As the 97th annual Academy Awards season kicks off, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has already set the stage for what promises to be an exciting race to the prestigious awards ceremony on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The Academy Screening Room has released its first batch of titles to its membership, offering a glimpse into the potential contenders for this year’s Oscars.
Early Contenders for the Oscars
Among the initial releases are a diverse range of films, including “Thelma” from Magnolia Pictures, “Shirley,” “Hit Man,” and the animated “Ultraman: Rising,” all from Netflix, as well as “Wildcat” from Oscilloscope Laboratories. These films represent just the tip of the iceberg, with many more titles expected to join the lineup as the awards season progresses.
One standout film is “Thelma,” a comedy featuring the talented 94-year-old actress June Squibb in the lead role. Squibb portrays a grandmother who falls victim to an internet money scam targeting the elderly and takes matters into her own hands. With Magnolia Pictures hoping to capture the attention of Oscar voters and other awards bodies, Squibb’s performance in “Thelma” is one to watch.
Netflix is also making a splash with several of its releases, including the comedy “Hit Man,” which features breakout star Glen Powell in a versatile role. The film, based on real events, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has been generating buzz ever since. In addition, Netflix offers the timely and relevant “Shirley,” starring Oscar winner Regina King as Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination.
In the realm of animated films, Netflix’s “Ultraman: Rising” is vying for attention from the Academy, following the success of the streamer’s previous animated feature, “Pinocchio.” With the upcoming awards season in sight, Netflix is positioning itself as a major player in the world of filmmaking.
The Academy Screening Room, the Academy’s exclusive member-only streaming platform, offers a variety of screening opportunities to its members throughout the awards season. Available on multiple platforms, including Apple TV, Roku, and Android TV, as well as online and through a mobile app, the Screening Room provides a convenient way for members to view potential Oscar contenders.
As the season unfolds, the countdown to the Fall Festivals in Venice, Telluride, and Toronto begins. These festivals serve as crucial launching pads for potential Oscar contenders, setting the stage for a highly competitive awards season ahead. With new films continually being added to the lineup, the race to the Oscars is only just beginning.
The 97th annual Academy Awards season promises to be a thrilling ride, filled with standout performances, diverse films, and exciting opportunities for both established and emerging filmmakers. As the competition heats up and the awards season kicks into high gear, audiences can expect a captivating showcase of talent and creativity from the world of cinema. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the 2025 Academy Awards.
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