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.
For each category I present my best guess for which 2025 Oscar movie will win with an explanation of my reasoning.
A look at the 2025 Oscar General Interest movies as rated and ranked by the viewing public and by critics.
The Color Purple might work as a TV mini series, but the shifts in tone means that it works OK as a musical but not as a drama. (3*)
Oppenheimer is an epic film that rewards the hard work required of the viewer. A full exploration of a man, physics, politics, and movie making. (5*)
In The Holdovers, three people, rife with their own problems, spend Christmas break, 1970, with each other. It is funny and emotional. And it’s a Christmas Movie. (3.5*)
So far, at least, this is my favorite picture of the year. Full of sensory and storytelling delight. (5*)
Despite great acting by Bening and Foster, Nyad fails to develop sympathetic characters and an interesting story. (3*)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever starts with the death of the former Black Panther and moves through nearly three hours of sometimes beautiful, sometimes action packed, scenes but with so many obligations to fulfill that it is ultimately unsatisfying.
The Whale pulls heartstrings as you navigate a week with a morbidly obese man. The movie explores themes of addiction, relationships, literature, and spirituality with an unexpectedly good performance from Brendan Fraser. (4*)
Everything Everywhere All at Once is an insane look at one woman’s romp through the multiverse as she learns what is really important about life. (4.5*)
Set during the Irish Civil War in 1923, in a very small village on an isolated island (Inisherin) off the coast of Ireland, Padraic (Colin Farrell) finds his lifelong friendship is torn when his older best friend, Colm (Brendan Gleeson) suddenly, and without apparent reason, finds him “dull” and no longer wants to be with him. The change alters both men, and the entire village, both emotionally and physically. Martin McDonagh’s carefully written and directed script is executed by an Irish-born cast with seemingly perfect chemistry. A must-see film for any adult interested in how and why relationships, of any kind, change and, sometimes, end. (4.5*) The Banshees of Inisherin
(3.5 Stars) A flawed but intriguing look at the psychology of an ‘Unnatural Mother’.
(3.5 *) Another good take on family. Terrific setup in the first 10 minutes.
(3.5 *) Technically near perfect, but lacking in the dramatic storytelling.
(3 *) A fun movie until you understand that it isn’t completely truthful.
(4.5 Stars) Quite likely the Best Picture of the Year. Let me explain why.
(2 Stars) A lot of missed opportunity and we end up being tourists!
(1 Star). You’ve been warned – watch only if you really like this kind of thing.
(5 Stars) A wonderful feminist approach that is perfect holiday entertainment. A well crafted movie.
(4.5 Stars) A sometimes difficult movie to watch, but with powerful moments. The boundaries between love and hate are thin.
(3 Stars) Some good moments. But the movie doesn’t quite come together.
(3.5 Stars). A pleasant diversion with exceptional actresses, but a less than stellar writer and director.
(3.5 Stars) Liberals will find humor and lots to support disliking Cheney. Conservatives, well, maybe you should avoid this one.
(3 Stars) Although laced with fun and titillating moments throughout, the movie doesn’t deliver a totally coherent message.
(4.5 Stars) A wonderful romance with terrific music. Another one of the better movies this year.
(5 Stars) Probably the best movie of the year and a great example of excellence in all dimensions. A must-see film.
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.