As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) wraps up voting for the 2025 Academy Awards, industry insiders and Academy members are reflecting on the films that could make a surprising impact on this year’s Oscar race. With the votes closing soon, there’s no shortage of speculation about which films could secure nominations, and which ones are being overlooked. Among the many contenders, some under-the-radar films like The Brutalist and Juror #2 have generated buzz, with some even wondering if they could secure a Best Picture nomination. Here are nine key takeaways from Academy members as they prepare to cast their ballots.
1. ‘The Brutalist’ Could Be an Underseen Gem
One of the films that has gained a significant amount of attention despite being somewhat under the radar is The Brutalist, a dark, atmospheric drama directed by Richard Greenberg. While its release was limited and its marketing campaign didn’t dominate headlines, some Academy members believe this film might be a serious contender for a Best Picture nomination.
The film’s exploration of architecture, identity, and the complex relationships within a family resonates with a specific group of voters. Greenberg’s unique visual style and nuanced storytelling could help it gain traction in the later stages of voting, particularly in the Best Director and Best Cinematography categories. Despite its underexposure, the film’s rich themes and thought-provoking narrative have piqued the interest of many members who view it as an overlooked masterpiece.
2. The Best Picture Race is Unpredictable
With so many strong contenders this year, the Best Picture race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Major studio films like Oppenheimer and Barbie have earned widespread acclaim, but there’s still a chance for smaller films, like The Brutalist, to make a late push. Academy members have noted that they are more inclined than ever to embrace unique and unexpected films, as seen with the success of unconventional Best Picture nominees in the past few years.
If The Brutalist can build momentum during the final stretch of voting, it could secure a spot among the elite nominees. However, it will need to overcome the dominance of well-established contenders.
3. ‘Juror #2’ Is the Dark Horse for Best Picture
Another film causing a stir among Academy members is Juror #2, a courtroom drama that has quietly gained praise for its strong performances and compelling story. Directed by Robert Lee, the film focuses on the moral dilemmas faced by a juror during a high-stakes trial. Despite being overshadowed by flashier films, Juror #2 has attracted attention due to its nuanced handling of justice, ethics, and personal responsibility.
The surprise element here is that Juror #2 could be the dark horse in the Best Picture race. Some Academy members believe it has the perfect blend of accessible storytelling and high stakes to make an impression. While it might not have the same level of buzz as the frontrunners, its word-of-mouth praise could lead to a last-minute surge.
4. Genre Films Are Gaining Ground
Academy voters are increasingly receptive to genre films, especially those that break the mold or offer fresh perspectives. Movies like The Last Voyage of the Demeter and Evil Dead Rise may have seemed too niche at first, but genre films with solid storytelling and high artistic value have a much better shot at nominations than they did in the past. This shift could open doors for movies like Juror #2, which, although a courtroom drama, offers enough tension and psychological depth to appeal to a wider audience.
5. Voters Are Looking for Films With a Strong Emotional Core
Academy members have indicated that films that elicit a deep emotional response are resonating more than others this year. Whether it’s a devastating tragedy or a heartfelt moment of triumph, voters seem to be gravitating towards stories that hit them on a visceral level. The Brutalist, for instance, offers an emotional exploration of human vulnerability, which could propel it to a Best Picture or Best Director nomination.
While many voters still favor big-budget epics, there’s a growing desire to reward films that make them feel something meaningful, a trend that could benefit smaller films with heart and soul.
6. Performance Categories Are Highly Competitive
As always, Best Actor and Best Actress are among the most competitive categories. This year, Oppenheimer’s Cillian Murphy and The Color Purple’s Danielle Brooks are receiving serious consideration, with many predicting that they will be among the final nominees. However, the supporting categories are equally competitive, with standout performances from Emma Stone in Poor Things, Willem Dafoe in The Last Night of the Earth, and David Oyelowo in A Small Act of Kindness.
Even though Juror #2 doesn’t have the same level of buzz as some of these bigger contenders, its cast’s performances could help it sneak into these categories if the film is seen as having the right momentum.
7. Streaming Platforms Are Playing a Key Role
While traditional movie theaters still hold a dominant place in the Oscar conversation, streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon Studios have made significant waves in recent years, with films like All Quiet on the Western Front and CODA securing multiple nominations and wins. This trend continues in 2025, with films from streaming services expected to be serious contenders.
Streaming services are not only producing high-quality content but are also distributing it widely, meaning that films have a better chance of being seen by Academy voters. This could work in favor of Juror #2, a film that has gained traction thanks to digital screenings and word-of-mouth reviews.
8. Voters Are Sensitive to Inclusivity and Representation
The issue of diversity and representation remains at the forefront of the Academy’s voting process. In recent years, the Oscars have placed a greater emphasis on rewarding films that showcase marginalized voices and stories. Films like The Color Purple, which deal with themes of racial and gender inequality, are gaining attention, and Juror #2, with its diverse cast and thoughtful examination of social justice, could benefit from this ongoing trend.
9. The Importance of Timing and Momentum
With voting closing soon, timing is everything in the Oscar race. Some films peak early, while others build momentum late in the process. Juror #2 may still be flying under the radar, but if it continues to gain praise in the final weeks, it could be the surprise nominee no one saw coming. Similarly, The Brutalist could use its unique perspective and emotional depth to make a late push in the voting process.
Conclusion
As voting for the 2025 Academy Awards nears its close, the race for Best Picture remains incredibly tight, with several underseen films like The Brutalist and Juror #2 potentially making surprising nominations. While frontrunners like Oppenheimer and Barbie continue to dominate the conversation, the Academy has shown an increasing willingness to recognize under-the-radar films with strong emotional cores, compelling narratives, and unique perspectives. Whether any of these dark horses make it to the final nomination list remains to be seen, but for now, the Oscars race is as unpredictable and exciting as ever.