The Oscar Contenders From The First Half Of 2025

We’re halfway through 2025, and the Oscar race is starting to take shape with early predictions as the fall film festivals approach. The 98th Academy Awards will be here before we know it, and we have a slate of releases from the first half of the year that may be competing in next year’s ceremony. However, will there be a frontrunner from this first half of the year who could take home Best Picture? Don’t forget, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” was released in March 2023 and went on to win seven Academy Awards. Now that we’re at the year’s halfway point, and with the summer blockbuster season in full swing, it’s easy to overlook the films listed below, but let’s not count them out just yet as critics groups could choose to bring some of these contenders back when they announce their best-of lists and award winners during the precursors. Here are what we feel to be the Oscar contenders from the first half of 2025…

28 YEARS LATER

Screenwriter Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle reunite to revisit their apocalyptic, infected world, and critics have welcomed this continuation with open arms. As the first chapter in a planned new trilogy, “28 Years Later” underscores just how strong the horror genre has been in the first half of 2025. It dives back into a world overrun by the rage virus, unflinching in its gruesome portrayal of the infected and the raw brutality of survival. Among its standout moments is Ralph Fiennes’ chilling portrayal as Dr. Kelson, who smears himself in iodine to camouflage among the infected, a haunting and unforgettable image that’s bound to linger as one of the year’s most striking scenes.

Oscar Prospects: Best Makeup & Hairstyling & Best Original Song (“Lowly”)

APRILStarring Ia Sukhitashvili, this beautifully shot film explores themes of uncertainty and moral conviction, confronting challenging questions about women’s reproductive rights in a small town where every move is scrutinized. Sukhitashvili plays Nina, an OB-GYN who quietly risks everything to provide essential medical care to those who need it most, often in secret and at significant personal cost. “April” offers a chilling, unflinching look at the struggle for women’s autonomy, centering on an investigation that puts Nina’s career and freedom in jeopardy. It’s a powerful contender for a Best International Feature nomination, but time will tell if the demanding arthouse film can break through.

Oscar Prospects: Best International Feature Film

BLACK BAGSteven Soderbergh’s name alone is enough to draw attention, but “Black Bag” goes even further with its exquisite ensemble cast. Starring Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abella, Naomie Harris, Tom Burke, and Pierce Brosnan, the film delivers a sleek, intoxicating, and thoroughly entertaining ride, resulting in one of Soderbergh’s best in years. Themes of duplicity, espionage, and marriage keep you on edge, especially when Blanchett and Fassbender share the screen. Anchored by a sharp, well-crafted screenplay that lets its stellar cast shine, “Black Bag” feels poised to stay in the conversation as awards season approaches.

Oscar Prospects: Best Original Screenplay & Best Casting

BRING HER BACKThe horror genre continues to thrive in the first half of 2025, and “Bring Her Back” is not for the faint of heart. This haunting, well-crafted second feature from the Philippou brothers features a standout cast, including two-time Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins and Billy Barrett, the youngest actor ever to win an International Emmy for Best Actor. The film delivers a chilling exploration of grief, family, and terror that will leave audiences deeply unsettled. At its center, Hawkins once again proves her remarkable range, anchoring this gruesome tale with a performance that lingers long after the credits roll.

Oscar Prospects: Best Actress

CAUGHT BY THE TIDESUnfolding over more than two decades, this sweeping journey tells the story of a search for lost love. Spanning 23 years, director Jia Zhangke crafts a bold, melancholic portrait of Qiaoqiao (Zhao Tao) and Bin (Li Zhibin) as they navigate shifting desires for better opportunities, a grander life, and a more promising future, only to find that reality rarely matches their expectations. Set against the backdrop of China’s changing landscape, “Caught By The Tides” captures the quiet passage of time and the ways it shapes lives and dreams. Critically acclaimed since its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, this poignant work could well emerge as a contender for Best International Feature later this year.

Oscar Prospects: Best International Feature Film

DEAF PRESIDENT NOW!Taking a stand is never easy, but this powerful depiction of eight pivotal days in 1988 shows just how transformative collective action can be. “Deaf President Now!“ tells the true story of the historic protests at Gallaudet University, where students demanded that their voices be heard, even through silence, at the only university for the deaf at the time. The film captures the determination and courage of a community fighting for representation and equality, making it an unforgettable chapter of civil rights history. It’s a stirring and timely story that deserves recognition in the Best Documentary Feature category later this year.

Oscar Prospects: Best Documentary Feature Film

DIANE WARREN: RELENTLESSIt wouldn’t be awards season without Honorary Academy Award-winner Diane Warren in the mix. If she writes a song for a film, an Oscar nomination is practically expected. With 16 Oscar nominations to her name, Warren’s relentless legacy speaks for itself. And now, a new documentary offers an intimate look at her life and impact on the music industry. There’s little doubt we’ll see “Dear Me,” written by Warren, performed and vying for another Academy Award at the next ceremony…unless she had another song in the mix from something else.

Oscar Prospects: Best Original Song

ELIOPixar’s latest film tugs at the heartstrings in the way only Pixar can. This time, the animation studio ventures into sci-fi adventure, expanding its world-building in fresh and exciting ways, even within a tight runtime. The story of “Elio” weaves together themes of isolation, stepping beyond your comfort zone, and seeking connection, all while introducing audiences to a vibrant new world and heartfelt family bonds in a touching coming-of-age tale. Featuring a stellar voice cast led by recent Academy Award winner Zoe Saldaña, along with Yonas Kibreab, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, and Shirley Henderson, this latest outing could very well add another Oscar nomination to Pixar’s streak, earning the studio its fourth consecutive Best Animated Feature nomination.

Oscar Prospects: Best Animated Feature Film

F1Revving into high gear with Brad Pitt in the driver’s seat, “F1” promises to be another high-octane crowd-pleaser. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Joseph Kosinski, the team behind the Oscar-winning “Top Gun: Maverick” is back, swapping fighter jets for Formula 1 racing but keeping the same adrenaline rush and blockbuster appeal. Like “Top Gun: Maverick,” “F1” hits familiar beats: redemption, second chances, and the rise of a new generation of talent. This time, Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a seasoned driver who breathes new life into a struggling Formula 1 team owned by Javier Bardem’s Ruben. At his side is the team’s star rookie, Joshua Pearce, played with a captivating presence by Damson Idris. But it’s the racing itself that puts “F1” in pole position: the visceral sensation of speed, the immersive visuals inside the cockpit, and the raw energy of the track rival the aerial combat sequences that helped “Top Gun: Maverick” earn six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and a win for Best Sound. Could “F1” follow the same winning trajectory? If it keeps its momentum, don’t be surprised to see it racing toward the awards conversation.

Oscar Prospects: Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound & Best Visual Effects

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGONThis live-action retelling of the beloved animated classic has received mixed but generally positive reviews. While many hoped it would expand the world of Berk in new ways, “How To Train Your Dragon” largely sticks to the familiar beats of Dean DeBlois’ original film. Still, it’s commendable to see DeBlois return to direct, bringing an immersive sense of wonder that makes Toothless feel convincingly real. Whenever John Powell’s iconic score swells, the film delivers a rich visual and auditory experience that builds on what made the original so memorable fifteen years ago, a film that earned Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. With its nostalgia, technical achievements, and emotional pull, this new adaptation could well find itself on the shortlist for potential Oscar nominations too.

Oscar Prospects: Best Visual Effects

MICKEY 17Bong Joon-ho returns with a dark comedy as his follow-up to his Best Picture-winning “Parasite.” Based on the novel “Mickey 17,” the film follows Mickey, an expendable worker whose story explores themes of identity, self-worth, and human resilience, all while giving Robert Pattinson a rich character to sink his teeth into not once but twice. He’s joined by an impressive cast, including Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo, who help bring this offbeat, thought-provoking sci-fi world to life. At its core, the film presents a sharp, often biting examination of what it means to value oneself in a world that views one as replaceable. However, repeated release date shifts didn’t do it any favors, as its March release ultimately slipped through the cracks for many audiences. While it may face an uphill battle in the major Oscar races, “Mickey 17” could still surprise as a contender for Best Visual Effects.

Oscar Prospects: Best Visual Effects

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONINGTouted as the final entry in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, “The Final Reckoning” feels like the perfect opportunity for the Academy to give this beloved series a proper send-off. While it’s still too soon for the long-desired Best Stunts category to exist at the Oscars, Tom Cruise is already being celebrated this year with his upcoming honorary Oscar. Visually, “The Final Reckoning” is a big-screen spectacle with very few peers. Two standout sequences, a breathtaking underwater scene staged like a silent film and a pulse-pounding airplane battle in the third act, showcase the franchise’s trademark commitment to pushing action cinema to its limits. Cruise, as always, pulls no punches when it comes to delivering pure adrenaline on screen. It wouldn’t be surprising to see nominations in technical categories align with what’s shaping up to be a triumphant year for Cruise.

Oscar Prospects: Best Sound & Best Visual Effects

NE ZHA 2Earning over $2 billion at the box office is no small feat, but “Ne Zha 2” has pulled off what many would expect only from a Disney or Pixar juggernaut. Now the highest-grossing animated film of all time, it marks a significant win for the global theatrical market and a milestone for Chinese animation. A sequel to the acclaimed “Ne Zha” (2019), this follow-up picks up right where the original left off, as Ne Zha escapes his curse and vows to protect his parents’ village from evil forces. The question now is whether “Ne Zha 2” can translate its massive box office success into awards recognition. Will it earn an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature later this year, or will its record-breaking box office run be its only triumph?

Oscar Prospects: Best Animated Feature Film

ON BECOMING A GUINEA FOWLCritically acclaimed and warmly received by audiences since its world premiere at Cannes in 2024, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” is another standout from writer-director Rungano Nyoni, following “I Am Not A Witch.” Starring Susan Chardy, Elizabeth Chisela, Henry B.J. Phiri, Roy Chisha, and Blessings Bhamjee, this Zambian film, distributed by A24, has maintained its strong reception since its premiere. The film explores the complexities of family bonds and cultural upbringing, examining how they can either limit or empower the choices we make for our future. Unflinchingly strong and honest, it tackles buried trauma without sugarcoating the messiness that inevitably rises to the surface. With its raw, realistic approach and resonant themes, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” could very well stay in the conversation as a contender for Best International Feature later this year.

Oscar Prospects: Best International Feature Film

SINNERSThe list of expected and potential nominations for “Sinners” is nothing short of remarkable. Despite debuting much earlier in the year, the film has sustained its incredible momentum and could easily secure over ten Oscar nominations when all is said and done, making this the most notable success story of 2025. It currently ranks fifth all-time at the global box office for horror films and has posted historic week-to-week holds, an unprecedented feat for the genre. It’s also the first horror film ever to earn an A rating from CinemaScore, adding yet another accolade to its growing list. Visually, “Sinners” is a standout, particularly for its innovative use of the halo camera, which captures Michael B. Jordan’s riveting dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack, and writer-director Ryan Coogler’s use of the IMAX format. There’s no denying that when Coogler teams up with his frequent collaborator Jordan, the result is often electric. This marks their fifth project together, and it’s clear their creative partnership is only getting stronger. Jordan’s portrayal of the twins ranks as one of his best, delivering a performance that’s equal parts heartbreaking and terrifying. Alongside him, “Sinners” boasts an ensemble cast worthy of recognition, especially with the Academy’s new award for Best Casting. Newcomer Miles Canton is mesmerizing, with his captivating voice and his show-stopping musical number, “I Lied To You,” serving as a pivotal turning point that propels the film into overdrive. Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku also deliver compelling supporting performances that deepen the film’s emotional impact. There’s little doubt at this point, despite some initial skepticism, that “Sinners” will be a major player this awards season. The only question that remains is whether it can break past the ten-nomination mark.

Oscar Prospects: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Casting, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup & Hairstyling, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound & Best Visual Effects

SNOW WHITEThis retelling of the 1937 Disney animated classic may have struggled at the box office, but it could still make a surprising splash on the awards circuit. Starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, this new take on the beloved Disney tale has real potential for Oscar nominations, particularly in Best Costume Design and Best Original Song. Legendary costume designer Sandy Powell, a 15-time Oscar nominee and three-time winner, brings her signature flair to the film’s lavish costumes, giving it a strong shot at recognition in that category. There’s also buzz around “Waiting On A Wish,” an original song written by EGOT winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. If nominated, it would add another win to Disney’s long legacy in this category. Despite its box office performance, “Snow White” may still find its place in the spotlight when awards season arrives.

Oscar Prospects: Best Costume Design & Best Original Song

SORRY, BABY
Marking YouTube comedian Eva Victor’s directorial debut, “Sorry, Baby” is a bold showcase of their talents, with Victor not only directing but also writing and starring in the story. The film tackles the before and aftermath of an unseen sexual assault, blending humor and hefty drama in a way that highlights both the weight and complexity of the subject. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, the film won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and is now gaining momentum after its resurfacing at Cannes, currently playing in limited release from A24. The question is whether its intelligent, witty script and fearless approach can maintain that strength through awards season, or will Victor be the recipient of just Best New Filmmaker prizes?

Oscar Prospects: Best Original Screenplay

THE COLORS WITHINAnimation continues to flourish this year with the Japanese animated film “The Colors Within,” which tells the story of high school student Totsuko Higurashi (played by Suzukawa) and her vibrant world of colors. Totsuko experiences synesthesia, a condition that lets her see people in unique hues, creating a visually stunning backdrop for a heartfelt exploration of friendship, music, and human connection. With the critical acclaim it has received and a light year for Best Animated Feature contenders, can this captivating film from director Naoko Yamada make the shortlist?

Oscar Prospects: Best Animated Feature Film

THE LIFE OF CHUCKHaving won the Toronto Film Festival’s People’s Choice Award, Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, “The Life of Chuck,” quickly became a contender in the awards conversation. Starring Tom Hiddleston as Charles Krantz, the film unravels a mysterious story across three chapters in reverse chronological order, exploring a wide of emotions as audiences contemplate their place in the universe and mortality. With its compelling narrative and strong performances, we’re hopeful “The Life of Chuck” will bounce back from its disappointing box office run and emerge as a surprise contender for a screenplay nomination later in the season.

Oscar Prospects: Best Adapted Screenplay

THE PHOENICIAN SCHEMEWith yet another stellar ensemble cast, Wes Anderson delivers another witty, fun, vibrant, and layered entry to his beloved filmography with “The Phoenician Scheme.” Known for his trusted troupe of actors, this could be a strong contender in the new Best Casting category. Benicio Del Toro leads the charge as Zsa Zsa Korda, with Mia Threapleton, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Vera, Jeffrey Wright, Willem Dafoe, and others joining him in a story centered on Korda’s only daughter, Lisel (Threapleton), whose appointment as sole heir unleashes chaos and intrigue as Korda attempts to close up a business deal with various partners. Returning alongside Anderson are acclaimed costume designer Milena Canonero and production designer Adam Stockhausen, who both won Academy Awards for their work on Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” adding another layer of visual flair to the film.

Oscar Prospects: Best Casting, Best Costume Design & Best Production Design

THE UGLY STEPSISTERAnother standout in the horror genre, “The Ugly Stepsister,” directed by Emilie Blichfeldt, left audiences speechless at its Sundance premiere with its intense body horror and dark reimagining of the classic “Cinderella” tale. The film examines the harrowing lengths one will go to achieve beauty, delivering a gruesome and unforgettable experience. Makeup designer Thomas Goldberg, a nine-time nominee and six-time winner at the Danish Film Awards, plays a crucial role in bringing these intense transformations to life, balancing horror with a strangely captivating artistry.

Oscar Prospects: Best Makeup & Hairstyling

THUNDERBOLTS*Marvel’s 36th film, “Thunderbolts*,” may have underperformed at the box office, but it’s been met with a warm reception from critics and audiences alike, a welcome bright spot as the Marvel fever continues to cool. Directed by Jake Schreier, “Thunderbolts*” brings together an ensemble of ragtag antiheroes who form an unlikely team, adding a fresh spin to the MCU. Academy Award nominees Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan lead the cast, joined by Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Hannah John-Kamen. While Marvel missed out on a Best Visual Effects nomination last year for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Thunderbolts*” has generated positive buzz that could help keep it in the conversation, at the very least for a shortlist mention. After all, nearly every other year, a Marvel film has found its way onto the Academy’s list of nominees, and “Thunderbolts*” could be next.

Oscar Prospects: Best Visual Effects

WARFARECo-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, “Warfare” delivers a brutally realistic and deeply immersive look at the chaos of combat. Drawing from Mendoza’s own experience as a U.S. Navy SEAL, the film depicts the grueling unraveling of a surveillance mission gone wrong in Iraq. The result is a devastating, real-time portrayal of fear, survival, and brotherhood, with sound design that becomes a character in its own right, heightening the tension at every turn. The ensemble cast, consisting of rising young talent including Kit Connor, Michael Gandolfini, Charles Melton, Joseph Quinn, Noah Centineo, and Finn Bennett, brings raw urgency to the screen, channeling terror, silence, and gut-wrenching screams that keep viewers on edge from start to finish.

Oscar Prospects: Best Sound

The list of films above is extensive, with only more to come as we enter the second half of 2025. How many films do you think could break into the nominations conversation and maintain their chances of a win? Will “Sinners” be a Best Picture nominee? Do you believe there are other films we didn’t include that we could have a chance to complete earlier in the year? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our X account, and watch out for our first official Oscar predictions of the year, which will go up tomorrow.