• 'Emilia Pérez' receives 13 nominations, setting a record for a non-English language film.
• The 2025 Oscars nominations were delayed due to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
• Major films like 'Wicked' and 'The Brutalist' also secure significant nominations.
• Academy leaders emphasize the importance of the ceremony as a symbol of resilience for the industry.
• Conan O’Brien set to host the Oscars, marking his first time for the prestigious event.

In a remarkable showcase of talent and resilience, the Oscar nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards were unveiled this Thursday morning, highlighting a difficult year for Hollywood amid ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. The Spanish-language film "Emilia Pérez," directed by Jacques Audiard, surged ahead with a record-setting 13 nominations, the most ever for a non-English language film. This achievement not only reflects the film's artistic excellence but also signifies a pivotal moment in Oscar history, as it narrowly misses the overall record of 14 nominations held by "La La Land," "Titanic," and "All About Eve" (Source). The nominations ceremony, initially scheduled for January 17, faced delays due to wildfires that wreaked havoc in the Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas starting January 7. The Academy extended its voting window and ultimately proceeded with the nominations to underscore the resilience of the Los Angeles film community in the face of such devastation. "We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry,” stated Bill Kramer, the academy’s chief executive (AP News). The nominees for Best Picture include a diverse roster: "Anora," "The Brutalist," "A Complete Unknown," "Conclave," "Dune: Part Two," "Emilia Pérez," "I’m Still Here," "Nickel Boys," "The Substance," and "Wicked." Notably, "Wicked" and "The Brutalist" each garnered 10 nominations, marking them as significant contenders in the race (Forbes). With a host of competitive categories, the Best Actress race features the historic nomination of Karla Sofía Gascón from "Emilia Pérez," making her the first openly transgender actress nominated for an Oscar. Other contenders include Demi Moore for "The Substance," Cynthia Erivo for "Wicked," Fernanda Torres for "I’m Still Here," and Mikey Madison for "Anora" (SFGate). This year’s nominations reflect a broader trend of films highlighting political and social narratives, with "The Apprentice," which dramatizes Donald Trump's formative years, unexpectedly landing nominations for actors Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. The Oscars ceremony, scheduled for March 2 and hosted by Conan O'Brien, aims to celebrate films that unite audiences globally while acknowledging the resilience required to navigate recent adversities (Forbes). Organizers stress the significance of the event, particularly in light of the extensive losses experienced by the film community due to the wildfires, with some calling for the Oscars to be canceled altogether. Despite such challenges, the academy remains committed to honoring the rich tapestry of storytelling and artistry that defines cinema today (AP News).