As the excitement builds for the 2025 Academy Awards, the nominations have set the stage for what promises to be another unforgettable year in cinema. However, as with every Oscars season, there are a few notable surprises and disappointments that have left both critics and fans buzzing. From unexpected snubs of beloved performances to shocking inclusions, this year’s nominations are sure to fuel heated debates.

 

 

Here’s a breakdown of the most shocking snubs and surprises in the 2025 Oscar nominations.

 

The Biggest Snubs: What Could Have Been

Viola Davis – The Woman King

Viola Davis is no stranger to the Oscars, having previously won Best Supporting Actress for Fences and received multiple nominations. Yet, her stunning performance in The Woman King left many scratching their heads when she was snubbed for a Best Actress nomination. Davis delivered an emotionally charged portrayal of General Nanisca, a fierce leader fighting for her people. Critics hailed her as one of the best performances of the year, and her absence from the nomination list has left fans and industry insiders questioning the Academy’s decision.

 

 Barbie – Best Picture and Best Director

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie was one of the most talked-about films of the year, blending sharp wit, bold visuals, and social commentary to create a truly unique cinematic experience. Despite being a critical and commercial success, Barbie was snubbed for both Best Picture and Best Director, with many believing Gerwig had a strong chance at a nomination for her innovative direction. The film’s absence from the top categories is a shock, especially considering its cultural impact and the performances of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

 

 

Tom Cruise – Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

After delivering another high-octane and thrilling performance in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, many expected Tom Cruise to receive recognition for his role. Cruise, who has been a mainstay in action films for decades, was widely praised for his dedication to performing his own stunts and pushing the limits of action cinema. However, his exclusion from the Best Actor category was one of the biggest surprises of the year. Given the film’s critical acclaim and commercial success, many felt it was time for Cruise to finally receive the recognition he has long deserved.

 

 The Holdovers – Best Picture and Best Director

Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers was a crowd favorite, especially with its blend of humor, heart, and nostalgia. Despite rave reviews and strong performances from Paul Giamatti and the supporting cast, the film was shockingly left out of the Best Picture and Best Director categories. Many thought the heartfelt dramedy had a strong chance of making it to the top tier, especially considering Payne’s established reputation as a filmmaker. This snub has left some wondering if The Holdovers was simply overlooked by the Academy.

 

 

 Keke Palmer – Nope

Keke Palmer’s performance in Jordan Peele’s Nope was widely praised for its depth, versatility, and charisma. As a rising star in Hollywood, many thought Palmer was on the verge of her first Oscar nomination. However, despite her standout performance, Palmer was notably absent from the Best Supporting Actress category. Given the film’s impact and Palmer’s performance, her omission has been a major disappointment for fans and critics alike.

 

The Most Surprising Nominations: Underdogs Stealing the Spotlight

Poor Things – Best Picture and Best Director

Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things came as a pleasant surprise in this year’s nominations. The film, a dark comedy based on the novel by Alasdair Gray, was widely praised for its eccentric storytelling and imaginative direction. Lanthimos, known for his offbeat style, managed to secure a Best Director nomination, and Poor Things made its way into the prestigious Best Picture category. Emma Stone’s performance as the film’s lead also earned her a nomination, proving that this quirky and unconventional film was far from being a one-note surprise.

 

 

Olivia Colman – The Lost King

Olivia Colman is no stranger to the Oscars, having won the Best Actress award for The Favourite and received several other nominations. However, her inclusion in the Best Supporting Actress category for The Lost King was a bit unexpected. Colman’s performance as a determined woman who embarks on a quest to find the lost remains of King Richard III was both touching and understated. Her nomination highlights the power of subtle performances in a year filled with showier roles, making her one of the surprise nominees in this category.

 

 The Marvels – Best Visual Effects

Marvel films rarely make waves in the technical categories outside of Best Visual Effects, but The Marvels defied expectations by earning a nomination in this very category. The film’s stunning visuals and ambitious action sequences impressed both critics and fans, and its inclusion here was a welcome surprise. For a Marvel movie that wasn’t considered an obvious awards contender, The Marvels punched above its weight and earned its place among the best visual effects of the year.

 

 

Anya Taylor-Joy – Furiosa

Anya Taylor-Joy’s inclusion in the Best Actress category for her performance in Furiosa, the prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, was a major surprise. Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of the young warrior Furiosa in this high-octane action film was lauded for its depth and complexity. While the film had yet to be released at the time of nominations, early buzz and early screenings gave it enough momentum for Taylor-Joy’s nomination. The young actress has proven time and again that she is one of the most exciting talents in Hollywood, and this nomination cements her place among the best in her craft.

 

The Color Purple – Best Adapted Screenplay

The film adaptation of The Color Purple has been a long-anticipated project, and its recognition in the Best Adapted Screenplay category is one of the most surprising nods of the year. The film’s screenplay, adapted by Marcus Gardley from the iconic novel by Alice Walker, was praised for its emotional resonance and faithful representation of the original source material. The inclusion of The Color Purple in this category was unexpected, considering its tough competition, but it speaks to the power of a well-executed adaptation.

 

 

What Do These Surprises Mean for the Oscars?

The 2025 Oscar nominations have certainly delivered some jaw-dropping moments, both in terms of snubs and surprises. The absence of some heavy-hitters, such as Viola Davis and Tom Cruise, is a reminder that the Academy often favors certain trends, and sometimes even the most beloved performances can be overlooked. At the same time, the unexpected nods to films like Poor Things and The Marvels show that the Oscars are evolving and becoming more inclusive of diverse genres, stories, and voices.

 

While these snubs and surprises are sure to fuel debates and discussions leading up to the ceremony, they also highlight the ever-changing nature of the Academy Awards. With an exciting lineup of nominees in both traditional and unconventional categories, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory.

 

 

Conclusion: A Year of Ups and Downs

As the 2025 Oscars approach, the nominations have proven that no one is ever safe from the unpredictable nature of the Academy’s selections. Whether it’s the shocking snubs of fan favorites like Viola Davis and Tom Cruise or the unexpected inclusion of underdogs like Poor Things and The Marvels, this year’s race is full of surprises. The road to the Oscars may be paved with controversy and excitement, but it’s clear that 2025 will be a year to remember for film lovers everywhere.