The 97th Academy Awards are fast approaching, and let’s be honest, everyone’s got their eyes on the big names—Zoe Saldaña and Kieran Culkin. Both have been sweeping the precursor awards and are almost guaranteed to take home their respective Best Supporting trophies. However, I’m not entirely convinced that these two are a done deal just yet.
Sure, their performances have been impressive, but something about this year’s race feels a bit… too predictable.
Saldaña has certainly been the one to beat, racking up almost every major award leading up to the Oscars, but I have to say, Monica Barbaro’s performance in A Complete Unknown has quietly stolen my attention. It’s raw, it’s real, and there’s a subtlety to it that could easily catch the Academy’s eye in the final moments.
On the other hand, Isabella Rossellini has been flying under the radar for her role in Conclave. But don’t be fooled—she might just be the dark horse that comes charging out of nowhere. It’s easy to overlook her, but her portrayal is intense and mesmerizing. The race might not be as clear-cut as we thought!
Kieran Culkin’s Oscar victory is almost in the bag, but will Zoe Saldaña hold her ground?
It is safe to say that Kieran Culkin is practically the poster child for a guaranteed Oscar win this year. His performance in A Real Pain has been the talk of the town. He’s swept up nearly every precursor, and all signs point to him taking home the trophy for Best Supporting Actor. Ergo, it’s hard to imagine anyone else clinching that golden statue. He’s a strong contender, no doubt about it.
The question, though, is whether that same certainty applies to the Best Supporting Actress category.
Zoe Saldaña, who had long been considered the frontrunner for Emilia Pérez, has collected her fair share of wins this season, including at SAG, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice. With such a track record, it’s tempting to assume that the Oscar will be hers. But here’s where I start to pump the brakes—yes, her performance in Emilia Pérez is undeniably strong, but is it the best performance of the bunch?
In the whirlwind of predictions and all the talk of her inevitable win, I can’t help but feel like we might be overlooking something. There are performances this year that, while quieter, are so incredibly nuanced and layered that I’m starting to wonder if Saldaña’s lead is truly as secure as everyone thinks.
Monica Barbaro and Isabella Rossellini: The quiet threats to Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win?
In the world of Oscar predictions, it’s easy to get swept away by the obvious choices, but Monica Barbaro in A Complete Unknown might just have what it takes to change the narrative. Her performance has garnered praise for its depth and authenticity, standing out among the sea of talented nominees.
If her performance continues to gather momentum, she could very well eclipse Zoe Saldaña and snatch the Oscar right from under her nose. It’s not just about the wins at the precursor awards anymore; it’s about the strength of the performance, and Barbaro’s work in James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown is drawing serious attention.
And then there’s Isabella Rossellini. Her role in Conclave is mysterious and intense, and it’s clear she poured her heart into bringing her character to life. So, if the Academy takes notice of her work, Rossellini could slip into the spotlight and walk away with the Oscar.
It’s like they always say: “It’s not over till it’s over.”
As we get closer to the 2025 Oscars, I’ve got to say, the Best Supporting Actress category is feeling a lot less predictable than I initially thought. Zoe Saldaña may have been the front-runner for a while, but she’s not the only name worth mentioning anymore. Monica Barbaro has really caught my attention with her performance in A Complete Unknown.
Ah, the competition is fierce, and with all these incredible performances, this year’s race for Best Supporting Actress is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in a long time. Honestly, I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 2, 2025.
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