**Oscars 2025: Hollywood's Choice Amid Political Divides**

As the dust settles from the emotionally charged 2024 presidential election, the film industry is bracing for an equally intense awards season. The upcoming Oscars could be influenced by the political climate, mirroring America's divisions and conversations. Historically, the Academy Awards have often reflected the nation's zeitgeist, capturing moments of defiance or calls for unity.

In 2016, the selection of "Moonlight" over the expected "La La Land" was seen as a response to Donald Trump's controversial rhetoric. The win for a poignant story about a Black man's sexual identity was complemented by Mahershala Ali's groundbreaking victory as the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar and Iran's "The Salesman" taking home the international feature prize—both seen as rebukes of Trump's policies.

With Trump now returning to office, the Academy has another chance to make a statement. Hollywood creatives are poised to address this moment marked by clashing ideals, and several films cater to the liberal-leaning members of the voting body. Jacques Audiard's "Emilia Perez," starring transgender actor Karla Sofia Gascón, and Josh Greenbaum's Netflix documentary "Will & Harper," focusing on a gender transition road trip, are potential symbols of inclusion amid the ongoing cultural debates.

Also in the running is Jon M. Chu's "Wicked," featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The movie's celebration of empathy and individuality has received a rapturous reception and strong reviews, with a 92% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. These responses suggest it might become a rallying point for liberal viewers and could potentially dominate the awards season.

Meanwhile, Brady Corbet's historical drama "The Brutalist," which addresses antisemitism and artistic resilience, might resonate with voters seeking narratives mirroring today's geopolitical struggles. The inclusion of "Anora," a film highlighting a romance involving a sex worker and a Russian oligarch's son, could appeal to those advocating for more female-centered stories.

However, the Oscars have also been known to seek a middle ground in politically charged times. The 2000 win for "Gladiator" over more introspective films like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Traffic" is a case in point. With Ridley Scott's sequel to "Gladiator" now in the mix, it could evoke a similar populist appeal, recalling a more universally accepted era of Hollywood.

This tendency isn't new. During Ronald Reagan's presidencies, winners like "Ordinary People" and "Amadeus" reflected the stable political atmosphere or offered an escape. More recently, "CODA" won in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that voters might lean towards stories of survival or escapism during turbulent times.

The films that emerge as winners in 2025 will undoubtedly serve as a snapshot of America's current state—its divisions, aspirations, fears, and hopes. The Oscars will continue to be a cultural mirror, reflecting a world navigating its evolving identity. Here are this week's top Oscar predictions across all 23 categories:

**Best Picture**
"Anora"
"Blitz"
"The Brutalist"
"A Complete Unknown"
"Conclave"
"Dune: Part Two"
"Emilia Pérez"
"Gladiator II"
"The Room Next Door"
"Wicked"

**Director**
Jacques Audiard, "Emilia Pérez"
Sean Baker, "Anora"
Edward Berger, "Conclave"
Jon M. Chu, "Wicked"
Ridley Scott, "Gladiator II"

**Actor**
Adrien Brody, "The Brutalist"
Timothée Chalamet, "A Complete Unknown"
Colman Domingo, "Sing Sing"
Ralph Fiennes, "Conclave"
Paul Mescal, "Gladiator II"

**Actress**
Cynthia Erivo, "Wicked"
Karla Sofía Gascón, "Emilia Pérez"
Marianne Jean-Baptiste, "Hard Truths"
Angelina Jolie, "Maria"
Mikey Madison, "Anora"

**Supporting Actor**
Yura Borisov, "Anora"
Kieran Culkin, "A Real Pain"
Clarence Maclin, "Sing Sing"
Guy Pearce, "The Brutalist"
Denzel Washington, "Gladiator II"

**Supporting Actress**
Monica Barbaro, "A Complete Unknown"
Ariana Grande, "Wicked"
Saoirse Ronan, "Blitz"
Isabella Rossellini, "Conclave"
Zoe Saldaña, "Emilia Pérez"