"Emilia Pérez" topped the 2025 Oscar shortlists with six mentions across five categories, including hair and makeup, sound, two songs, score, and international feature.
"The Substance" was considered an underperformer because it only made the shortlist in one category (hair and makeup) despite expectations it could also compete in sound and visual effects. This was surprising given its strong performance in early guild awards.
Notable snubs in the makeup and hairstyling category included "Furiosa," "Gladiator 2," and "Sasquatch Sunset," which were expected to make the shortlist but did not. "Waltzing with Brando" was a surprising inclusion instead.
The score for "Wicked" was a surprise inclusion in the 2025 Oscar shortlists, as it is a preexisting score, which raised questions about its eligibility and originality.
The biggest miss in the original song category was Miley Cyrus' song "Beautiful That Way" from "The Last Showgirl," which was a Golden Globe nominee but failed to make the Oscar shortlist.
"Furiosa" failed to make the visual effects shortlist likely due to its late release and the Academy's preference for other films like "Alien Romulus," which seemed to take its place as a standout in the category.
"Will and Harper" making the documentary shortlist was significant because it overcame the Academy's usual aversion to celebrity-focused documentaries, indicating strong support for its unique story about Will Ferrell and Harper Steele's friendship and exploration of the trans community.
"Joker: Folie à Deux" was a surprising inclusion in the sound category, as it had underperformed in other areas but was recognized for its strong sound design, likely due to its musical elements.
Gold Derby editors and experts Christopher Rosen and Joyce Eng discuss the 2025 Oscar shortlists, which were topped by "Emilia Pérez" and where "The Substance" underperformed.
Intro - 00:00
Snubs and surprises - 08:32
Doc feature and short - 10:32
International feature and makeup and hairstyling - 13:42
Original score and song - 16:52
Animated and live action short - 24:29
Sound and visual effects - 28:03
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