10 Potential Oscar Contenders Coming in the Second Half of 2025

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2025 has been nothing short of spectacular for me, as a movie enthusiast. From timeless masterpieces such as “Sinners” to heart-pounding racing films like “F1: The Movie”, this year has offered an array of movies that have both critics and audiences captivated. As we move towards the second half of the year, the anticipation for upcoming films is palpable, with each one promising to resonate strongly with viewers. These potential blockbusters could potentially secure nominations for prestigious awards like the Oscars. Interestingly, movies vying for Best Picture often premiere during fall film festivals or in the colder months. This strategic release by film studios ensures that these films remain fresh in the minds of Academy members, making them more likely to be recognized compared to those released earlier in the year.

This upcoming year’s Oscars seem set for intense rivalry with anticipated releases such as “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Wicked: For Good.” Although these movies haven’t hit the screens just yet, their potential impact on Academy voters is undeniable.

Here are 10 potential Oscar contenders from the second half of 2025.

10
‘Marty Supreme’

It seems that so far, the films by the Safdie brothers haven’t garnered any Oscar nominations despite receiving fantastic reviews. However, it appears that “Marty Supreme,” directed solely by Josh Safdie this time, could be the movie that breaks that trend. The film boasts several key factors that make it a strong contender for an Academy Award: it’s scheduled for release during Christmas, features a seasoned actor who has been nominated multiple times for Oscars, and is led by a well-respected filmmaker in the industry.

The studio A24 appears to have high faith in their upcoming movie, as it’s one of their most expensive productions and they’ve already set a release date well ahead of time. Although a film centered around a ping-pong player might not initially seem like an Academy Award contender, the team working on it is poised to create something engaging and valuable for viewers.

Timothée Chalamet Is Arguably This Generation’s Biggest Movie Star

Currently, Timothée Chalamet stands as one of the most acclaimed actors globally, with films like “Wonka” breaking box office records and his last two movies earning Best Picture nominations. This level of recognition is hard to match among contemporary actors. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame further validates his status as a movie star. Given that he was the youngest winner of the Best Actor award at the SAGs, it’s likely that he will soon add an Oscar win to his list of achievements, and “Marty Supreme” might be the film that brings him this prestigious honor.

9
‘After the Hunt’

Luca Guadagnino’s last two films, titled “Challengers” and “Queer,” didn’t secure any Oscar nominations, but his upcoming movie, After the Hunt, seems more likely to capture the attention of Academy voters due to its straightforward dramatic approach. This film boasts an exceptional cast and crew that could be tough to overlook, with Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edibiri potentially earning acting nominations in both leading and supporting categories. Given that “After the Hunt” is one of Amazon MGM’s primary contenders, it appears challenging for the Academy to ignore it altogether.

Guadagnino Is Overdue for a Directing Nomination

Over the last ten years, Luca Guadagnino has created numerous films that have significantly influenced popular culture. From unconventional love stories like “Bones and All” to poignant coming-of-age tales such as “Call Me By Your Name”, Guadagnino’s body of work has earned him a place among beloved filmmakers. Given his impressive portfolio, it seems fitting that he should be recognized with an Oscar nomination for his directorial efforts. Since he was previously overlooked for “Call Me By Your Name”, Academy voters may feel inclined to honor him with a nod for “After the Hunt”, provided it proves to be as strong a contender as anticipated.

8
‘Bugonia’

The film titled “Kinds of Kindness” didn’t seem to resonate with Oscar voters, but Yorgos Lanthimos’ upcoming movie, called “Bugonia“, appears to be making a comeback for the Oscars. Similar to his other films, it might be a bit peculiar, but its central idea seems understandable enough for regular viewers that it may not face much resistance from the Academy. With a release date in the fall and Focus Features having a history of earning Oscar nominations, “Bugonia” is a significant film that’s hard to ignore by year-end.

Emma Stone Ditches Hollywood Films For Career-Best Work

Emma Stone gained widespread recognition through movies such as “Easy A” and “The Amazing Spider-Man” series, yet it’s her most recent collection of films that truly highlighted her acting prowess. She garnered her second Oscar for the film “Poor Things,” and will soon be seen in Ari Aster’s upcoming western comedy “Eddington.” Stone is demonstrating her versatility as an actress, with her Hollywood productions perhaps having a greater impact on typical cinema-goers, but it’s her string of independent films where her acting skills truly excel.

7
‘Wicked: For Good’

Initially, “Wicked” left a powerful impact, becoming one of the most financially successful films in 2024 and securing 10 Oscar nominations. Typically, sequels don’t match their originals in terms of Oscar recognition, but “Wicked: For Good,” filmed concurrently with the original, seems unlikely to be overlooked due to its consistent quality in areas such as Production and Costume Design that earned awards. Given the enduring enthusiasm among viewers for the first film, it’s challenging to imagine “Wicked: For Good” underperforming relative to its predecessor.

Can Ariana and Cynthia Win Oscars for ‘Wicked: For Good’?

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo gained significant recognition in their careers for their portrayals of Galinda and Elphaba respectively. Although they didn’t receive an Oscar for these performances, there’s speculation about whether they might secure a win for the second part. It’s uncommon for actors to earn an Oscar for reprising roles, with Paul Newman in “The Color of Money” being one of the few exceptions. However, given that the Academy may want to compensate for missed opportunities in the initial film, there’s a chance they could award one of these actresses if the sequel is as successful as the original.

6
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’

James Cameron revisits the world of Avatar again, this time with “Avatar: Fire and Ash”, and he’s planning to release the sequel more quickly due to the massive success of Avatar: The Way of Water, which ranks as the third highest-grossing movie ever. While it’s uncertain if this upcoming sequel will secure another Best Picture nomination, given that only the Lord of the Rings films have achieved this feat in the past, it’s almost certain to win in the category of Best Visual Effects.

WIll ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Gross $2 billion?

As a die-hard cinema fan, I’ve got no doubts that the upcoming film Avatar: Fire and Ash will rake in over a billion dollars at the box office. Yet, the intriguing question that lingers is whether it can achieve the staggering $2 billion milestone, as the last two films did. The edge that Avatar: The Way of Water had, with its hype being cultivated over a span of 13 years, isn’t quite present for Fire and Ash, seeing as it’s been only three years since the last installment. It’s almost certain that the film will deliver on its visual extravaganza like its predecessors, but reaching $2 billion in revenue for a third film in the franchise seems highly improbable, if not impossible.

5
‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’

It’s clear that the heartfelt appreciation for “A Complete Unknown” at the Oscars indicates that the genre of music biopics is still captivating audiences. With the postponement of the Michael Jackson film due to additional filming and editing, it opens up an opportunity for “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” to shine. This film, directed by a past Oscar winner, seems poised to be another exploration of a cherished music icon, portrayed by the well-known Jeremy Allen White from television. With contenders like Stephen Graham and Jeremy Strong in supporting roles, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” would need to be extraordinarily unsuccessful not to receive recognition by year’s end.

Television Actors Transition Into Film Seamlessly

When a highly regarded television actor transitions into the film industry, it often results in success. Last year, Jeremy Strong and Kieran Culkin were nominated for Oscars shortly after their show “Succession” ended, with Culkin even taking home the award. Rami Malek also won an Oscar following his celebrated work on “Mr. Robot.” It’s quite probable that Jeremy Allen White will achieve the same feat, given his numerous Emmy wins for his role in “The Bear,” and as he portrays Bruce Springsteen, one of the most influential rock singers of his time. If there is a performance this year likely to receive an Oscar nomination, it’s Jeremy Allen White for “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.

4
‘Sentimental Value’

Following its triumph at the Cannes Film Festival’s Grand Prix, the heartfelt film “Sentimental Value” appears poised to be the standout international blockbuster of 2025. The unexpected Best Original Screenplay nomination for “The Worst Person in the World” has significantly boosted Joachim Trier’s reputation. Boasting a talented cast featuring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning, with roles spanning both lead and supporting positions, this family drama is expected to leave a lasting impression on awards voters. Additionally, the director’s recent Oscar successes further underscore its potential impact.

Cannes Premieres Always Receive Oscar Nominations

Over the last few years, it has become common for movies that first screened at Cannes to later receive Oscar nominations or wins. Last year’s category for Best Director featured three such films, with Sean Baker taking the award and also winning Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress. When choosing a film for the Best Picture line-up, it’s usually wise to include at least one from Cannes, and Sentimental Value seems like a strong contender given its outstanding critical reception and the director’s previous films being acknowledged by the Academy.

3
‘Jay Kelly’

In my opinion, Noah Baumbach’s latest film, “White Noise,” may not have been in the running for any Oscars, but his upcoming project, “Jay Kelly,” appears to be a promising return to form for this esteemed director. Evoking memories of his past family dramas such as “Marriage Story” and “The Squid and the Whale,” “Jay Kelly,” set for release in 2025, seems poised to deliver a moving and emotional experience that will resonate with a wide audience. With George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern all contenders for Oscars and the film being one of Netflix’s most anticipated productions, it would take quite an extraordinary set of circumstances for “Jay Kelly” to miss out on Academy Awards nominations.

Will Adam Sandler Finally Be Awarded by the Academy?

In a just world, Adam Sandler’s exceptional performance in “Uncut Gems” wouldn’t have been overlooked so harshly. His impressive acting in films like “Punch Drunk Love” and “The Meyerowitz Stories” has been consistently outstanding. However, it’s unfortunate that the Academy hasn’t recognized his talent yet. With the buzz surrounding “Jay Kelly,” there’s a chance Sandler might finally get the recognition he deserves. Preliminary feedback from test screenings suggests Sandler is the film’s shining star and could even be in contention for a nomination, if not a win. If this happens before the end of the year, it will bring joy to countless movie lovers everywhere.

2
‘One Battle After Another’

In a perfect cinematic union, a collaboration between Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio seems destined for Oscar glory. With Anderson boasting 11 Oscar nominations and DiCaprio’s recent films frequently recognized as Best Picture contenders, it’s challenging to foresee their new film, “One Battle After Another,” not making waves. While thrillers have historically faced challenges in the Best Picture race, the exceptional filmmaking duo is likely to sway Oscar voters past genre limitations. With a whopping $130 million budget and considered one of Anderson’s most ambitious ventures yet, it’s tough to imagine the Academy overlooking this production.

No One Is More Overdue Than Paul Thomas Anderson for an Oscar Win

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve always been in awe of Paul Thomas Anderson’s extraordinary body of work, yet marvel at the fact that he hasn’t claimed an Oscar for any of his masterpieces. Despite numerous nominations across screenwriting, direction, and production categories, it remains surprising that he has not been awarded a major accolade to date. Now, with One Battle After Another, I sense a film that could finally break this pattern, as it promises to be his most ambitious project yet, boasting a captivating plot that is sure to hold us spellbound. Even if the film doesn’t garner reviews as spectacular as those for There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza, I can’t help but feel that the Academy might decide to honor him, not just for this exceptional work, but as a testament to his illustrious career.

1
‘Frankenstein’

Guillermo del Toro has consistently impressed the Academy with his work, winning Best Picture and Best Director for “The Shape of Water” and more recently, Best Animated Feature. This suggests that the Oscars will likely honor his future projects in one or more categories. Del Toro’s upcoming adaptation of “Frankenstein” has generated excitement, as its first trailer left a lasting impression on viewers. Despite previous monster movies like “Nosferatu” (2024) and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” not making it into the top categories, del Toro’s reputation might be enough to get his new film considered for Best Picture.

Netflix Should Release Their Movies in Theaters

The sneak peek of del Toro’s version of Frankenstein demonstrated its grand ambitions and expansive scale. Regrettably, it seems unlikely that this film will ever grace the silver screen, as Netflix prefers to keep its content exclusive to their streaming service. Movie theaters are a significant factor in keeping the film industry vibrant, and it’s disheartening to see a production company so resistant to what makes films unique. Showing Netflix movies in theaters could actually help the film industry thrive, increase the popularity of their content, and encourage more people to watch their productions. With Disney+ scaling back on Marvel Cinematic Universe shows and Warner Bros. splitting up, let’s hope that Netflix reconsiders their stance on exclusivity.

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2025-07-06 18:05