The final five Oscar nominated films have been announced. The list of contenders went down from 86 to 15 to the final five films. These are the films that been nominated:
We successfully predicted 4 out of the 5 films nominated.
We incorrectly predicted Kneecap (Ireland). Given its incredible success at the BAFTA Awards and its widespread critical acclaim, it seemed like a strong contender. The film’s raw energy, social commentary, and bold storytelling captivated audiences and critics alike. However, it may have been too edgy or provocative for the more traditionally conservative tastes of some Academy members.
This year four European films have been nominated, alongside one South American film.
This year’s nominees were instant standouts following their festival debuts. The Girl with the Needle, Emilia Perez, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and Flow all made waves at Cannes, while I'm Still Here captivated audiences at Venice. Their early festival success set the stage for their well-deserved recognition during awards season.
The Girl with the Needle, I'm Still Here and The Seed of the Sacred Fig were nominated at the NBR Awards.
Emilia Perez, The Girl with the Needle, I'm Still Here and The Seed of the Sacred Fig were nominated at the Golden Globe Awards.
Emilia Perez, Flow, I'm Still Here and The Seed of the Sacred Fig were nominated at the Critics Choice Awards.
Emilia Perez, Flow, I'm Still Here and The Seed of the Sacred Fig were nominated at the BAFTA Awards.
All five of these films are truly exceptional nominees, each bringing something unique and impactful to the table. The Girl with the Needle mesmerizes with its haunting narrative and visual artistry, while Emilia Perez dazzles with its genre-defying storytelling and powerful performances. The Seed of the Sacred Fig offers a deeply moving exploration of spirituality and tradition, blending cultural authenticity with cinematic elegance. Flow, an extraordinary dialogue-free survival adventure, captivates with its emotional depth and stunning visuals. Finally, I'm Still Here stands as a poignant and introspective drama, delivering a profound meditation on identity and resilience. Together, these films represent a remarkable showcase of global cinema at its finest. Let's take a look at the Oscar nominated films.
I'M STILL HERE (BRAZIL)
Walter Salles’ I'm Still Here is a deeply emotional and powerful return to form for the celebrated Brazilian director, offering a poignant exploration of family, resilience, and the devastating effects of political repression. Based on the real-life story of Eunice Paiva, the film captures the heartache of a woman whose life is upended by the disappearance of her husband during Brazil's military dictatorship. With rich performances, particularly from Fernanda Torres, and a sensitive portrayal of both personal and historical trauma, I'm Still Here becomes a story not just about survival, but about the quiet courage it takes to fight for justice.
From the opening scene, where Eunice floats peacefully in the ocean under a clear sky, Salles sets the stage for a tale of contrast. The film beautifully juxtaposes the simplicity of family life with the growing tension of living under an authoritarian regime. The Paiva family, with their joyful moments of togetherness, gradually feels the suffocating grip of the dictatorship, and Salles masterfully captures this shift in tone. The symbolic transformation of the family home, from a lively, open space to one marked by fear and silence, adds layers of emotional depth to the narrative.
Fernanda Torres delivers an extraordinary performance as Eunice, carrying the film with her quiet strength and vulnerability. She portrays a woman whose life is shattered by her husband’s forced disappearance, yet she finds the courage to carry on for the sake of her children. Torres’ nuanced portrayal of grief, determination, and the toll of an unyielding quest for answers anchors the film, making Eunice's journey both heartbreaking and inspiring. It’s a performance that feels lived-in and authentic, ensuring the audience is deeply invested in her story from beginning to end.
Salles’ direction is both subtle and evocative, avoiding melodrama while allowing the emotional weight of the story to unfold naturally. The use of handheld Super 8 footage, shot by the Paiva’s eldest daughter, brings an intimate, nostalgic texture to the film, making each family moment feel personal and poignant. The soundtrack, featuring music from Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Warren Ellis, further enhances the film’s atmosphere, blending the warmth of family memories with the underlying melancholy of loss.
I'm Still Here is a film about resilience, memory, and the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming injustice. By focusing on the personal rather than the political, Salles creates a universal story of love, loss, and survival that transcends its historical context. It’s a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, reminding us of the importance of remembering those who suffered and resisted, and the power of stories to keep their legacies alive.
I'm Still Here becomes Brazil's fifth Oscar nomination. The last time Brazil was nominated was for Central Station in 1998. They've never won the Academy Award. Check out the trailer below:
THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE (DENMARK)
Magnus von Horn’s The Girl With the Needle is a haunting and evocative historical drama that captures the harsh realities faced by women in post-World War I Copenhagen. Danish actress Vic Carmen Sonne delivers a mesmerizing performance as Karoline, a young seamstress whose life takes a devastating turn when her wealthy lover abandons her upon learning she is pregnant. Set against the gritty, cobbled streets of early 1920s Denmark, the film uses a claustrophobic 3:2 aspect ratio, stark black-and-white cinematography, and authentic period details to immerse viewers in a world where societal constraints trap women in impossible situations. This gritty authenticity not only grounds the film but underscores the limited options women faced, giving the story an urgent resonance.
At the heart of The Girl With the Needle is Sonne’s portrayal of Karoline, a character who is both vulnerable and fiercely resilient. Her nuanced performance captures Karoline’s struggle to navigate the treacherous waters of poverty, abandonment, and social stigma. Her childlike naivety, fierce determination, and fleeting moments of hope make her plight deeply relatable, even as she faces heartbreaking choices. The film explores her complex emotions, particularly when her long-lost husband returns from the war, scarred and masked. His reappearance further complicates her relationship with Jorgen, her former lover, casting a shadow of despair as Karoline’s choices narrow. Sonne’s portrayal makes Karoline’s journey unforgettable, offering a layered, sympathetic portrait of a woman struggling for control over her life.
Trine Dyrholm’s portrayal of Dagmar, the sinister candy-store owner, adds a chilling depth to the story. Initially presenting as a maternal figure willing to help Karoline, Dagmar quickly reveals her darker side, running an underground adoption agency that preys on vulnerable women like Karoline. Dyrholm’s performance balances warmth with menace, drawing viewers into her unsettling web and delivering a performance that feels like it belongs in a Gothic fairy tale. This duality, between savior and predator, makes Dagmar one of the film’s most compelling characters, a figure scarred by her own experiences yet utterly ruthless in her actions. Her ominous presence builds tension as Karoline’s hopes are dashed, underscoring the theme of betrayal by the very institutions and people meant to protect.
The film’s haunting visuals, crafted by cinematographer Michał Dymek, evoke the eerie stillness of vintage photographs, adding a timeless quality to the story. The cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, and grim interiors feel alive with history, creating a sense of place that is as beautiful as it is oppressive. Dymek’s use of light and shadow heightens the emotional stakes, reinforcing the isolation and hopelessness felt by Karoline as she navigates a world where poverty and shame leave her with few allies. Editor Agnieszka Glinska’s precise cuts add to the atmosphere, subtly intensifying the suspense with each scene. These visual and editorial choices combine to make the film a cinematic experience that is both aesthetically captivating and emotionally raw.
The Girl With the Needle is a masterful exploration of resilience in the face of adversity. While its setting may be specific, the story is universal, touching on issues of bodily autonomy, social judgment, and survival that resonate profoundly today. By focusing on Karoline’s humanity and her fight for a semblance of control, von Horn crafts a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Though the film tackles grim subjects, it ends with a glimmer of hope, offering a hard-won redemption that feels both necessary and cathartic. This fairy-tale-like resolution gives the audience a sense of closure, reminding us that strength and empathy endure even in the darkest circumstances.
The Girl with the Needle becomes Denmark's 15th Oscar nomination. The last time Denmark was nominated was in 2021 for Flee. They've won the Academy Awards four times for Babette's Feast (1987), Belle the Conqueror (1988), In a Better World (2010) and Another Round (2020).
Check out the trailer below:
EMILIA PEREZ (FRANCE)
Jacques Audiard’s latest offering, Emilia Pérez, is an audacious, electrifying, and emotionally rich experience that redefines what a musical can be. This Mexican dark comedy crime film, interwoven with musical theater, showcases Audiard’s brilliance in blending genres and themes, creating a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and profoundly moving. With bold performances, stunning musical sequences, and a gripping exploration of identity, Emilia Pérez is undoubtedly one of the most memorable films of the year, further cementing Audiard’s reputation as a master storyteller.
At the heart of the film is the deeply layered and captivating story of Manitas Del Monte, a notorious drug cartel mastermind, portrayed with incredible depth and vulnerability by Karla Sofía Gascón. Her transformation into Emilia Pérez, a woman who has always lived in the shadows of her criminal past but seeks to embrace her true identity, is a powerful narrative arc that resonates on both personal and societal levels. Audiard takes this story of self-discovery and reinvention and infuses it with heart, humor, and suspense, making every moment feel vital. Gascón’s performance is a tour de force, perfectly balancing the internal conflict of Emilia’s journey while exuding a newfound sense of freedom and authenticity.
The musical aspect of Emilia Pérez is nothing short of extraordinary. Audiard crafts musical numbers that are not only visually stunning but also integral to the story’s emotional core. From the rhythmic clunking of cartel jeeps to choreographed sequences involving heavy weaponry, the film’s music enhances the tension and drama, while simultaneously offering moments of levity and pure joy. It’s a remarkable fusion of crime thriller and musical theater, where every song feels like a natural extension of the characters’ inner worlds. The choreography is dynamic, and the original songs, with their pulse-pounding beats and evocative lyrics, are infectious, lingering in the audience’s minds long after the film ends.
Zoe Saldaña delivers one of her best performances to date as Rita Castro, the ambitious criminal lawyer tasked with orchestrating Manitas’ transformation. Her chemistry with Gascón is palpable, and their dynamic drives much of the film’s tension and emotional weight. Saldaña’s portrayal of a woman caught between duty and personal connection is compelling, and she imbues Rita with a fierce intelligence and sensitivity. Selena Gomez’s performance as Jessi, Manitas’ wife, adds yet another layer of complexity to the film, as her character grapples with the revelation of her husband’s true self. Together, these characters create a rich tapestry of relationships that explore love, loyalty, and the desire to live authentically.
Emilia Pérez is a bold and unforgettable film that pushes the boundaries of genre and storytelling. Audiard masterfully navigates the collision of crime, comedy, and musical theater, creating a film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The exploration of gender identity, self-discovery, and redemption is handled with grace and nuance, making the film not just a cinematic triumph but a deeply human one. This film is a must-see for anyone seeking a fresh, exhilarating take on both musicals and crime dramas, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
Emilia Perez becomes France's 39th Oscar nomination. The last time France was nominated was in 2019 for Les Miserables. They've won the Academy Awards nine times with their last win being Indochine in 1992.
Check out the trailer below:
THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG (GERMANY)
Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of familial tension and societal unrest in contemporary Iran. The film revolves around Iman, a magistrate whose loss of his service weapon coincides with widespread protests sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. This singular event not only threatens Iman’s professional stability but also unravels the delicate fabric of his family life. Rasoulof’s ability to weave the personal and political into a seamless narrative underscores his mastery as a storyteller, creating a film that is as emotionally resonant as it is socially incisive.
The performances are a standout feature, especially Sohelia Golestani as Najmeh, whose character undergoes a transformative arc. Golestani captures the nuances of a wife torn between her loyalty to her husband and her growing alignment with her daughters' rebellion against authoritarianism. The daughters, Rezvan and Sana, embody the generational shift toward defiance and hope, making their characters relatable and symbolic of a broader cultural movement. Each actor brings a rawness and authenticity to their roles, ensuring the family dynamics feel intimate and impactful.
The film excels in portraying both the physical and emotional landscapes of its characters. Rasoulof contrasts the claustrophobic urban sprawl of Tehran with the rural expanses of Iman’s childhood home, using these settings to mirror the internal and external conflicts. The integration of real protest footage lends the film a harrowing immediacy, grounding its fictional narrative in the stark realities of contemporary Iranian life. The cinematography, combined with a carefully constructed soundscape, amplifies the tension, immersing the audience in a world where every moment is charged with unease and unpredictability.
What makes The Seed of the Sacred Fig especially powerful is its layered symbolism. The disappearance of Iman’s gun serves as a metaphor for the waning control of patriarchal and authoritarian systems. This theme reverberates through the family’s unraveling relationships and the broader societal shifts occurring outside their home. Rasoulof’s subtle but sharp critique of systemic oppression invites viewers to reflect on the intersections of personal agency and political resistance, making the film deeply relevant in a global context.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig is a triumph of courageous storytelling. Rasoulof’s commitment to illuminating the struggles of those living under oppressive regimes, even at great personal risk, is both inspiring and sobering. The film’s combination of compelling performances, arresting visuals, and incisive social commentary solidifies its place as a landmark in contemporary cinema, resonating far beyond Iran’s borders as a universal call for freedom and justice.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig becomes Germany's 22nd Oscar nomination. The last time Germany was nominated was last year for The Teachers' Lounge. They've won the Academy Awards four times for The Tin Drum (1979), Nowhere in Africa (2002), The Lives of Others (2006) and All Quiet on the Western Front (2022).
Check out the trailer below:
FLOW (LATVIA)
Flow, the second feature by visionary Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, is a mesmerizing animated survival adventure that captivates with its vivid visuals and emotional depth. Following the journey of a lone black cat in a world abandoned by humans, the film draws the audience into a breathtaking and immersive experience. The story is told entirely without dialogue, but through Zilbalodis’ skillful animation and richly detailed landscapes, it speaks volumes about resilience, connection, and the delicate balance between independence and community. At just under 90 minutes, the film’s tight pacing keeps viewers enthralled while still allowing moments of quiet reflection and awe.
The world of Flow is strikingly crafted, blending the painterly beauty of photo-realistic environments with charming, cartoon-like animal characters. Zilbalodis’ visual style, inspired by the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Danish artist Peder Mørk Mønsted, is nothing short of stunning. The film’s landscapes shimmer with vibrant textures, whether in dense forests, vast bodies of water, or ancient ruins. While the animals don’t speak, their personalities shine through expressive animation, particularly the cat, whose large, luminous eyes convey both vulnerability and strength. This silent narrative, though simple in its themes, resonates on a deep emotional level, as the cat gradually evolves from a solitary survivor to a trusted member of a motley crew of animals.
The thematic heart of Flow lies in its exploration of trust, friendship, and the importance of cooperation in a perilous world. The film’s titular concept of "flow" is masterfully woven into the narrative, illustrating the cat’s journey of learning to adapt and rely on others. From a tense opening chase with a pack of dogs to the life-threatening flood that follows, the cat’s brushes with danger are many, but each encounter brings new companions, from a capybara to a curious lemur, who help guide it toward a more communal existence. The film’s portrayal of interspecies camaraderie offers a touching lesson for both children and adults about the give-and-take of relationships.
Flow centers on the themes of survival, connection, and adaptation. At its core, the film explores the balance between independence and the necessity of relying on others, as seen through the journey of a lone cat navigating a post-human world. Flow touches on humanity’s relationship with nature, symbolized by the cat’s evolving role within the ecosystem. The absence of humans hints at the fragility of civilization, possibly alluding to themes like climate change or environmental destruction, though these are left open to interpretation. The film encourages viewers to embrace the natural flow of life, finding harmony with the world around them while learning to trust and connect with others along the way.
Flow is a triumph of artistic storytelling, proving that Zilbalodis is a unique talent in the world of animation. Its quiet, meditative narrative is both heartfelt and visually arresting, drawing viewers into an unforgettable journey of survival, trust, and the power of community. Whether you're a fan of animation, an animal lover, or simply appreciate a beautifully crafted story, Flow is a film that will leave you mesmerized and moved, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages. This is the first time Latvia has ever been nominated.