The 2025 Oscars shortlist has been revealed, and fans and critics alike are buzzing about the notable absence of several highly-praised queer films and performances. Among the most surprising omissions is the heartfelt documentary Will & Harper, which failed to secure a nomination despite previously making it to the 15-film shortlist for the Best Documentary Feature category. This insightful film, which follows actor Will Ferrell and his best friend, former Saturday Night Live writer Harper Steele, on a transformative road trip, has been celebrated for its honest exploration of friendship in the face of Harper’s decision to transition. Despite garnering critical acclaim and audience approval, the documentary was left out in the cold.
While this year’s Academy Awards marks a historic moment for trans representation, with Karla Sofía Gascón from Emilia Pérez becoming the first openly trans performer to receive an acting Oscar nomination, the lack of recognition for other queer narratives has left many fans disappointed. The snubbing of Will & Harper is not the only oversight. Both of Luca Guadagnino’s 2024 releases, Challengers and Queer, also failed to receive nominations.
The Snubs and Surprises
Daniel Craig’s standout performance in Queer was another anticipated contender for Best Actor, following his recent Golden Globe nomination. The film, set in the 1950s, portrays Craig as William Lee, a conflicted character navigating a landscape of hard drugs and romantic entanglements with young men. While the film itself sparked mixed reviews, Craig’s role was universally praised, making the lack of an Oscar nod a surprising outcome.
Challengers, known for its daring and homoerotic themes, was also considered a frontrunner after its successful box office release in the previous April. Despite being hailed as one of the boldest films of 2024, it seems the momentum did not carry through to awards season.
Denzel Washington’s captivating portrayal of the queer villain Macrinus in Gladiator II had stirred conversations about a potential Best Supporting Actor nomination. However, the film’s failure to make the shortlist adds to the list of unexpected snubs.
On a brighter note, Wicked, a beloved queer favorite, managed to secure an impressive ten nominations, including Best Picture and Best Female Actress for Cynthia Erivo. Nevertheless, the film’s director, Jon M Chu, was not recognized in the Best Director category, raising eyebrows among critics and fans.
Community Reactions
The lack of nominations for Jane Schoenbrun’s cult horror film I Saw The TV Glow was less surprising given its limited release, yet it still sparked a conversation on social media. The film has developed a dedicated following, and its absence from the Oscars highlights the challenges that smaller, independent films face in gaining recognition.
Other notable non-queer omissions include Pamela Anderson for her role in The Last Showgirl, Nicole Kidman in Babygirl, Lily Rose-Depp’s horror film Nosferatu, and the Irish comedy Kneecap.
Meanwhile, Emilia Pérez, which features a central trans narrative, achieved a remarkable 13 nominations. Yet, the exclusion of Selena Gomez from the Best Supporting Actress shortlist was unexpected for many who anticipated her recognition.
As the awards ceremony approaches on March 3, the community reflects on the importance of celebrating diverse voices and stories in cinema. The conversation continues as fans express their thoughts on the snubs and surprises of this year’s Oscars.
We invite you to share your opinions and engage with us in the comments section below. Remember to keep the discussion respectful and supportive.
The 2025 Oscars promise to be a landmark event, with significant strides towards inclusion and representation. However, the journey towards equal recognition for queer stories and performances continues, with advocates and allies pushing for greater visibility and appreciation.
Let us know your thoughts and predictions for the upcoming awards. Who do you think should have been recognized, and what films or performances are you rooting for this year? Join the conversation and let your voice be heard!
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