First Blind Predictions Include Oscars 2025–Lady Gaga, Zendaya, Saoirse Ronan and More Superstars

The curtains have closed on the Oscars, and as we peer over the horizon following a six-month Hollywood hiatus due to the union strikes, the initial trepidation over a sparse cinematic future will be sure to dissipate once you look at the road ahead. Contrary to fears, the film landscape appears not just replenished but vibrant, with several compelling titles that are already making waves.

An annual tradition at Variety is to take a look ahead at what contenders could be brewing for next year’s Oscar season. Last year’s blind peek correctly guessed five of the 10 eventual best picture nominees, while in 2022 and 2021, each found two respectively. There’s no correct method to the madness.

Warner Bros. leads this promising cadre, already spotlighting Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” as a formidable contender across numerous categories. The studio’s lineup is also bolstered by eagerly anticipated sequels such as George Miller’s “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The latter sees Joaquin Phoenix returning to his Oscar-winning role, with Lady Gaga joining the fray as the tumultuous Harley Quinn.

Universal Pictures hopes to capitalize after winning best picture with Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” and get awards play from its commercial offerings, including the film adaptation of “Wicked” with superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Paramount Pictures seeks to replicate the success of “Top Gun: Maverick” with Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2,” boasting a stellar cast including Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal.

Disney and its subsidiaries (20th Century Studios, Pixar, Searchlight Pictures and Walt Disney Animation) are poised to captivate audiences with potential blockbusters like “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and sequels to “Inside Out” and “Moana.”

Recently crowned two-time best actress winner Emma Stone reteams with Yorgos Lanthimos for Searchlight’s anthology “Kinds of Kindness,” sharing the screen with Jesse Plemons and Willem Dafoe. Sony Pictures and Sony Pictures Classics are fine-tuning their awards hopefuls, highlighted by possibly Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, “Eleanor the Great,” said to feature a baity turn by Oscar nominee June Squibb (“Nebraska”).

Projects from Robert Zemeckis (“Here” with Tom Hanks), Jason Reitman (“SNL: 1975” with Gabriel LaBelle) and Taika Waititi (“Klara and the Sun” with Jenna Ortega), signal Sony Studios’ ambition. Furthermore, A24, fresh from dual best picture nominations, looks strong with films such as “Sing Sing” with recent Oscar nominee Colman Domingo and John Crowley’s romantic drama “We Live in Time,” starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh.

Julieta Cervantes

Streaming platforms, eager to rebound from a year of modest Oscar recognition, are poised for resurgence. Netflix, in particular, showcases a diverse slate including Richard Linklater’s action flick “Hit Man” with Glen Powell and the film adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson,” produced by Denzel Washington and starring an impressive ensemble that could lead to rewarding another MCU star: Samuel L. Jackson.

Apple Original Films looks to rebound after “Killers of the Flower Moon” went home empty-handed with dramas like “Fancy Dance” with Lily Gladstone and Steve McQueen’s epic “Blitz,” capturing Londoners’ resilience during WWII bombings with Saoirse Ronan and Harris Dickinson.

Amazon MGM will tantalize with Zendaya’s femme fatale vehicle “Challengers” and forthcoming gems like RaMell Ross’ narrative feature debut “The Nickel Boys” with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.

Director Mike Leigh returns with “Hard Truths,” with Oscar nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste (“Secrets & Lies”) reuniting.

Animation, a medium rich with potential, will be highlighted by DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot,” promising a captivating blend of storytelling and visual innovation, and a potential killer score from Kris Bowers.

Also from the indie sector, Neon’s post-apocalyptic musical “The End” and Audrey Diwan’s erotic drama “Emmanuelle” promise diversity and danger.

Movies still looking for a distributor will be at the top of mind, with Paolo Sorrentino’s monochromatic fantasy “Parthenope” and Pablo Larraín’s portrayal of Maria Callas with Angelina Jolie sure to stir intrigue. Moreover, we’re excited for Andrea Arnold’s “Bird” with Barry Keoghan, with a plot that’s not yet known.

Rounding out the excitement are Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded sci-fi epic “Megalopolis” with Adam Driver and Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” with Daniel Craig. Both seem like projects brimming with innovation, which could mark a thrilling period for cinema enthusiasts.