Entertainment

The Academy released its long-awaited list of nominees on Thursday, sparking mixed reactions from Hollywood fans and concerned social media users. The other award shows, such as the Golden Globes, would usually give a hint at what stars or which productions are getting recognized, but there were some surprises as even A-list actors got shoved off the spotlight. The likes of Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington did not even get a nod this time, making people wonder how strict the conditions are for making it to the nominees list. There were also highlights, with Selena Gomez’s Emilia Perez bagging the most nominations at 13, followed by The Brutalist and Wicked having a tie with 10. More shocking snubs of the 2025 Oscars EMILIA PEREZ, Selena Gomez, 2024. © Netflix /Courtesy Everett Collection Despite the many chances for Emilia Perez to hit at least one win, Selena did not get nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Fans have taken to social media, challenging the Academy’s choice that Selena’s presence and acting is how the Jacques Audiard-directed musical became popular and enjoyable. There were even more shocking snubs, heating the online debates even further as fans called the Academy out of unfair selection. Despite getting top reviews for Maria at the Venice Film Festival, Jolie’s Pablo Larrain-directed movie did not make the cut, and people are shocked that Jolie did not get a Best Actress nomination. “It’s so obvious Angelina Jolie is being snubbed by the Oscars because she’s been continually speaking out against the genocide and has been in solidarity with Palestine. they’re not even trying to hide it,” an X user speculated. MARIA, Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, 2024. ph: Pablo Larrain / © Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection Nicole Kidman was another similar case, despite receiving the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival and another from the National Board. “Nicole Kidman won the golden lion for best actress in Venice and yet, she’s not even nominated at the Oscars. The Oscars are just political (American) and what matters are the international festivals,” someone protested. BABYGIRL, Nicole Kidman, 2024. © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection Next up is Denzel for Gladiator II, who was shockingly left out of the Oscars nominations list, though the movie itself managed to snag a spot for Best Costume Design. Many fans of the iconic Denzel were extra annoyed by the blatant snub and did not hold back in showing their displeasure online. “I think this was the most genuinely shocking Oscars. They snubbed huge faves like Angelina, Nicole, and Denzel. There's a load of nobodies nommed,” a user observed, while another said Denzel was being punished for being overly good. GLADIATOR II, (aka GLADIATOR 2), Denzel Washington, 2024. © Paramount Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection Highlights of the 2025 Oscar Nominations list Although it was shocking that the Academy purposely snubbed some fan-favorite film stars, the nominations list called for celebration for some, including Jeremy Strong, who got his first nod for The Apprentice. Also in the best supporting actor category are Guy Pearce for The Brutalist, Anora’s Yuriy Boris, Edward Norton for A Complete Unknown, and Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain. Demi Moore might also have another win to celebrate soon as The Substance got a Best Picture nod. “‘The Substance’ getting into the Oscars is such a pleasing thing to see. a body horror film at that too. such an amazing movie and I love seeing Demi Moore be respected in the industry,” a pleased fan of Demi’s posted on X. THE SUBSTANCE, Demi Moore, 2024. © MUBI / Courtesy Everett Collection Sebastian Stan’s hard work on The Apprentice did not go unrecognized either, as he earned a well-deserved nod. Fans are rooting for Fernanda Torres in the Best Actress category as she contends with Nicole and Kate Winslet amongst others. Torres is the second Brazilian to receive a potential Best Actress win, the first being her mother, Fernanda Montenegro. “Fernanda Torres is Oscar nominated 26 years after her mother, Fernanda Montenegro was nominated in the same category. So, so happy about this!!!!” a supporter gushed, although some others thought Torres should be canceled because she did blackface.