Major Oscar 2025 nomination snubs, explored in detail

The 2025 Oscar nominations have just dropped in, and the list has sparked discussions among many for the inclusion of some and the exclusion of some. Although films like Emilia Perez, The Substance, A Complete Unknown, and The Brutalist have led the nominations, certain omissions from the list have raised eyebrows.

As the biggest award ceremony in cinema, much consideration goes into deciding the year's nominations on the Academy's part. Nevertheless, here are the top ten snubs fans couldn't help but notice in this year's Oscars.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions. Readers' discretion is advised.

Margaret Qualley for The Substance

Margaret Qualley was one of the top performers of the year, thanks to The Substance. Even though nominations went out to Demi Moore for her role in the film and it managed to bag five nominations, Qualley didn't receive one, and fans are highly disappointed.

The actress portrayed the character of Sue, the second protagonist in The Substance who represented the younger, fresh, and gorgeous version of Moore's character Elisabeth. Her acting was notably praised for its intensity and elements of eerie horror and fans definitely expected her to be on the list.

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Selena Gomez for Emilia Perez

Emilia Perez led this year's Oscar by bagging thirteen nominations across different categories. The musical was well received by critics and audiences who praised the film for its brilliant portrayal of the cartel and representing a trans woman fulfilling her desires. The film won big at the Cannes and Golden Globes, both of which Selena Gomez was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

Her exclusion from the Oscars nominations list has created discussion, seeing as her co-stars Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofía Gascón were both nominated in their respective categories.

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Nicole Kidman for Babygirl

Nicole Kidman was snubbed at the Oscars, yet again, much to fans' disappointment. The actress, who played powerful CEO Romy, attempting and succeeding in seducing and initiating a sexual relationship with her much younger intern, received widespread appreciation for her role and a brilliant press tour that was highly successful.

Fans were disappointed that the Academy did not recognize her performance in the film, claiming that she had been snubbed many times before.

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Angelina Jolie for Maria

Angelina Jolie put in vigorous efforts and practice to perfect the voice of Maria Callas for her long-awaited biopic. Focusing on the week the singer spent right before her death, Jolie delivered a noteworthy performance and one that certainly deserved a nomination.

Many have pointed out that the actress not getting a nomination might have to do with the film blending Jolie's voice with Maria's in post-production. However, The Brutalist still managed to bag nominations despite their revelation of having used AI in the film.

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Jon M. Chu for Wicked

Wicked managed to take home ten nominations - and rightfully so. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both landed recognition for their roles in the musical. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.

However, the driving force behind the film's brilliance- Jon M. Chu, who directed the film, failed to receive any nomination from the Academy. Michelle Yeoh spoke up about Chu's loss in a conversation with The View and said,

“We are all crying from joy, but we must say we are also crying because Jon M. Chu and Alice Brooks, our DP, were not nominated but the rest of us are celebrating.”

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Daniel Craig for Queer

Daniel Craig was robbed of a place on the list even though his performance in Queer was widely acclaimed by fans and critics. Fans were disappointed to see that the film was snubbed in all the major categories. Nor Craig or his co-star Omar Apollo were nominated for any of the awards. Luca Guadagnino was also missing from the list.

The Academy this year has been criticized for not recognizing any of the films that revolved around the LGBTQ community, apart from Emilia Perez.

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Denzel Washington for Gladiator II

Ridley Scott's Gladiator II failed to make any noise at the Oscars. But Denzel Washington's missing name is what caused a buzz among fans. Many expected that the actor would be nominated for his role in the highly anticipated sequel, but the film itself failed to get nominated under any significant category.

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Zendaya for Challengers

Zendaya absolutely carried Luca Guadagnino's Challengers but the actress failed to mark a spot in any of the categories. Guadagnino's film received worldwide acclaim and was nominated for several awards in the award season. Rightfully so, it had also garnered Oscar buzz.

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Pamela Anderson for The Last Showgirl

Although she did bag a nomination at this year's Golden Globes, Pamela Anderson and co-star Jamie Lee Curtis failed to get noticed by the Academy this year. Anderson portrayed the role of a Las Vegas dancer in the drama film and was one of the top contenders for an Oscar nomination this year.

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Denis Villeneuve for Dune: Two

Although Dune: Two received five nominations at this year's Oscars, director Denis Villeneuve failed to receive a nomination despite his brilliant direction in the highly acclaimed film. The film also failed to get any nominations for its actors and will be competing for Best Picture with films like Emilia Perez, and Wicked.

The Oscars will be held on 2nd March 2024.