2025 Awards Season Movie Watch Guide
Awards season kicked off early January with the Golden Globes hosted by Nikki Glaser. While it stirred up a lot of controversy around wins and snubs, it is clear that there are some front runners in contention for major awards this year. From indie film festival noise makers to blockbuster broadway adaptations, here is everything you should watch to be caught up for this year’s awards season.
Anora
Cannes Palm D’or 2024 winner Anora is Sean Baker’s newest film staring Mikey Madison. The drama details the life of a sex worker who gets involved with a oligarch who promises her the life she deserves. The anticipated fairytale starts to crumble as her husband’s family opposes the marriage. The role was written by Baker for Madison after seeing her performance in the Scream franchise. Anora is available to rent or buy on digital.
The Apprentice
Based on the corporate years of Donald Trump’s life, The Apprentice details his rise to power. While this film drummed up some controversy over the leading character, Sebastian Stan has been praised for his performance, as has Jeremy Strong. The Apprentice is available to rent or buy on digital.
The Brutalist
This three and a half hour long film has a built in fifteen minute intermission to allow movie goers a break without missing any of the action. Adrien Brody is the star of this immigrant story surrounding a passion and dream of building beautiful architecture. The Brutalist is playing in theaters now.
Challengers
This sexy sports drama took over pop culture and social media all year. With an incredible script, stellar performances, and an addictive score, Challengers was one of the buzziest films of the year which you can stream on Prime Video now.
A Complete Unknown
Bob Dylan’s career is detailed in this musical biopic in which Timothee Chalamet takes center screen. While this film did not give fans all the details and drama they hoped for, it is hard to ignore Chalamet’s commitment to portraying the famous singer. A Complete Unknown is playing in theaters now.
Conclave
What if you could take a look inside the process of picking the next Pope? Conclave does just that in the most accessible way. Whether you are well-versed in religious processes, this film with Ralph Fiennes at the forefront takes you step by step through the drama as he attempts to uncover the most fit candidate while upholding the rules and integrity around this position of power. Conclave is streaming now on Peacock.
A Different Man
An aspiring performer undergoes a surgery that alters his appearance. After reaping the benefits of his new look, he slowly starts to unravel as he attempts to reclaim what he has lost. Adam Pearson and Sebastian Stan have both been praised for their performances in this film which serves as a reminder to how people in our society treat those with disabilities or visual differences.
Emilia Perez
Cannes Film Festival noise maker, Emilia Perez, has solidified itself as a real contender in the awards space. When the leading trio of women collectively won best actress at the renowned festival, conversation around the controversial aspects of the film arose. That conversation has been further amplified once the film made its streaming debut on Netflix.
Nickel Boys
A boy’s dreams of attending college are quickly denied when he is forced to attend Nickel Academy. This program is a reformatory in the Jim Crow South. He and his newfound friend push back against the program and what they are told to do.
Queer
Luca Guadagnino has been the talk of the town this year between his two hit films. Queer being the more abstract of the director’s two releases has garnered a lot of conversation and acknowledgement for Daniel Craig’s performance. Queer is available to rent or buy on digital.
A Real Pain
Jesse Eisenberg has solidified his spot in Hollywood this year by writing, directing, and starring in the emotional family drama, A Real Pain. Starring alongside Kieran Culkin, the duo create an incredible dynamic that is emotional, raw, and unbelievably truthful. This movie is everything you could want in an indie production and will leave you with real feelings of grief, sadness, and empathy.
September 5
Detailing the harrowing events of the 1972 Munich Olympics where a group of Israeli athletes are held hostage, September 5 narrows in on the sports broadcast crew that must pivot to cover the live breaking news story. In a world where access to live news is all too easy, September 5 serves as a stark reminder that things did not used to be this way.
Sing Sing
Based on the real program at the Sing Sing correctional facility, this movie portrays the rehabilitation program centered around theater and the performing arts. This ensemble cast is led by Coleman Domingo and rounded out by alumni of the real program. This film is a testament to the power of art and offers a new perspective of the way in which we view incarcerated people.
The Substance
Frequently overlooked by awards voters is the horror genre. While diving deep into the world of body horror, The Substance portrays incredible honest and relatable themes of aging, career trajectory, and how the world and women view themselves. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley give intense and disturbing performances that are undoubtedly award worthy.
Wicked
Theatrical phenomenon Wicked cannot be ignored from this list. Achieving the highest grossing broadway adaptation of all time is no feat, but costars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande make it look flawless. This movie has everything you could want and more including theatrical music numbers, romantic tension, over the top sets, intricate costumes, and dream fulfilling performances from the entire cast.
