As Hollywood’s biggest night approaches on Sunday (March 3), this year’s Academy Awards are shaping up to be one for the history books.
With a mix of returning legends, first-time nominees, and historic possibilities, the Oscars 2025 promise to be full of unforgettable moments.
From potential record-breakers to fascinating trends, here’s what to keep an eye on at the 96th Oscars.
Timothée Chalamet Could Dethrone Adrien Brody’s Oscars Record
Adrien Brody has held the title of the youngest Best Actor winner for over two decades, after taking home the award for The Pianist at age 29.
But Timothée Chalamet, 28, is on the brink of rewriting history. His portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown has made him a strong contender in the category. If he wins, he’ll become the youngest-ever Best Actor recipient—just 10 months younger than Brody was when he claimed the honor.
Meanwhile, Brody himself has finally returned to the Oscars race with The Brutalist, marking his second nomination. Should he win, he would join an elite group of actors—like Hilary Swank and Christoph Waltz—who have maintained a 100% win rate from at least two nominations.
Cynthia Erivo’s Historic EGOT Opportunity
Cynthia Erivo is on the verge of making history as the youngest person to achieve EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Already a recipient of the first three, Erivo could secure the coveted status if she wins Best Actress for her role as Elphaba in Wicked. At just 38, she would break the record and become only the second Black woman to win Best Actress.
A 47-Year First for Best Actress Contenders
For the first time since 1977, all five Best Actress nominees come from films also up for Best Picture.
This milestone highlights Hollywood’s increasing recognition of female-led narratives in the industry’s most prestigious category.
In recent years, winners like Nomadland, CODA, and Everything Everywhere All At Once have signaled a shift toward more diverse and inclusive storytelling.
Ralph Fiennes: A Lucky Charm for Best Picture?
If Conclave takes home Best Picture, Ralph Fiennes will become the only actor in history to have appeared in four winning films.
His past acting nominations—for Schindler’s List and The English Patient—coincided with both films winning Best Picture.
He also starred in The Hurt Locker, another victor in the category. However, Conclave faces an uphill battle, as its director, Edward Berger, wasn’t nominated—a significant disadvantage, though recent winners like Argo and CODA have overcome the same hurdle.
Could Diane Warren Finally Win Her First Oscar?
Songwriting legend Diane Warren is up for her 16th Oscar nomination with The Journey from The Six Triple Eight.
Despite her extensive track record, she has never won . With Emilia Pérez having two songs nominated—potentially splitting its votes—this could finally be Warren’s year.
When asked on social media which Oscar winner would make her “happiest” earlier this month, Warren cheekily replied: “Me!”
Sean Baker Could Make Oscars History
Director Sean Baker, known for his bold, independent filmmaking, has a chance to carve his name into the history books.
His film Anora has earned him nominations in four categories—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
If he wins all four, Baker will become the first person ever to take home four Oscars in one night for the same film. The only other person to ever win four Oscars in a single evening was Walt Disney in 1952, but his wins were for separate projects.
