The 97th Academy Awards will be a significant event, showcasing a diverse mix of talent and narratives from around the world. Amid the Los Angeles wildfires, the nominations highlight Hollywood's evolving identity and reflect the growing global interest in stories that are unique and true to life.
Emilia Pérez leads the race with 13 nominations, dominating major categories, including Best Picture. The Brutalist and Wicked follow closely with ten nominations each. Another strong contender is Anoura, which has received six nominations for its bold portrayal of a sex worker's connection with the son of a Russian tycoon.
Emilia Pérez: Leading the charge with 13 nominationsInstagram/posterphilia
However, this year's Oscars are significant not only because of these heavyweights but also due to the increased representation of Asian and Middle Eastern talent.
Jon M Chu's adaptation of Wicked: Part I has received 10 nominations, including Best Picture. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's performances earned them nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Despite the film's success, Chu has yet to receive a Best Director nomination, which has baffled fans and reviewers.
Black Box Diaries, a documentary about Japanese journalist Shiori Itō's battle against sexual assault, brings out the strength of investigative journalism. Its nomination for Documentary Feature Film points out the importance of Asian perspectives in storytelling.
Uncovering truth and resilience, Black Box Diaries brings vital stories to lightInstagram/blackboxdiariesdoc
Magic Candies, directed by Daisuke Nishio and Takashi Washio, represents Japanese creativeness in animated storytelling. This beautiful storey about a young person finding his sofa can talk through magical marbles reflect the charm and creativity of Asian animation.
Magic Candies: A whimsical journey where imagination and wonder collideInstagram/toei_animation_europe
Diversity extends to animated films, with global voices bringing characters to life. Inside Out 2 features the voice of Filipino actress Liza Lapira, while The Wild Robot stars Stephanie Hsu. Also, the much-loved duo Wallace & Gromit return in Vengeance Most Fowl, starring Lauren Patel and Muzz Khan.
Indian representation remains strong, with Anuja nominated for Best Live Action Short Film. The film, produced by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, portrays the compelling storey of two sisters working in a Delhi textile factory whose lives depend on a critical choice. Anuja, directed by Adam J. Graves, underscores the power of locally relevant yet universal storytelling.
Anuja: A poignant tale of sisterhood and sacrifice set in the heart of DelhiInstagram/anujathefilm
Meanwhile, the elimination of Payal Kapadia's critically applauded film All We Imagine as Light from the Oscars has stirred discussion about squandered opportunities. Despite its global popularity, which included a Grand Prix at Cannes and accolades from critics' groups across the world, it did not receive an Oscar nomination.
All We Imagine as Light: A gripping exploration of untold stories and unspoken truthsInstagram/allweimagineaslightfilm
This year's nominees however go beyond an acknowledgement of artistic excellence; they also indicate a trend toward inclusion and global storytelling. With films like Black Box Diaries, Magic Candies, and Anuja, as well as the incredible talent behind Wicked: Part I, the Academy is broadening its horizons to include themes that transcend cultural barriers.
As the 97th Academy Awards approach on March 23, 2025, cinegoers across the world restlessly wait to find out if these remarkable nominations will result in wins. Regardless of the outcomes, this year’s Oscars are more like a proof of the growing demand for diverse voices and global perspectives in cinema.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.