The 2025 awards season is underway, so you might be interested to watch this year’s acclaimed films. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the major contenders and where you can catch them.
“Emilia Pérez” (13 Oscar Nominations)
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Jacques Audiard’s bold musical crime thriller follows a Mexican drug lord who undergoes gender-affirming surgery. Leading the pack with 13 Oscar nominations—including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nods for Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldaña—it has dominated awards season. The film also took home Golden Globes for Best Musical/Comedy, Best Original Song (“El Mal”), and Best Picture Not in the English Language.
“Wicked” (10 Oscar Nominations)
Where to Watch: Audiences can access the film through participating digital retailers, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Microsoft Movies & TV.
Jon M. Chu’s dazzling adaptation of the beloved musical stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The story explores the unlikely friendship between two women—Elphaba, who is ostracized for her green skin, and Glinda, the charming socialite—at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. With nominations for Best Picture and individual SAG and Oscar nods for Grande and Erivo, the film is a must-watch for fans of movie musicals.
“The Brutalist” (10 Oscar Nominations)
Where to Watch: In Theaters
Starring Adrien Brody as a Holocaust survivor and architect who receives a transformative commission from Guy Pearce’s wealthy industrialist, The Brutalist has earned acclaim for its powerful storytelling. It won Golden Globes for Best Drama, Best Director, and Best Actor (Brody) and received Oscar nods, including for Felicity Jones.
“A Complete Unknown” (8 Oscar Nominations)
Where to Watch: In Theaters
James Mangold’s biopic on Bob Dylan secured nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nods for Timothée Chalamet (as Dylan), Monica Barbaro (Joan Baez), and Edward Norton (Pete Seeger). The film has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the legendary singer-songwriter’s journey.
“Conclave” (8 Oscar Nominations)
Where to Watch: Streaming on Peacock
This gripping thriller, directed by Edward Berger, explores the political and personal intrigues during the selection of a new pope. The film earned a SAG nod for Ralph Fiennes’ lead performance and a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay. Isabella Rossellini also received an Oscar nomination for her supporting role.
“Anora” (6 Oscar Nominations)
Where to Watch: On VOD
Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning film tells the story of a New York stripper’s tumultuous romance with a Russian oligarch’s son. While it didn’t win big at the Golden Globes, it garnered critical acclaim and Oscar nominations for Mikey Madison and Yura Borisov.
“The Substance” (5 Oscar Nominations)
Where to Watch: Streaming on MUBI; Limited Theatrical Re-release
Demi Moore shines in Coralie Fargeat’s body-horror drama as an aging actor who takes extreme measures to preserve her looks. The film won Moore a Golden Globe and a SAG nomination, along with Oscar nods for Best Picture, Best Director, and Moore’s transformative performance.
