Oscar Nominations 2025: The Biggest Surprises & Snubs: A Breakdown of the 98th Academy Awards

The 98th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars 2025, are just around the corner, and excitement is building up among film enthusiasts worldwide. The nominations for the 2025 Oscars were announced on January 10, 2025, and as always, there were some surprising and snubbed actors, directors, and films that left fans and critics alike scratching their heads. In this article, we will dive into the biggest surprises and snubs of the 2025 Oscar nominations, analyzing the trends, and what they reveal about the state of the film industry.

The 2025 Oscar nominations saw a mix of established stars and up-and-coming talent, with some surprising omissions and snubs that sparked heated debates on social media. While some people praised the nominations for highlighting fresh talent, others felt that some deserving actors and directors were overlooked. As we take a closer look at the nominees, it becomes clear that the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable awards ceremony.

The Biggest Surprises of the 2025 Oscar Nominations

Emma Stone Snubbed for Her Role in "The Favourite"

One of the biggest surprises of the 2025 Oscar nominations was the snub of Emma Stone for her critically acclaimed performance in "The Favourite." Stone's portrayal of Abigail Hill, the cunning and ambitious servant, earned her widespread critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including the Golden Globe for Best Actress. However, despite her impressive performance, Stone was overlooked by the Academy, sparking widespread debate and disappointment among fans.

The Unlikely Nomination of Tom Hanks for "The Woman King"

Tom Hanks' nomination for Best Actor for his role in "The Woman King" was another surprise that left many scratching their heads. While Hanks is an Oscar veteran with a proven track record of excellence, his role in "The Woman King" was not expected to garner him a nomination. However, his performance as General Matthew Ballard, a British colonel who teams up with a group of African warriors to take down slave traders, was widely praised by critics and earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

The Snub of Cate Blanchett for Her Role in "Thor: Love and Thunder"

Cate Blanchett's snub for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Thor: Love and Thunder" was another surprise that sparked debate among fans and critics. Blanchett's performance as Hela, the goddess of death and Thor's sister, was widely praised by critics and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. However, despite her impressive performance, Blanchett was overlooked by the Academy, leaving many to wonder what they saw.

The Biggest Snubs of the 2025 Oscar Nominations

The Snub of Daniel Kaluuya for His Role in "Judas and the Black Messiah"

Daniel Kaluuya's snub for Best Actor for his role in "Judas and the Black Messiah" was one of the biggest snubs of the 2025 Oscar nominations. Kaluuya's portrayal of Fred Hampton, the leader of the Black Panther Party, earned him widespread critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including the Golden Globe for Best Actor. However, despite his impressive performance, Kaluuya was overlooked by the Academy, sparking widespread disappointment and frustration among fans.

The Snub of Viola Davis for Her Role in "The Electric Nest"

Viola Davis's snub for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Electric Nest" was another surprise that left many scratching their heads. Davis's performance as Russell's mother, a wise and loving woman who helps her son through a difficult time, was widely praised by critics and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. However, despite her impressive performance, Davis was overlooked by the Academy, leaving many to wonder what they saw.

The Snub of Ryan Coogler for Directing "Da 5 Bloods"

Ryan Coogler's snub for Best Director for his work on "Da 5 Bloods" was one of the biggest snubs of the 2025 Oscar nominations. Coogler's film, which tells the story of a group of African American veterans who return to Vietnam to find the remains of their fallen comrades, earned him widespread critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. However, despite his impressive work, Coogler was overlooked by the Academy, sparking widespread disappointment and frustration among fans.

Analyzing the Trends and What They Reveal About the Film Industry

The 2025 Oscar nominations saw a mix of established stars and up-and-coming talent, with some surprising omissions and snubs that sparked heated debates on social media. While some people praised the nominations for highlighting fresh talent, others felt that some deserving actors and directors were overlooked.

One trend that emerged from the 2025 Oscar nominations was the dominance of big-budget films and franchises. Several big-budget films, including "Top Gun: Maverick," "Jurassic World Dominion," and "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning," earned numerous nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. However, despite their dominance, some critics argued that the nominations were too focused on franchise films and neglected smaller, more independent films.

Another trend that emerged from the 2025 Oscar nominations was the increasing diversity of the nominees. The nominations saw a significant increase in diversity, with more women, people of color, and international filmmakers earning nominations. However, despite this increase, some critics argued that the nominations still lacked representation and did not reflect the diversity of the film industry as a whole.

The Impact of the 2025 Oscar Nominations on the Film Industry

The 2025 Oscar nominations have already had a significant impact on the film industry, with several nominees and winners generating widespread buzz and excitement. The