Pop Culture Happy Hour Episode Summary: 2025 Oscar Nominations

Release Date: January 23, 2025

In this engaging episode of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Stephen Thompson, Linda Holmes, and Glenn Weldon delve into the 2025 Oscar nominations. Skipping over advertisements and other non-content segments, the trio offers a comprehensive analysis of the nominated films and performances, sharing their insights, appreciations, and frustrations with the Academy's choices.

Introduction to the 2025 Oscar Nominations

Stephen Thompson kicks off the discussion by highlighting the diversity of the nominations, mentioning a mix of favorites, surprises, and notable snubs. He sets the stage for a deep dive into the major categories, emphasizing that while they won't predict winners in this episode, they'll explore the key storylines surrounding the nominees.

"As always, there's an eclectic mix of heavy favorites, left field surprises and the dreaded snubs."
— Linda Holmes [00:28]

Best Picture

The Best Picture category features a diverse array of films, each bringing unique narratives and themes to the table:

1. "A Complete Unknown"

   • Timothée Chalamet stars as a young Bob Dylan, exploring his rise to fame.

2. "Honora"

   • Directed by Sean Baker, the film centers on a sex worker's marriage to a Russian oligarch, introducing complex familial dynamics.

3. "The Brutalist"

   • Starring Adrien Brody, this film portrays a fictional Jewish Hungarian architect relocating to the U.S. post-World War II.

4. "Conclave"

   • A twisty narrative about the secretive process of replacing a Pope, with Ralph Fiennes leading as the cardinal.

5. "Part 2"

   • Another installment featuring Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, battling the Harkonnens for planetary control.

6. "Emilia Perez"

   • Follows a trans Mexican cartel boss's journey towards a new life, portrayed by Sophia Gascoyne.

7. "Nickel Boys"

   • A poignant tale of two black boys forging a bond at a segregated reform school during the Jim Crow era.

8. "The Substance"

   • Demi Moore plays an aerobics instructor resorting to a black market drug to maintain her spotlight.

9. "Wicked"

   • A prequel to The Wizard of Oz, this musical explores the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Host Reactions:

Glenn Weldon expresses enthusiasm for the inclusion of "The Substance", noting its departure from traditional Best Picture contenders and celebrating the Academy's shift towards a younger and more diverse voter pool.

"I'm delighted to see the substance here. It is the weirdest Best picture nomination since, you know, last year with Poor Things."
— Glenn Weldon [03:11]

Linda Holmes shares her admiration for Demi Moore and The Brutalist, while also expressing confusion over the exclusion of smaller films like "Challengers".

"I was really glad that [Nickel Boys] made it in. But there are other ones, you know, I know we all hear, I think are fans of Challengers, the Luca Guadagnino movie that did not make it in."
— Linda Holmes [05:03]

Best Actress in a Leading Role

The nominees for Best Actress showcase a blend of established talents and groundbreaking performances:

1. Cynthia Erivo for "Wicked" as Elphaba.
2. Demi Moore for "The Substance" as an aerobics instructor.
3. Fernanda Torres for "I'm Still Here" as a mother and activist.
4. Mikey Madison for "Honora" as a New York sex worker.
5. Sophia Gascoyne for "Emilia Perez" as the titular trans cartel leader.

Host Insights:

Glenn Weldon applauds Sophia Gascoyne for making history as the first openly trans person nominated in this category, while also highlighting Mikey Madison's standout performance.

"Props to Gascoigne, the first openly trans person of any gender to be nominated for an acting Oscar."
— Glenn Weldon [08:03]

Linda Holmes points out the category's strengths and its inclusivity, though she questions the placement of co-leads like Ariana Grande.

"Ariana Grande has no business in this category. She's a co-lead. That is very sure."
— Linda Holmes [22:15]

Best Actor in a Leading Role

The Best Actor nominations include a range of powerful performances:

1. Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist" as a visionary Hungarian architect.
2. Colman Domingo for "Sing Sing" as an incarcerated man finding purpose through theater.
3. Ralph Fiennes for "Conclave" as the cardinal overseeing the papal selection.
4. Sebastian Stan for "The Apprentice" as a young Donald Trump.
5. Timothée Chalamet for "A Complete Unknown" as Bob Dylan.

Host Perspectives:

Glenn Weldon praises Adrien Brody's layered performance, emphasizing the humanity he brings to the role.

"It's so human and layered. And there's a scene where we have a point of view shot... such tenderness."
— Glenn Weldon [10:38]

Linda Holmes champions Colman Domingo for his role in "Sing Sing", highlighting the film's unique casting and emotional depth.

"My favorite nominee in this category is Colman Domingo in Sing Sing... I love Colman Domingo and will watch him in literally anything."
— Linda Holmes [11:33]

Best Supporting Actor

The Best Supporting Actor category features a mix of veteran actors and impactful newcomers:

1. Edward Norton for "A Complete Unknown" as Pete Seeger.
2. Guy Pearce for "The Brutalist" as a wealthy industrialist.
3. Jeremy Strong for "The Apprentice" as Roy Cohn.
4. Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain" as Benji.
5. Yura Borisova for "Honora" as a Russian henchman.

Discussion Highlights:

Linda Holmes criticizes the nomination of Kieran Culkin in a supporting role, arguing that his performance warranted a lead category due to the film's structure.

"That is very sure. If there have ever been co leads, there are co leads in this movie."
— Linda Holmes [22:15]

Glenn Weldon commends Guy Pearce, acknowledging his career choices while appreciating his performance in this nomination.

"I think if he gets some props here, that's good for him, man."
— Glenn Weldon [18:25]

Stephen Thompson lauds Yura Borisova for his measured and subtle performance, emphasizing the quiet strength he brings to the role.

"He was certainly expected to be. But this is not necessarily the kind of performance that always gets Oscar nominations."
— Stephen Thompson [19:00]

Best Supporting Actress

The nominees for Best Supporting Actress present a dynamic range of characters:

1. Ariana Grande for "Wicked" as Galinda.
2. Felicity Jones for "The Brutalist" as the architect's wife.
3. Isabella Rossellini for "Conclave" as a strategic nun.
4. Monica Barbaro for "A Complete Unknown" as Joan Baez.
5. Zoe Saldana for "Emilia Perez" as a lawyer aiding a cartel leader.

Hosts' Opinions:

Glenn Weldon appreciates Ariana Grande's unexpected comedic turn, finding her performance more enjoyable than anticipated.

"Ariana Grande had a great comic turn. She surprised me."
— Glenn Weldon [21:24]

Linda Holmes voices her disagreement with nominating Zoe Saldana in this category, advocating for performances like Angenou Ellis in "Nickel Boys".

"Angenou Ellis, who is in Nickel Boys and is wonderful... she's wonderful in it."
— Linda Holmes [23:14]

Stephen Thompson defends Monica Barbaro's portrayal of Joan Baez, praising her ability to infuse depth into what he perceives as an underwritten role.

"I really love this performance and felt like she brought an edge to it that it needed."
— Stephen Thompson [23:30]

Best Directing

The Best Directing nominations reflect a mixture of seasoned filmmakers and fresh voices:

1. Brady Courbet for "The Brutalist"
2. Coralie Farja for "The Substance"
3. Jacques Odillard for "Emilia Perez"
4. James Mangold for "A Complete Unknown"
5. Sean Baker for "Honora"

Host Evaluations:

Glenn Weldon commends Sean Baker for his consistent output and recognition, marking a significant milestone in his career.

"I'm so happy for Sean Baker. This is the first time he's actually gotten any kind of recognition."
— Glenn Weldon [25:30]

Linda Holmes expresses disappointment over Romel Ross of "Nickel Boys" not receiving a nomination and praises Coralie Farja for her direction in "The Substance".

"I am delighted by the Farja nomination for the Substance... horror directors not commonly nominated for Oscars in present day."
— Linda Holmes [25:34]

Stephen Thompson underscores the importance of Farja's direction in navigating the film's tricky tone and structure, celebrating her striking directorial choices.

"Her direction is so striking. It is such a great film to look at."
— Stephen Thompson [26:21]

Notable Snubs and Additional Commentary

Throughout the discussion, the hosts touch upon performances and films they believe deserved nominations but were overlooked:

• "Challengers" by Luca Guadagnino did not receive recognition despite its critical acclaim.
• Marianne Jean Baptiste's performance in "Hard Truths" was highlighted as deserving a nomination, with special emphasis on her challenging role.
• Jesse Eisenberg in "A Real Pain" was mentioned as a missed opportunity for a nomination, despite delivering a nuanced performance.

Linda Holmes voices her frustration with category placements, especially concerning Kieran Culkin, arguing that some performances were relegated to supporting roles without merit.

"I'm not gonna say I don't think he should have been nominated, but I don't think he should have been nominated in this category."
— Linda Holmes [16:55]

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Stephen Thompson and the hosts acknowledge that their discussion is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation about the Oscars. They encourage listeners to share their thoughts and continue the dialogue as the Oscars season progresses toward the ceremony in March.

"This is, of course, just the beginning of our month and a half long discussion of a bunch of these films."
— Stephen Thompson [27:02]

The hosts express gratitude to their subscribers and remind listeners of the benefits of supporting the podcast through Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus, emphasizing an ad-free listening experience.

This episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour offers listeners a thorough and candid examination of the 2025 Oscar nominations, blending critical analysis with personal reflections. Whether you're a film aficionado or a casual movie-goer, the hosts provide valuable insights into the year's cinematic achievements and the ever-evolving landscape of award recognitions.