For the past several years, I have tried to see most of the Oscar-nominated films before the award ceremony. I like to make my own predictions for Pop Culture Uncovered. Sadly, I am unable to complete the viewing this year. It’s a combination of my available watch time and the availability of the films, which I’m about to rant about.

The films nominated for Best Picture and how to legally watch these films as researched on February 24, 2025.

Through my work at Pop Culture Uncovered, I saw I’m Still Here and Wicked. I was also offered an opportunity to see A Complete Unknown but could not attend the screening. I watched the rest of the movies marked screened.

Last year, by the time the Oscar ceremony rolled around, I could see eight of the 10 films at home. Some were on streaming platforms, and one or two I had to rent for under $6.00. The only film I saw in the theater was Poor Things, and I saw the movie for $6.00 on a Tuesday night. I didn’t see The Zone of Interest; it was only in theaters, not one near me.

This year, the producers and movie studios are being stubborn and elitist. These movies were released at least 75 days ago, none of them blockbuster films, and they are still in theaters because they are nominated. Have these people seen ticket and grocery prices? They need to reconsider their stance here. I may never see these films because I won’t care enough after Sunday.

Now that I’ve ended my rant, here is my commentary for 2025.

1. Zoe Saldana’s nomination is category fraud. The movie is about how Emilia’s actions affect her, not the other way around. Zoe should have been nominated as lead actress and Karla Sofía Gascón as supporting or both as lead.
2. Ariana Grande is a co-lead performance in Wicked, which is another example of category fraud.
3. Emilia Perez is not a good movie.
4. I love seeing Demi Moore win awards this year. She has worked in this industry for 40 years and was finally given a suitable role.
5. I love that there isn’t one juggernaut film that takes all the oxygen and surprises out of the room. This award season, different movies have won Best Picture/Best Cast.
6. I hope Wicked wins all the awards. I’m unbiased; this is my favorite nominated film.

The Academy Awards airs on ABC on Sunday, March 2nd., I may watch or may not.