The 2025 Academy Awards are shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of international talent, with Asian and Middle Eastern nominees taking centre stage like never before. After a brief delay due to the wildfires in Los Angeles, the nominations were finally announced, and this year’s competition is packed with extraordinary global representation.
Leading the charge is Emilia Pérez (2024), which garnered an impressive 13 nominations, including Best Picture. Close behind are The Brutalist (2024) and Wicked (2024), both securing 10 nominations each. Meanwhile, Anora, a gripping tale of the relationship between a sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch, earned 6 nominations. However, it’s the inclusion of Asian and Middle Eastern talent that adds an extra sparkle to this year’s Oscars.
Director Jon M. Chu, famed for Crazy Rich Asians (2018), continues his impressive run with Wicked, which scored 10 nominations. These include Best Picture, Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo, and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande. The film also received nods for Costume Design, Film Editing, Original Score, and Makeup and Hairstyling. However, the snub of Chu himself in the Best Director category has left many in shock, igniting widespread industry debate.
On the international front, The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024), an Iranian film directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, shines in the International Feature category. Set against the backdrop of political unrest in Tehran, this tense drama offers a poignant exploration of trust, power, and paranoia. In a powerful collaboration, No Other Land (2024), created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, sheds light on the destruction of Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank and the unexpected alliance between Palestinian activist Basel and Israeli journalist Yuval.
In the Live-Action Short Film category, Anuja (2024), produced by Mindy Kaling, tells the heartbreaking yet hopeful story of a 9-year-old girl working in a Delhi garment factory, forced to make an impossible decision that will alter her future forever.
The Documentary Short Film category also features international voices, with I Am Ready, Warden (2024) by Smriti Mundhra. This documentary delves into the case of John Henry Ramirez, a death row inmate in Texas, exploring the human side of the legal system.
The Animated Short Film category celebrates Asian creativity, with Magic Candies (2024) from Japanese filmmakers Daisuke Nishio and Takashi Washio. This quirky tale follows Dong-Dong, a boy who discovers a magical connection between colourful candies and his speaking sofa. From Iran, In the Shadow of the Cypress (2023) by Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi tells the emotional story of a PTSD-stricken former captain and his daughter living in isolation by the sea.
Further enhancing the international spirit of the Oscars, Filipino actress Liza Lapira voices Disgust in Inside Out 2 (2024), while Stephanie Hsu lends her voice to Vontra in The Wild Robot (2024). Even Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) features diverse voices, with Lauren Patel and Muzz Khan contributing their talents.
This year’s nominations underscore the richness and diversity of global cinema, with stunning contributions from Asian and Middle Eastern filmmakers and performers. The Academy is clearly embracing talent without borders, and the world is watching as this international celebration of artistry unfolds. Let the global celebration begin!
