but I honestly can’t recall her impact in “Conclave.” Ariana Grande shone in “Wicked,” but she’s still in my heart from her music days. As for Zoe Saldaña, she’s outperformed herself as an alien many times before. However, for me, Monica Barbaro was a standout in “A Complete Unknown.” Her portrayal of Joan Baez was compelling and added depth to the narrative, making her my choice for this category.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Selecting nominees for makeup and hairstyling can sometimes be tricky if you aren’t noticing wigs like me, but there are impressive candidates this year:

• “A Different Man” (Mike Marino, David Presto and Crystal Jurado)
• “Emilia Pérez” (Julia Floch Carbonel, Emmanuel Janvier and Jean-Christophe Spadaccini)
• “Nosferatu” (David White, Traci Loader and Suzanne Stokes-Munton)
• “The Substance” (Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon and Marilyne Scarselli)
• “Wicked” (Frances Hannon, Laura Blount and Sarah Nuth)

This year, I noticed something special in “The Substance.” The makeup artists focused on every detail, telling a story of transformation through the characters’ appearances. The effort put into the makeup made it stand out in this lineup, turning each scene into striking visuals that convey deep meanings.

Best International Feature

Let’s take a look at the international nominees:

• “I’m Still Here”
• “The Girl with the Needle”
• “Emilia Pérez”
• “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”
• “Flow”

This category is becoming more exciting, with films now vying for Best Picture. This year, two films are nominated in both categories, including the serious contender “I’m Still Here” and the more controversial “Emilia Pérez.” However, I believe “Flow” deserves the award, aiming to be the first animated film to win this honor.

As we approach the Oscars, these predictions represent my thoughts on this year’s talent. It will be fascinating to see how it all plays out on the big night.