The 2025 Oscar nominations have officially arrived, and this year’s lineup is as surprising as it is historic. Leading the way with an impressive 13 nominations is *Emilia Pérez*, the groundbreaking musical crime drama centered on a Mexican cartel leader’s gender transition. Not far behind are *Wicked* and *The Brutalist*, which both earned 10 nominations, while *Conclave* and *A Complete Unknown* followed closely with 8 nominations each. *Anora* rounds out the top contenders with 6 nods. From unexpected snubs to first-time nominees making history, here’s a deeper look at the highlights, shocks, and takeaways from this year’s Academy Award announcements.

One of the most baffling omissions this year is Luca Guadagnino’s *Challengers*. After dominating conversations in early 2024 with its steamy love triangle and dynamic tennis court cinematography, many expected it to be a strong contender across multiple categories. Zendaya’s leading performance, paired with supporting turns by Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist, sparked heavy Oscar buzz, especially after the film picked up four Golden Globe nominations and a win for Best Original Score. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, *Challengers* was completely shut out from the Oscars. The absence is a puzzling one, especially considering the film’s critical acclaim and visual innovation.

Meanwhile, two stars are celebrating their long-overdue recognition. Zoe Saldaña finally earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress thanks to her powerful performance as attorney Rita Mora Castro in *Emilia Pérez*. Already a Golden Globe winner for the role, Saldaña’s nod marks a moment of validation for her decades-long career. Joining her is Ariana Grande, who picked up her first Oscar nomination for her role as Glinda in *Wicked*. Grande’s turn as the iconic good witch was both whimsical and emotionally rich, and it earned her a well-deserved place among this year’s top contenders. Cynthia Erivo, Grande’s co-star, added her third Oscar nomination to her résumé with a Best Actress nod for her portrayal of Elphaba.

But where there are celebrations, there are also notable snubs. Despite significant buzz and Golden Globe recognition, Zendaya missed out on nominations for both *Challengers* and *Dune: Part Two*. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas in *Maria* and Selena Gomez’s role in *Emilia Pérez* were also left out, despite expectations that this would be their breakthrough Oscar year. These omissions are particularly surprising given the high-profile nature of the roles and the performances’ critical praise.

Even behind the camera, the surprises continued. Directors Jon M. Chu (*Wicked*) and Denis Villeneuve (*Dune: Part Two*) both saw their films nominated for Best Picture but were excluded from the Best Director category. Their absence speaks to the Academy’s often unpredictable choices in the directing category, where visionary work can sometimes go unrecognized. Both filmmakers are expected to return with follow-up projects in the coming years, which may offer them another chance at Oscar gold.

Among the most meaningful moments of this year’s nominations was the historic recognition of Karla Sofía Gascón. The Spanish actress became the first openly trans woman to be nominated for an Academy Award, earning a nod for Best Actress for her performance in *Emilia Pérez*. Gascón’s portrayal of a Mexican cartel kingpin undergoing gender-affirming surgery has been praised as both transformative and emotionally layered. In a recent interview with *Harper’s Bazaar*, Gascón reflected on the recognition with humility and gratitude. “The biggest recognition is being given the chance to participate in such a wonderful film,” she said. “Anything that comes from the work I’ve done is welcome. But personally, I think there’s something really beautiful that’s happened. There are a lot of people who wish for a part of the population—specifically trans people—to be recognized. If I can make that happen in any way, I would feel very proud of having been able to contribute not just a grain of sand, but a whole mound of hope to this planet.”

As the countdown to the Academy Awards begins, the 2025 nominations have already set the stage for a night full of surprises, celebrations, and historical milestones. Whether your favorites made the cut or not, one thing is clear—this year’s Oscars are shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and progressive ceremonies in recent memory.