Now that the2025 Oscarslineup is confirmed, it’s clearer than ever that this year’s critics have sadly overlooked plenty of amazing and deserving movies. The2025 Oscars nominations bring shocking surprises, withThe Apprentice,September 5, andI’m Still Heretaking the spots of what had been thought as the strongest contenders for the race. Notably,Angelina Jolie’s attempt at making Oscars historywith her role as Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’sMariaproved futile, and her chances of ever repeating her 2000s wins decreased exponentially.
Additionally,Zendaya’s hopes for her first Oscar nominationhave been crushed, with one of her greatest performances yet failing to garner the critics' favor. From gripping dramas and visually stunning blockbusters to heartfelt indie darlings, many of 2024’s snubbed films also feature powerhouse performances from actors in career-defining roles, while others push the very boundaries of filmmaking. Whether it was due to fierce competition, genre bias, or just bad luck,these movies deserved a shot at Oscar glory but were sadly left out.
Amy Adam’s raw and transformative performance as a suburban mother embracing her animalistic instincts received quite some buzz this awards season, garnering a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress and two Independent Spirit Award nominations. Despite the six-time Oscar nominee’s commitment to the role,Nightbitch’s black comedy and horror elements proved a stumbling block to further recognition.Even ifAmy Adams won’t win an Oscar forNightbitch, the body horror movie on the brutality of motherhood is a bold and unexplored take on the topic, and deserves more recognition.
DespiteThe Lion King’s Oscar history, Disney’sMufasa: The Lion Kingfell short of securing a spot among this year’s contenders. The prequel was shortlisted for Best Song with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Tell Me It’s You” and Best Visual Effects. Perhaps the movie could have changed its fate ifMufasa’s Best Song selection had been different. Still,Mufasaoffers a captivating experience,blending Miranda’s emotional soundtrack, stunning visuals that improve on the 2019 remake, and Barry Jenkins' visionary storytelling. The film elevates beloved characters, delivering a prequel full of heart and depth, even if it missed awards recognition.
After receiving promising nominations from BAFTA and the British Independent Film Awards,The Outrunfailed to receive proper recognition at the Oscars. Four-time nominee Saoirse Ronan delivers a poignant portrait of an alcoholic on the path to recovery, while Nora Fingscheidt’s impressive directorial debut demonstrates intuitive and poetic storytelling instincts.The Outrun’s focus on the landscape as a key character influencing Rona’s emotional journey is one of its greatest achievements,making it best suited for a big-screen watch. Fingscheidt offers new nuance to an extensively explored genre, speaking forThe Outrun’s great reviews.
Pablo Almodóvar’sTheRoom Next Doorwon the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festivaland has received an extensive list of nominations, including Best Actress at the Golden Globes. Known for films likeThe Skin I Live In, the award-winning director’s English feature debut was predicted to makeTilda Swinton and Julianne Moore repeat Oscars history, as the seasoned stars elevate this story on the difficult subject of death. Based on Sigrid Nunez’sWhat Are You Going Through,The Room Next Doorfeatures Almodovar’s striking and colorful visual style and rises as a notable addition to his extensive filmography.
While George Miller’sMad Max: Fury Roadwon six Oscars, the director’s prequel was strikingly overlooked. With an amazing critical response, winning it a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s impressive thatFuriosa: A Mad Max Sagawasn’t shortlisted in any categoryfor this year’s ceremony. Predictions had placed it as a strong contender in categories like Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, and Original Score. However, its absence seems to stem from its perceived similarity to its predecessor rather than any lack of quality, asFuriosaremains a visually stunning and masterfully crafted film.
A rising director, Halina Reijn has been breaking the mold of genre conventions of femininity and sexuality with pictures such asBodies Bodies BodiesandInstinct. In her latest feature, Reijn reaches new heights, asBabygirlis so much more than an erotic thriller. The film is anchored by Nicole Kidman, whose powerful performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival and a Golden Globe nomination. With such acclaim,Babygirlshould have gotten some nominations in the 2025 Oscars race,acknowledging Reijn’s status as a visionary filmmaker.
ThoughQueerwas predicted to win Daniel Craig an Oscar, it was shockingly left out of the Oscars altogether. In the movie, the Bond actor embodies an American expat living in 1940s Mexico City who becomes intoxicatingly infatuated with a younger man, offering an alluring and defiant portrait of love. The acclaimed director, Luca Guadagnino, paints the narrative with a surreal edge, culminating in an unexpected third act. Despite its lack of award recognition,Queer’s bold approach and melancholic cinematography make it a worthwhile watch and goes among Craig’s bestand finest performances.
Ex Machinawriter and director delivered another compelling feature film, and it doesn’t disappoint.Civil War’s reviewsdissect its narrative lens, as the complicated and resonant topic is told from the perspective of a group of photojournalists who try their hardest to remain objective when perhaps they shouldn’t. War photographer, Lee Smith, documents a country at war against itself with powerful strength, remaining stoic in hopes that her actions serve a wider purpose.Kirsten Dunst shines in a career-defining performance,bringing depth to Smith’s vulnerable interiorand reminding us why she remains one of the industry’s finest talents.
In her 100% Rotten Tomatoes film, director Payal Kapadia showcases an intuitive vision. Winner of Cannes’s Grand Prize, and nominated at the Critics' Choice Awards and BAFTA,All We Imagine as Lightwas predicted as a certain contender for the international feature category and Best Original Screenplayat the Oscars — however, the movie wasn’t chosen as India’s official selection. Thoughreviews forAll We Imagine As Lightnote its slow pacing, the film achieves more with less. Against the backdrop of Mumbai, it explores the intertwined lives of three women trapped in a limbo state, whose unexpected connections inspire change.
Denzel Washington’s son writes and directs a movie on family legacy and intergenerational trauma unlike any other. Actress Danielle Deadwyler garnered nominations at the Critics' Choice Awards and SAG Awards for her haunting performance, which likens the movie’s feel to that of Jordan Peele’sGet Out. WhileThe Piano Lessoncould have broken an Oscar streak, it seems critics may have been deterred from recognizing the movie’s great screenplay, directing, and cast because of its horror elements. Despite its felt absence from the ceremony’s lineup,The Piano Lessonremains a touching and ferocious accomplishment.
