Selena Gomez and ‘Challengers’ Snubbed: Fans React to Shocking Oscars 2025 Surprises

While many applauded the acknowledgement of exceptional films, fans are disappointed by a number of high-profile omissions from the 2025 Oscar nominees. With 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña, Jacques Audiard’s unique musical thriller ‘Emilia Pérez’ is at the top of the list.

With ten nominations each, Jon M. Chu’s star-studded Broadway production of ‘Wicked’ and Brady Corbet’s architectural epic ‘The Brutalist’ are tied for second place. Other noteworthy films that received eight nominations each are the papal drama Conclave and the Bob Dylan biography ‘A Complete Unknown’. With six nods, Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ did well as well.

There was some controversy surrounding the news, though. The exclusion of a number of expected candidates stunned fans. Many were dismayed when Luca Guadagnino’s 2024 films, ‘Queer’ and ‘Challengers’, did not receive any nods. Notably missing from the acting categories were well-known actors including Denzel Washington (‘Gladiator II’), Nicole Kidman (‘Babygirl’), Selena Gomez (‘Emilia Pérez’), Jamie Lee Curtis (‘The Last Showgirl’), Margaret Qualley (‘The Substance’), and Angelina Jolie (‘Maria’).

Image Courtesy: Getty Images

The absence of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s score, which many fans referred to as a huge oversight, was one of the ‘Challengers’ most notable omissions. Reactions on social media were quick; one person called the absence “fu**ing insane,” while another grieved the fact that history would not be pleased with the omission.

‘Kneecap’, a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama about the same-named Northern Irish hip-hop duo, was another unexpected exclusion. The movie was completely excluded even though it was touted for Best Original Song and Best International Feature Film. Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí posted, disagreement on social media to vent their annoyance. 

–Farheen Ali 

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