10 Must-See Films Dominating The 2025 Awards Season

2025 awards season has arrived, spotlighting a lineup of films set to captivate and stir conversation. With career-defining performances, stunning visuals, and narratives that linger well past the final scene, this year’s contenders run the gamut from sharp satires to powerful dramas. Grab your popcorn – these are the must-watch films shaping the 2025 awards race.

Anora

‘Anora’ is a tale of love and power – a modern-day fairy tale wrapped in gritty realism. Directed by Sean Baker, best known for ‘The Florida Project’ and ‘Tangerine’, this Palme d’Or winner follows Ani, a Brooklyn sex worker portrayed by Mikey Madison, as she’s swept into a whirlwind romance with the son of a Russian oligarch. What begins as a dreamlike love story quickly unravels when his powerful family intervenes, triggering a tense and emotional journey. Madison’s raw performance has positioned her as a frontrunner for Best Actress, while Baker’s sharp storytelling has made him a strong contender for both Best Original Screenplay and Best Director.

Conclave

‘Conclave’ is the kind of film that keeps you glued to the screen for all the right reasons. This adaptation of Robert Harris’s bestseller is helmed by Edward Berger, the acclaimed director behind ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’. Set deep within the Vatican during the selection of a new Pope, the film offers an intense, behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of power and faith. Ralph Fiennes leads a powerhouse cast – Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini all deliver unforgettable performances – but it’s Fiennes’ presence as the cardinal at the centre of it all that has everyone talking. With whispers of potential wins for Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, and multiple acting categories, Conclave is more than just a cinematic spectacle – it’s a front-row seat to a world rarely seen, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the season’s most compelling contenders.

I’m Still Here

A profound exploration of love, loss, and strength, ‘I’m Still Here’ is Walter Salles at his finest. Known for his cinematic gems ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and ‘Central Station’, Salles returns with a powerful narrative set during Brazil’s 1970s military dictatorship. Fernanda Torres delivers a masterful performance as Eunice Paiva, a mother of five who must hold her family together while searching for answers about her husband’s sudden disappearance. Adapted from Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir, the film balances political turmoil with deeply human moments of hope. Having premiered to critical acclaim at Venice and poised for its North American debut, ‘I’m Still Here’ isn’t just Brazil’s Oscar submission – it’s an unmissable story of quiet defiance in the face of injustice.

A Real Pain

Following its buzzworthy debut at Sundance, ‘A Real Pain’ has quickly become one of the most talked-about films this season. Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who also stars alongside Kieran Culkin, the film is a witty yet heartfelt take on grief, identity, and family history. The story follows two cousins – one reserved and straight-laced, the other free-spirited and chaotic – as they journey to Poland to honour their late grandmother. What begins as a heritage trip transforms into an emotional exploration of what it means to carry the weight of history. Culkin’s performance, equal parts hilarious and tender, has already earned him significant awards attention.

The Brutalist

Directed by Brady Corbet, ‘The Brutalist’ is an epic exploration of the American Dream, told through the eyes of László, a Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor who rebuilds his life in post-war America. Adrien Brody’s portrayal of László is both haunting and inspiring, capturing the weight of survival and the allure of reinvention. Shot in stunning Vistavision by Lol Crawley, the 215-minute masterpiece immerses viewers in Corbet’s grand vision of ambition and sacrifice, framed by the stark beauty of Brutalist architecture.

Wicked: Part One

With a cast that includes Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, ‘Wicked: Part One’ is already generating significant attention as one of the most anticipated films of the 2025 awards season. Helmed by Jon M. Chu, the film explores the untold backstory of Oz’s most iconic figures, unravelling a narrative of friendship, betrayal, and destiny. The breathtaking visuals and costume design elevate this celebrated musical adaptation, making it a strong contender in multiple craft categories. While its Best Picture prospects remain uncertain, the film’s emotional depth and all-star ensemble – including Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Jonathan Bailey – ensure it stays firmly on the awards radar.

The Substance

The film that earned Demi Moore her Golden Globe for Best Actress, ‘The Substance’ is a striking mix of body horror and satire that examines society’s fixation on youth. Coralie Fargeat crafts an unsettling story of Elizabeth Sparkle, a former fitness icon who, desperate to reclaim her former glory, turns to a mysterious drug that spawns a younger, more audacious version of herself – played by Margaret Qualley. What starts as a second chance quickly spirals into a nightmare, as the two versions of Elizabeth clash in unexpected ways. With its award-winning festival run and standout wins at Cannes and TIFF, ‘The Substance’ is a strong contender in categories like makeup, visual effects, and production design.

The Wild Robot

Adapted from Peter Brown’s book, ‘The Wild Robot’ has captured the spotlight this awards season with its heartfelt narrative and mesmerising visuals. The film follows Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a shipwrecked robot who must adjust to life on a remote island by forming unexpected bonds with the local wildlife – including an orphaned gosling named Brightbill (Kit Connor). Director Chris Sanders brings the story to life with an impressionistic 2D aesthetic inspired by Tyrus Wong’s Bambi watercolours and Miyazaki’s lush forestscapes, creating an immersive and nostalgic world. Every frame feels hand-painted, with Roz’s metallic exterior changing as she braves the wild, bearing dents, scratches, and moss-like textures that help her become one with her surroundings. With 10 Annie Award nominations and Golden Globe recognition for its standout song ‘Kiss the Sky’ by Maren Morris, ‘The Wild Robot’ is a visually stunning adventure poised to make a lasting impression this awards season.

A Complete Unknown

Directed by James Mangold, ‘A Complete Unknown’ spotlights Bob Dylan’s seismic shift from acoustic folk icon to electric pioneer, centring on his controversial 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance. With Timothée Chalamet embodying Dylan’s complexity, the biopic has critics forecasting a Best Actor award for his nuanced portrayal. The film also features a standout supporting cast, including Elle Fanning as Suze Rotolo, Dylan’s muse and girlfriend. As one of the most anticipated releases of the season, ‘A Complete Unknown’ promises a compelling exploration of an era that redefined American music.

Emilia Pérez

Sparking both acclaim and criticism, ‘Emilia Pérez’ is one of the most polarising films of the awards season. Under the direction of Jacques Audiard, the Spanish-language musical tells the story of a Mexican cartel boss, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, who fakes her death to live as her true self – a woman. With standout performances from Gascón, Zoe Saldana as her sharp-witted lawyer, and Selena Gomez in a supporting role, the film’s musical numbers and emotional depth have earned it multiple Golden Globe wins. Yet, its French-led production and minimal on-location filming in Mexico have stirred debates about cultural authenticity and representation. Love it or question it – this is a film you’ll want to see and form your own opinion about.

Catherine Pun

Editorial Director | + posts

A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.