The 97th Academy Awards are here, and they're making waves. This year, LGBTQ+ representation is stronger than ever. It’s a big step forward. Let’s explore the nominees who are breaking barriers and making history.

 

LGBTQ+ Nominees

  1. Emilia Pérez – Record-Breaking Nominations

Three women from Emilia Pérez in dramatic lighting, showcasing emotional expressions. The scene captures the intensity and depth of the film's narrative.

Netflix’s Emilia Pérez is leading the pack with 13 nominations. It’s the most nominated film this year. It also breaks records as the most-nominated foreign film ever in the history of the Academy Awards.

The movie is about a Mexican drug boss (Karla Sofiá Gascón) who asks a lawyer (Zoe Saldaña) to help her disappear and become a woman.

 

13 Nominations

  • Best Picture
  • Best Director — Jacques Audiard
  • Best Adapted Screenplay — Jacques Audiard
  • Best Actress — Karla Sofía Gascón
  • Best Supporting Actress — Zoe Saldaña
  • Best International Feature (France)
  • Best Original Song — "El Mal"
  • Best Original Song — "Mi Camino"
  • Best Makeup and Hairstyling
  • Best Original Score
  • Best Editing
  • Best Sound
  • Best Cinematography

 

Emilia Pérez Trailer

 

  1. Wicked – Musical Magic with LGBTQ+ Power

This movie is talking about Elphaba, a young woman with green skin, who often feels misunderstood. She forms a deep and unexpected bond with Glinda, a fellow student who’s obsessed with being popular. When they meet the Wizard of Oz, their lives take a turn, pushing their friendship to a crossroads as they start heading down very different paths.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in green makeup and Ariana Grande as Glinda in pink, looking up with awe in a scene from Wicked. The contrast of characters highlights the magical atmosphere of the film.

It’s a story of connection, change, and finding your true self. Wicked is shining bright with 10 nominations. Cynthia Erivo’s powerful performance earned her a Best Actress nomination, and Ariana Grande is in the running for Best Supporting Actress.

It’s tied with The Brutalist for the second-most nominations. This musical is more than just catchy tunes – it’s a celebration of identity and power.

 

10 Nominations

  • Best Picture
  • Best Actress — Cynthia Erivo
  • Best Supporting Actress — Ariana Grande
  • Best Production Design
  • Best Costume Design
  • Best Makeup and Hairstyling
  • Best Original Score
  • Best Film Editing
  • Best Sound
  • Best Visual Effects

 

Wicked Trailer

  1. Sing Sing – Colman Domingo’s Journey to Best Actor

This film is inspired by the true story of a man wrongfully locked up in Sing Sing prison. When a skeptical outsider joins him, they team up to create something meaningful: putting on a play with a group of fellow inmates. Together, they find hope and purpose through the power of comedy and theater.

Colman Domingo sitting with a group of men in prison uniforms in a scene from Sing Sing. The powerful composition highlights camaraderie and introspection, capturing the film's emotional depth.

It’s a story of resilience, connection, and finding light in the darkest places. Colman Domingo’s up for Best Actor, and the film also snagged nominations for Best Original Song and Best Adapted Screenplay. Colman’s journey is inspiring, and his talent is undeniable. It’s beautiful to see queer stories told with such depth.

 

3 Nominations

  • Best Actor — Colman Domingo
  • Best Original Song — "Like a Bird"
  • Best Adapted Screenplay

 

Sing Sing Trailer

  1. Elton John: Never Too Late – A Musical Legend’s Nomination

Elton John performing passionately at a piano in sparkling attire, under vibrant stage lights. The image captures his energetic presence, highlighting the musical journey in Never Too Late.

Elton John is back, and he’s nominated for Best Original Song with "Never Too Late." Collaborating with Brandi Carlile, this song is a testament to his timeless talent. It’s incredible to see an icon still making history. Disney+ did well by showcasing his journey.

 

Elton John: Never Too Late Trailer

Oscars Prediction 2025: Who Will Win?

With so much talent, predicting the winners is tough. Emilia Pérez has strong momentum, but Wicked is not far behind. Colman Domingo could make history in the Best Actor category. No matter who wins, these nominations already feel like a victory for the LGBTQ+ community.


More Than Just Awards

This year’s Oscars are more than just awards. They are about visibility, representation, and breaking barriers. It’s a celebration of LGBTQ+ stories that resonate worldwide. No matter the outcome, history is already made. Cheers to diversity and to the voices that refuse to be silenced.