TV & Film
THE OSCARS, with its transformative influence on film, has presented astounding features in this year’s select few. From gritty stories of eccentric entertainers like Anora and Bob Dylan to the contrasting perspectives of a postwar survivor in The Brutalist and a powerful oligarch in The Apprentice, the Academy has once again reinforced its commitment to creativity, diversity, and cinematic excellence.
As fellow film enthusiasts, we at Vantage Magazine have a keen eye for charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and noteworthy talent in the world of the silver screen. Check out our top picks for the 97th Academy Awards—with bonus categories such as Best Fan Edits and Best Ship—that are sure to spark your inner movie buff!
Best Supporting Actor
Nominees:
Yura Borisov, Anora
Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice
Vant’s Pick: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
A Real Pain (2024) explores pain and grief as cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) journey through Poland. Culkin fleshes out the character’s erratic and free-spirited nature while also shattering viewers with the rawness of Benji’s anguish. As highlighted in the film’s final shot, Culkin masterfully paints the dark picture of loneliness and the uncertain fate of his character after David leaves him to return to his own life. With his nuanced performance and acting choices, Culkin captivates audiences, drawing them into a deep understanding and heartfelt connection with the troubled Benji.
Best Supporting Actress
Nominees:
Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande, Wicked
Felicity Jones, The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini, Conclave
Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
Vant’s Pick: Ariana Grande, Wicked
It’s no surprise that Ariana Grande has been garnering industry recognition over her performance in the big screen adaptation of Wicked (2024). Grande returns to her musical theater roots and delivers a remarkable performance as Galinda Upland—from capturing the Good Witch’s pain in “No One Mourns the Wicked” to her quirkiness in “Popular,” and everything in between. The singer-actress’s dedication to embodying Glinda’s depth offered something fresh to the role, on top of her undeniable chemistry with Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba Thropp.
Best Actor
Nominees:
Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice
Vant’s Pick: Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
Domingo’s role in Sing Sing (2023) was pivotal in demystifying the complexities of Divine G—an incarcerated man in a correctional facility—in this poignant film about pursuing growth and healing through artistic expression. Drawing from the real experiences of an inmate in a prison’s rehabilitation theater group, the actor conjured an authentic and empowering performance that touched the hearts of many, including ours. Despite the bleak, square walls that marginalized his character, Domingo was able to break barriers through his phenomenal execution of his role’s warm and heartfelt story.
Best Actress
Nominees:
Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Karla Sofia Gascón, Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison, Anora
Demi Moore, The Substance
Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here
Vant’s Pick: Demi Moore, The Substance
Moore’s distinct and jarring performance in The Substance (2024) as a fitness icon declining in popularity accurately mirrors the struggles of women grappling with the media industry’s beauty standards. Her expressive delivery and intentional body language to portray a fractured, impulsive character has exceeded our expectations, much like it has for the majority of the audience. The actress completely encapsulated the agonizing emotions and harsh reality of women confronting degrading norms imposed by the looming patriarchy.
Best Original Score
Nominees:
The Brutalist
Conclave
The Wild Robot
Wicked
Emilia Peréz
Vant’s Pick: Wicked
From the catchy melody of “What Is This Feeling?” to the powerful, tear-inducing composition of the exit number “Defying Gravity,” Wicked has proven to be one of the best films to deliver compelling storytelling through the utilization of sound and music. While Wicked has iconic songs worthy of recognition on their own, they aren’t the reason we think it deserves Best Score. Its well-crafted background score holds space for the film’s profound sentiment, as evident in Glinda’s silent yet touching performance in the OzDust Ball. The film uses distinct musical choices and arrangements that transcend the melancholic story, turning even the non-singing scenes into the most heart-wrenching parts. This carefully crafted score not only enhances the emotional depth but also captures the surreal essence of the topsy-turvy, kaleidoscopic world while highlighting the evocative message of liberalization and freedom.
Best Picture
Nominees:
Anora
The Substance
Wicked
Emilia Peréz
Dune: Part Two
The Brutalist
Vant’s Pick: Dune: Part Two
The second installment of the classic science fiction franchise has inarguably met our standards, despite being out of the limelight this awards season. Through Denis Villeneuve’s brilliant execution of the treacherous war backstory between the revolutionary Paul Atreides and the rising insurgents of Arrakis, the screenplay adaptation of the books’ universe was undoubtedly given justice. With its groundbreaking cinematography and mesmerizing production design inspired by the original epic space opera in the 80s, it unraveled the unhinged yet captivating tale of betrayal, tyranny, and power—worthy of the prestigious Best Picture award.
At the Oscars, revered categories like Best Picture and Best Actor are the most sought-after awards. Here at Vantage Magazine, however, we also recognize aspects that hold special spots in fans’ hearts.
Best Ship
Nominees:
Anora and Igor, Anora
Elphaba and Prince Fiyero, Wicked
Riley and Val, Inside Out 2
Elphaba and Glinda, Wicked
Lawrence and Bellini, Conclave
Vant’s Pick: Elphaba and Glinda, Wicked
Despite the striking visual differences between the two witches and their apparent disdain for one another at the beginning of the movie, Elphaba and Glinda are, without a doubt, soulmates. Whether platonic or romantic is a heated issue still up for debate. Their unique bond is reminiscent of what it means for opposites to attract. The juxtaposition of Elphaba’s curious yet withdrawn demeanor with Glinda’s bubbly but standoffish, social butterfly-like personality makes them a perfect match!
Best Fan Edits
Nominees:
Nosferatu
Dune: Part Two
The Substance
Gladiator II
Wicked
Vant’s Pick: Wicked
Fanmade posters, artworks, and videos to almost any song? Wicked has it all. These fan edits keep the magic of Oz alive, even months after the film’s release. More than that, they also allow audiences to view Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship in more ways than one. “Gelphie” edits have been making waves on different social media platforms like TikTok, depicting a more romantic perspective on the movies’ two female leads. These videos—whether heartbreaking or heartwarming—continue to prove that indeed, pink goes well with green.
Most Quotable Line
Nominees:
Glinda in Wicked – “Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”
Paul in Dune: Part Two – “My name is Paul Muad’dib Atreides, Duke of Arrakis! Long live the fighters!”
Voiceover in The Substance – “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect.”
Ellen in Nosferatu – “Professor, My dreams grow darker. Does evil come from within us or from beyond?”
Vant’s Pick: “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect.”
This line is often referenced online to point out similarities between people who are generations apart, like a side-by-side photo of Sabrina Carpenter and Madonna. Coming from the video that introduces both Elisabeth and the audience to the infamous green serum, this quote instantly screams The Substance, a film that reflects the effects of society’s perception on aging, especially for women. In a few seconds, the mysterious voice perfectly captures the film’s essence, making it all the more iconic.
Best Queer Film
Nominees:
Elton John: Never Too Late
Conclave
Emilia Peréz
Vant’s Pick: Conclave
With the staggering twist only being revealed at the end of the film, the powerful utterance of Cardinal Benitez’s words, “I am what God made me,” is a testament to his firm identity as the first intersex pope. Refusing to compromise solely to appease the longstanding traditions of the Church, his unapologetic statement is an unwavering pledge to commit to his true self, resolute with the intention of bringing forth what’s been long overdue to the Catholic religion—a newfound system of values.
Most Insufferable Character
Nominees:
Elizabeth Sparkle, The Substance
Joy, Inside Out 2
Vanya, Anora
Donald Trump, The Apprentice
Emperor Caracalla, Gladiator II
Vant’s Pick: Joy, Inside Out 2
At first glance, Joy seems like one of the most likable characters in the film because… who doesn’t love feeling happy? However, her character arc in Inside Out 2 (2024) highlighted what we were all thinking even during its predecessor: It’s high time she stopped imposing her own agenda of toxic positivity. We get that you’re the main character, but sometimes things don’t go your way, and it’s okay to acknowledge that! It was definitely frustrating to watch her dismiss others’ perspectives for the majority of the runtime. Nonetheless, it was also extremely satisfying to see her reach the epiphany that neither she nor Anxiety could dictate who Riley gets to be.
Vant’s Least Favorite Film
Nominees:
Emilia Peréz
Better Man
The Apprentice
Anora
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Vant’s Pick: Emilia Peréz
From its questionable choice of lyrics to its controversial execution of certain plotlines, such as its backward representation of the transgender identity which heavily relied on stereotypes, Emilia Peréz (2024) has gained a lot of backlash from both casual movie watchers and hardcore cinema lovers alike. Despite gaining the most number of nominations from the Academy, audiences can’t help but feel that such honors would be better off awarded to more deserving films—a sentiment that we at Vantage deeply resonate with.
With a lot of great (and not-so-great) choices to pick from, the 97th Academy Awards will surely be one for the books. The lineup of nominees for both the Oscars’ and Vantage’s own categories have such budding potential, definitely making the awarding ceremony worth the watch! Oscars 2025 will be airing this March 3 at 7:30 AM (Philippine Standard Time).
