Best Director Oscar Nominees 2025
2025 Oscar General Interest: Ratings and Rankings
A look at the 2025 Oscar General Interest movies as rated and ranked by the viewing public and by critics.
2025 Oscar Movies: My Predictions
For each category I present my best guess for which 2025 Oscar movie will win with an explanation of my reasoning.
A Complete Unknown (2025.4, Off-the Record, Great Music)
A Complete Unknown is a biopic about Bob Dylan’s early career, focusing on his relationships with women like Joan Baez and Sylvie Russo, and his musical influences like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Johnny Cash. The film takes creative liberties with historical accuracy, portraying Dylan as a complex and sometimes cruel character, prioritizing his musical creativity over his relationships. Ultimately, the movie is an artistic interpretation of Dylan’s life, not a documentary.
Anora (2025.3, Full-On Sex , Very Good )
Initially unimpressed with Sean Baker’s “Florida Project,” I find myself appreciating, even liking “Anora.” While the explicit content and language may deter some viewers, the film’s skillful tonal shifts and open-ended conclusion make it worth considering. Set in a marginal world, it deals with universal themes.
Emilia Perez (2025.2, Mixed , Bold )
Emilia Perez, a controversial film, received Oscar nominations for its unique story, music, and performances. However, its portrayal of Mexican culture, including the use of non-Mexican Spanish and insensitive themes, sparked outrage and led to its downfall. The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, is criticized for his lack of cultural understanding and respect.
The Substance (2025.5, Guts , Bad Ending)
The Substance critiques Hollywood’s age and sex discrimination, highlighting the industry’s preference for young, attractive women. There is a way out of that problem, but it may take a bit more time. The film, through its exaggerated and absurd tone, effectively conveys the pressures women face to maintain their appearance, ultimately concluding in an excessive and disgusting display of blood and gore.