The 2025 Academy Awards are set to take place on March 2, honoring the best in film from the past year. Among the contenders for the coveted Best Supporting Actress award are a talented group of performers, each showcasing their skills in diverse roles. The nominees include Monica Barbaro, Ariana Grande, Felicity Jones, Isabella Rossellini, and Zoe Saldaña, each of whom has delivered outstanding performances that reflect complex characters and compelling stories.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Monica Barbaro’s Portrayal in “A Complete Unknown” |
| 2) Ariana Grande’s Iconic Role in “Wicked” |
| 3) Felicity Jones in “The Brutalist” |
| 4) Isabella Rossellini’s Impact in “Conclave” |
| 5) Zoe Saldaña’s Role in “Emilia Pérez” |
Monica Barbaro’s Portrayal in “A Complete Unknown”
In the biographical drama “A Complete Unknown,” directed by James Mangold, Monica Barbaro plays Joan Baez, the iconic folk singer who becomes romantically involved with Bob Dylan. The film follows Dylan’s journey to fame starting from his arrival in New York City in 1961. Initial facets expose Baez struggling with her own identity as she supports the emerging star.
Set in the vibrant cultural backdrop of the 1960s, the film unfolds with Baez and Dylan sharing a passionate affair, highlighted through their musical performances. One notable scene features them performing a duet of Dylan’s song at the Newport Folk Festival, which encapsulates the complicated emotions affecting their relationship, especially as Baez is competing with Dylan’s other romantic connections. This duality portrays the struggles of ambition, love, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of artistry.
Barbaro explained her preparation for the role included learning to play the guitar and vocal training to authentically capture Baez’s distinct soprano voice. She expressed her admiration for Baez, stating that the singer’s voice was as signature as her lyrics, and aimed to convey Baez’s essence while making the character relatable. Her intricate understanding of Baez’s passionate nature became evident during the interviews, where Barbaro discussed the profound impact of the singer-songwriter’s relationship with Dylan.
Through her nuanced performance, Barbaro presents Baez not just as a muse but as a strong, complex woman who navigates a challenging world in both love and career. The film has been recognized with eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, and has captured the audience’s admiration since its release by Searchlight Pictures. This performance marks Barbaro’s first Oscar nomination, adding to her growing accolades in the industry.
Ariana Grande’s Iconic Role in “Wicked”
In the musical adaptation of “Wicked,” based on the beloved Broadway show, Ariana Grande stars as Glinda, alongside Cynthia Erivo who plays Elphaba. The story serves as a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” offering insights into the backgrounds of its famous characters, particularly exploring the evolution of Elphaba into the Wicked Witch of the West. This fresh perspective questions the nature of goodness and villainy, presenting a new layer of depth to the traditional narrative.
The musical traverses the themes of friendship and acceptance, with Grande’s character Glinda initially portrayed as popular and somewhat superficial, who later evolves through her friendship with Elphaba. Grande had been connected to the music of “Wicked” long before her casting; her audition included renditions of various pieces from the show, showcasing her vocal talent. She shared, “It was such a joy to take on this role that I’ve loved for years,” indicating her long-standing connection to the narrative and music.
In interviews, Grande expressed her excitement and nervousness about portraying Glinda, reflecting on the intense preparation required for the role. With vocal coach assistance, she trained for her character’s demanding aria, emphasizing the shift from casual singing to a more disciplined performance approach befitting the character. The casting of Grande and Erivo was lauded by critics and audiences alike, indicating a powerful synergy between the two characters, which deepens the story’s emotional impact.
Additionally, “Wicked” has emerged as a significant Academy Award contender with a total of ten nominations, including Best Picture. The film’s musical score, vibrant choreography, and exceptional performances, particularly from Grande, have contributed to its success and welcomed anticipation surrounding its release. Grande’s performance in the film marks her first Academy Award nomination, showcasing her versatility as an artist transitioning from pop music to dramatic acting.
Felicity Jones in “The Brutalist”
In “The Brutalist,” directed by Brady Corbet, Felicity Jones plays Erzsébet, the wife of László Tóth, an architect portrayed by Adrien Brody. The film, set after World War II, follows the struggles Tóth faces due to antisemitism and classism as he attempts to reestablish his career in America. Jones’s character adds emotional layers to the story, showcasing the couple’s challenges as they adapt to life in a new country.
The narrative emphasizes emotional intimacy, as Erzsébet grapples with the remnants of trauma from their past, including their experiences in concentration camps. Jones’s performance has been described as both tender and ferocious, expressing the resilience of a woman confronting her own vulnerabilities amidst her partner’s professional turmoil. The interplay between their characters is a cornerstone of the film, resonating with themes of love, survival, and the enduring struggle against prejudice.
In interviews, Jones highlighted the significance of the script, noting its depth of character and sweeping historical context. She stated a desire to convey Erzsébet’s journey with authenticity, noting the complexities of her background shaped by trauma and strength. Jones’s commitment to her role further emphasizes her belief in the power of storytelling, particularly stories that depict intimate relationships against the backdrop of societal challenges.
With ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, “The Brutalist” has garnered critical acclaim since its release by A24, establishing Jones’s performance as a pivotal aspect of the film’s success.
Isabella Rossellini’s Impact in “Conclave”
In “Conclave,” based on the thriller by Robert Harris, Isabella Rossellini portrays Sister Agnes, who finds herself amidst the power dynamics of the Vatican during the selection of a new pope. The narrative dives into the intrigues of the College of Cardinals and explores how overwhelming moral and ethical dilemmas unfold in one of the world’s most cloistered institutions. Rossellini’s character, though she speaks sparingly, holds immense gravitas, challenging the male-dominated narrative.
Rossellini’s portrayal delivers a remarkable performance, utilizing her limited dialogue to infuse authority and complexity into Sister Agnes. Her presence serves as a counterweight to the cardinals, subtly representing the undercurrents of gender dynamics within the Church. In interviews, Rossellini expressed her excitement playing a role where she could project strength and wisdom without the necessity of extensive dialogue, stating, “Even if you have a subservient role, that doesn’t mean you don’t possess authority.”
The film encourages a dialogue regarding women’s roles in powerful institutions, a theme that resonated during its screening. Rossellini’s performance has been praised for embodying the dichotomy of being both part of a subservient role while wielding significant influence. This powerful performance has earned Rossellini her first Academy Award nomination.
Zoe Saldaña’s Role in “Emilia Pérez”
In “Emilia Pérez,” a musical crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard, Zoe Saldaña takes on the role of Rita, a defense attorney caught in a moral dilemma when she must assist a drug lord transitioning into a new identity following a botched murder charge. This unique storyline intertwines themes of corruption and redemption as Saldaña navigates a character grappling with her values amid overwhelming personal and ethical challenges.
The film has made waves at the Oscars, leading the race with a total of 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Saldaña’s performance encapsulates the essence of Rita through dynamic singing and choreography interwoven with the narrative. Renowned for her physically demanding roles, Saldaña infuses Rita with emotional depth while embracing the role’s challenges, which require both vulnerability and strength.
Saldaña described her process of stepping into Rita’s shoes as a venture requiring discipline to shed her preconceived judgment and fully immerse in her character’s journey. Her performance resonates on multiple levels, showcasing the actress’s range as she navigates the fine line between humor and profound emotional turmoil.
“Emilia Pérez” has garnered critical acclaim and a strong audience reception, marking Saldaña’s first nomination in the Academy Awards. The film’s success and her captivating portrayal have reinvigorated discussions surrounding the narratives presented in musical formats.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The 2025 Academy Awards will honor outstanding performances, including five nominees for Best Supporting Actress. |
| 2 | Monica Barbaro’s role as Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown” focuses on the complexities of love and friendship during Dylan’s rise to fame. |
| 3 | Ariana Grande, nominated for her performance in “Wicked,” beautifully captures Glinda’s transformation and complexity in a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz.” |
| 4 | Felicity Jones’s portrayal in “The Brutalist” highlights the journey of a couple amid societal challenges, contributing significantly to the film’s emotional weight. |
| 5 | Isabella Rossellini delivers a powerful performance in “Conclave,” showcasing female authority amid the patriarchal structure of the Church. |
| 6 | Zoe Saldaña’s character in “Emilia Pérez” illustrates the conflicts between personal ethics and professional demands in a vibrant musical setting. |
Summary
With the 2025 Academy Awards approaching, the spotlight is on several remarkable performances that have resonated with audiences and critics alike. The nominated actresses embody the depth and complexity of their characters, showcasing varied narratives that compel and entertain. From Barbara’s exploration of love and ambition in the tumultuous 1960s to Grande’s whimsical take on a beloved character, each performance contributes to the year’s cinematic landscape. As the awards ceremony looms, the anticipation surrounding these performances exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling in film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who are the nominees for Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards?
The nominees include Monica Barbaro, Ariana Grande, Felicity Jones, Isabella Rossellini, and Zoe Saldaña.
Question: What is the primary storyline of “A Complete Unknown”?
The film follows Bob Dylan’s early years, focusing on his relationship with Joan Baez as he navigates fame and personal challenges.
Question: How has Ariana Grande prepared for her role in “Wicked”?
Grande underwent extensive vocal training and prepared thoroughly for her character, Glinda, to ensure a heartfelt and authentic performance in the musical adaptation.
