Emilia Perez leads Oscar nominations
Netflix’s Spanish-language musical Emilia Perez topped the list of movies nominated on Thursday for Academy Awards, followed by The Brutalist and Wicked. Emilia Perez, the story of a Mexican drug lord who transitions to a woman and starts a new life, earned 13 nominations. The Brutalist, about a Holocaust survivor chasing the American dream, and The Wizard of Oz prequel Wicked picked up 10 nods each. All three films will compete for the coveted best picture trophy at the Oscars ceremony in Hollywood on March 2. A Complete Unknown, starring Timothee Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan, dark romantic comedy Anora and papal selection drama Conclave also landed in the best picture race.
The other nominated films were the science-fiction blockbuster Dune: Part 2, Brazilian political docudrama I’m Still Here, racial drama Nickel Boys and horror movie The Substance. Nominations for the film industry’s highest honours were postponed twice as Los Angeles grappled with wildfires that devastated parts of the city this month. Several red-carpet celebrations have been postponed or cancelled.
First nod for Demi Moore
Demi Moore has added new glory to her career as she is being recognised for her first-ever Oscar nomination for her role in The Substance. The 62-year-old actress was named one of the five contenders for Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards on Thursday. Moore shared, “Being nominated for an Oscar is an incredible honour, and these last few months have been beyond my wildest dreams. Truly, there are no words to fully express my joy and overwhelming gratitude for this recognition. Not only for me, but for what this film represents. I am deeply humbled.” In her statement, the actress also opened up about the challenges her community is facing due to recent fires in Los Angeles.
“This is a time of incredible contrasts, and right now, my heart is with my friends, family, neighbours and community here in LA,” she wrote. “The fires have devastated so many lives, but to see the way our community has united leaves me in awe of the resilience and compassion that defines us, and this moment is a reminder of how incredible we are when we stand together,” Moore added.
The Substance is a dark horror comedy in which Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a struggling actress who begins taking a mysterious drug to stay young and relevant. The drug creates a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley, and the two must share their public lives - a fragile balance that soon spirals out of control. The role has earned Moore rave reviews and a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.