The 97th Academy Awards are set to be a celebration of global talent, with Asian and Middle Eastern nominees making a significant impact across various categories. From Best Picture to animation and documentary, these nominees are showcasing a rich diversity in storytelling and artistry, reflecting the power of cinema to transcend borders.
Top Nominations and Films
Leading the charge with 13 nominations is Emilia Pérez (2024), including a nod for Best Picture. Hot on its heels are The Brutalist (2024) and Wicked: Part I (2024), both receiving 10 nominations each, while Anora (2024), about the relationship between a sex worker and a Russian oligarch’s son, earned 6 nominations. But it’s the contributions of Asian and Middle Eastern talent that truly elevate this year’s Oscars.
Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: Part I
At the forefront is Jon M. Chu’s much-anticipated Wicked: Part I (2024), which has earned 10 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo, and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande. Despite Chu’s incredible work on the film, his Best Director nomination was notably absent, leaving the industry buzzing. The nominations also include Costume Design, Film Editing, Original Score, and Makeup and Hairstyling.
Iranian Cinema Shines with The Seed of the Sacred Fig
The Iranian film The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024), directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, has garnered attention in the International Feature Film category. Set against the backdrop of political unrest in Tehran, the film explores themes of trust and power, showcasing the enduring relevance of Iranian cinema in addressing societal struggles.
Powerful Documentaries: Black Box Diaries and No Other Land
In the Documentary Feature category, Shiori Itō’s Black Box Diaries (2024), a Japanese documentary about her own sexual assault investigation, has made waves. This poignant piece highlights the strength of investigative journalism and personal bravery.
Similarly, No Other Land (2024), a collaboration between Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, has been nominated for its raw depiction of the destruction of Masafer Yatta in the West Bank. The film focuses on the alliance between Palestinian activist Basel and Israeli journalist Yuval.
Live-Action Short Film: Anuja
In the Live-Action Short Film category, Anuja (2024), produced by Mindy Kaling, stands out. The film tells the heart-wrenching story of a 9-year-old girl working in a Delhi garment factory and the impossible decision she must make to secure her future.
Inspiring Documentary Short Films
In the Documentary Short Film category, I Am Ready, Warden (2024), directed by Smriti Mundhra, dives into the case of John Henry Ramirez, a death row inmate in Texas, humanizing the criminal justice system. Instruments of a Beating Heart (2024), directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki, follows Ayame, a young girl in Tokyo, determined to master the big drum for her school’s performance of “Ode to Joy.”
Animation: Magic Candies and Inside Out 2
Asian creativity continues to shine in the Animated Short Film category, with Magic Candies (2024), a whimsical Japanese tale by Daisuke Nishio and Takashi Washio, receiving a nomination. The story follows Dong-Dong, a boy whose magical adventures begin when he eats a colorful marble-shaped candy.
From Iran, In the Shadow of the Cypress (2023), created by Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi, offers a deeply emotional story of a PTSD-stricken former captain living in isolation with his daughter.
Other notable animated films include Inside Out 2 (2024), featuring Filipino actress Liza Lapira as Disgust, and The Wild Robot (2024), with Stephanie Hsu voicing the character Vontra.
A Global Celebration of Talent
The 2025 Oscars reflect the incredible diversity of global cinema, with Asian and Middle Eastern filmmakers and performers leading the charge in numerous categories. With nominations spanning across Best Picture, Documentary, Animation, and Live-Action Shorts, this year’s Oscars promise to be a celebration of international creativity and excellence.
The 2025 Academy Awards are not just a showcase of talent, but a testament to the power of storytelling that transcends borders, with contributions from every corner of the world.
