And the Oscar goes to….: experts predict likely winners for 2025 Academy Awards amid fierce competition

As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, film critics are weighing in on the most anticipated categories, predicting who might take home the industry’s highest honours. With no clear frontrunner in several races, this year’s competition remains one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.

For Best Picture, Anora has emerged as the favorite following strong festival wins and a growing momentum. The film’s mix of realism and crowd-pleasing storytelling has made it a top contender. However, Conclave, a politically charged thriller set in the Vatican, remains a dark horse after its recent success at the BAFTAs and SAG Awards.

The Best Director category mirrors the unpredictability of Best Picture. Sean Baker (Anora) is widely considered the favorite, thanks to the film’s critical acclaim and his previous body of work. However, Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) is also in the running for his ambitious historical epic, though Baker’s distinct directing style may resonate more with Academy voters.

For Best Actor, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) has been a strong contender, winning multiple major awards throughout the season. However, Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), fresh off his SAG Award win for portraying Bob Dylan, could pull off a last-minute upset.

In the Best Actress category, Demi Moore (The Substance) is expected to win, with her acclaimed comeback performance capturing Hollywood’s attention. Meanwhile, Best Supporting Actor appears to be a near certainty for Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), who has dominated every major award leading up to the Oscars.

With intense competition across all categories, the 2025 Academy Awards are shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable ceremonies in recent years.