Ahead of the 2025 Fall Festival Boom, two standout films – ‘The Cursed’ and ‘Formula One’ – emerge as the hot favorites for the esteemed Academy Awards. This surprising trend shows a move away from conventional Oscar fare as both come from the intellectual property of box offices hits, boosted by talents including Michael B. Jordan and Brad Pitt. As a result, they have leaped to the forefront of Oscar consideration in the first half of this year.
Leading the pack is ‘The Cursed,’ a sensation that has encapsulated critics and audiences with its unusual blend of the supernatural and the rhythmic blues scene, all set against the backdrop of aging race car champions fighting against time. Both ‘The Cursed’ and ‘Formula One’ break the mold of ‘award movies,’ indicating a possible shift in the Academy’s preferences. The pair’s combination of stellar reviews, garnering profits, and strong promotional drives make them a formidable presence in the awards races.
‘The Cursed’ quickly established a significant cultural presence since its premier in April. The film’s allure lies in skillfully weaving elements of horror set in 1930s Mississippi with a bluesy Southern Gothic drama, making it an original and genre-breaking piece. Garnering immense support globally, it has resonated deeply with both critics and viewers.
The backing of media giant Warner Bros. propelled ‘The Cursed’ into spotlight, racking over $360 million in worldwide box office revenue. This massive success propels it into both commercial and artistic Oscar debates. The movie is poised for nominations for best picture, director, and original screenplay; it also stands strong in other categories.
Stealing the show in the film is Michael B. Jordan with a powerful dual role performance as twin brothers, a feat that will undoubtedly draw accolades from the Academy. Supported by an impressive ensemble cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, and debuting artist Miles Caton, the film blends established star power with new talent.
In contrast, the Oscar race is already heating up with Joseph Kosinski’s ‘Formula One,’ released in late June. This ambitious project harmonizes blockbuster scale with slick presentation, injecting fresh life into the summer cinema season. Academy Award laureate Brad Pitt essays the role of Sonny Hayes, a retired race car champion who returns to the circuit.
Co-starring with Pitt is the rising star Damson Idris, notable for FX’s ‘Snowfall.’ As Joshua Pearce, a newcomer on the racing scene, his mentor-disciple bond and shared chemistry with Pitt transform the film’s narrative from an entertaining watch to a strong Oscar contender. Visually, ‘Formula One’ sets new benchmarks in the field of cinematography.
Kosinski, aided by Claudio Miranda and VFX overseer Ryan Tudhope, prioritized real racing scenarios and iconic Grand Prix tracks such as Silverstone, Monza, and Spa. The spectacular and realistic effects augment the film’s strong narrative, making it a striking cinematic experience.
Both ‘The Cursed’ and ‘Formula One’ mirror the Oscars’ shifting dynamics. The previous Academy prejudice against horror seems to be fading away. The revised Academy, characterized by younger and more diverse global voters, has begun to break from the traditional narrative.
‘The Cursed’ successfully ties into rich Black history and Southern-founded myths, ticking boxes for committee members who appreciate daring narratives and cultural relevance. With ‘Formula One,’ the Academy will need to overcome bias given the infrequent selection of sports-centric films, with only 17 of 601 best picture nominees being sports-related, and a single one being automotive racing – ‘Ford v Ferrari’ from 2019.
What makes ‘The Cursed’ an incredible piece of art is its blend of originality and proven leadership. Meanwhile, ‘Formula One’ exemplifies the type of grandeur that the Oscars have been inclined to honor, especially when it is paired with superior craftsmanship.
Given the current trends, both of these films have the potential to be front runners when the Academy reveals its nominations early next year. However, the race is not over yet, as this wave of innovative movies is just the beginning indication of what Oscar season in 2025 might provide.
As such, the rest of the year promises to be exciting, offering a blend of diverse movies and exposure for various genres that might never have gained recognition in previous years. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that Oscar season 2025 will be a revolutionary year for the film industry.
All eyes will be on the Academy to see if it continues to recognize and celebrate unconventional narratives, redefining the nature of ‘award movies.’ In doing so, it will potentially alter the global perception of the type of content worthy of a prestigious Oscar.
Considering the standards set by ‘The Cursed’ and ‘Formula One,’ the remaining releases of 2025 will have big shoes to fill. Regardless, the film world can anticipate an Oscars season brimming with innovation and a fantastic showcase of talent, both in front of and behind the camera.
The post Oscar Favorites 2025: ‘The Cursed’ and ‘Formula One’ Lead the Race appeared first on Real News Now.
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