The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has officially kicked off the race for the 97th Annual Academy Awards scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The Academy Screening Room has now made the first set of titles available to its members, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive awards season.
The Movies in the Running
Among the movies currently available for screening are Thelma from Magnolia Pictures, Shirley, Hit Man, and the animated Ultraman: Rising – all from Netflix, as well as Wildcat released by Oscilloscope Laboratories. These initial offerings are just a taste of what is to come, as more films are expected to join the lineup as the season progresses.
One of the standout performances to watch out for is 94-year-old June Squibb in the comedy Thelma, where she plays a grandmother who takes matters into her own hands after falling victim to an internet money scam. Magnolia Pictures is hoping to capture Oscar voters’ attention with Squibb’s performance, as well as making a splash in the Golden Globes Comedy/Musical category and with critics groups.
Netflix is also making waves with films like Hit Man, featuring breakout star Glen Powell in a versatile role based on real events. The streaming giant is also pushing for attention with Shirley, a timely biopic starring Regina King as Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1972. With the recent political climate, the relevance of this film is sure to spark interest among audiences and awards voters alike.
Wildcat, which premiered at Telluride last year, has garnered praise for its director and co-writer Ethan Hawke, as well as his daughter Maya Hawke who stars as American novelist Flannery O’Connor. Additionally, Ultraman: Rising is part of Netflix’s animated features vying for attention from the Academy, following the success of the streamer’s previous win with Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio in the Animated Feature Category.
The Academy Screening Room, a member-exclusive streaming platform, offers members the opportunity to screen films throughout the season. With options available on platforms such as Apple TV, Roku, and Android TV, as well as online and through the mobile member App, the Academy has made it easier for members to access a wide range of content.
In addition to film screenings, members can also look forward to Academy Museum programming, the Academy Member Unconscious Bias Session, and Academy-In-Brief, a series highlighting Academy initiatives and the awards processes. The Academy has promised to continue adding new films as soon as they become available from distributors, ensuring a diverse and engaging lineup for members.
As the season unfolds, with Fall Festivals in Venice, Telluride, and Toronto just around the corner, the excitement and anticipation for the 97th Annual Academy Awards are palpable. With a mix of established talents and emerging stars, the race for Oscar gold is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing ones yet. Strap in and get ready for a thrilling ride ahead.
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