97th Oscar Nominations: ‘Emilia Perez’ Dominates with 13 Nods

Los Angeles, Jan 23: The Spanish-language musical crime drama Emilia Perez has emerged as the frontrunner for the 97th Academy Awards, securing an impressive 13 nominations.

The film, which follows the gripping story of a drug lord who undergoes gender-affirming surgery, leads the pack, as reported by Variety.

Close behind are The Brutalist—a historical epic exploring the immigrant experience—and Wicked, the cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway hit. Both films garnered 10 nominations each.

Indian Film ‘Anuja’ Shines

India’s presence at the Oscars continues with Anuja, a live-action short film backed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Guneet Monga Kapoor, earning a nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category.

Top Contenders for Best Picture

Among the nominees for the coveted Best Picture award are:

• Emilia Perez
• The Brutalist
• Wicked
• Conclave (a thriller about electing a new pope)
• A Complete Unknown (exploring Bob Dylan’s early years)
  Other contenders include Anora, Nickel Boys, I’m Still Here, The Substance (a body horror film), and the much-anticipated Dune: Part Two.

Acknowledgment of Wildfire Heroes

This year’s Oscars will also honor the brave responders who fought against the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, which tragically claimed at least 28 lives and caused widespread destruction.

Best Actor Showdown

The Best Actor category features strong contenders:

• Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), for his portrayal of Bob Dylan
• Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), the youngest-ever Best Actor winner
• Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan
  Sebastian Stan’s nomination came for The Apprentice, where he played Donald Trump in a biopic that faced distribution challenges due to political concerns. His co-star, Jeremy Strong, received a Best Supporting Actor nod for his portrayal of Trump’s mentor, Roy Cohn.

A Diverse Lineup

This year’s nominations reflect a rich variety of genres, narratives, and talent, promising an exciting and memorable Oscars night.