Angelina Jolie and Selena Gomez Ignored by the 2025 Oscars: Here are Other Snubs and Surprises

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Film buffs and members of the entertainment industry have been left in a whirlwind after the 2025 Oscar nominations. While the Academy celebrated diversity and inclusion with a historic list of nominees, several performances that seemed certain to compete for the coveted golden statuette were overlooked, sparking surprise and debate.

From Pamela Anderson's much-anticipated comeback to the exclusion of seasoned veterans like Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, and Kate Winslet, here's a look at the most surprising snubs of the season.

Major female snubs

Among the biggest disappointments this year was the omission of Kate Winslet. Her powerful and moving performance as iconic war photographer Lee Miller in 'Lee' earned critical acclaim, yet the Oscar-winning actress was left out of the race.

Nicole Kidman was another shocking absence. Her performance in erotic drama 'Babygirl' had been celebrated throughout the awards season, but the Academy chose other contenders for Best Actress.

Equally surprising was Angelina Jolie's exclusion. Her portrayal of opera legend Maria Callas in 'Maria' captivated audiences, as she learned to sing opera for the role, but it apparently wasn't enough to secure her a nomination.

Meanwhile, Pamela Anderson's performance in 'The Last Showgirl,' where she played an ex-dancer fighting for a second chance, also went unrecognized despite rave reviews marking her triumphant return to the big screen.

Margaret Qualley, praised for her role in 'The Substance,' was another notable omission, as was Selena Gomez. Gomez's performance in 'Emilia Pérez' sparked both praise and controversy, and while the film emerged as the most-nominated of the season, her work failed to convince the Academy to earn her a nomination.

Major male snubs

The surprises weren't limited to the female categories. Denzel Washington, a favorite for his role in 'Gladiator II,' was unexpectedly left out despite recognition at other major awards ceremonies. His absence is considered one of the Academy's most puzzling decisions this year.

Daniel Craig also missed out on a nomination for his heartbreaking performance in 'Queer,' which showcased a departure from his James Bond days. Despite critical acclaim, the Oscars prioritized other contenders.

The music category was particularly controversial

The musical categories also saw controversial omissions. Miley Cyrus' 'Beautiful That Way' from 'The Last Showgirl' failed to secure a nomination for Best Original Song despite its Golden Globe nod and emotional resonance.

Similarly, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross received a nomination for their 'Challengers' score, but their song 'Compress/Repress' didn't advance in the Best Original Song category, leaving fans of the Nine Inch Nails musicians disappointed.

The competition was fierce

These snubs highlight just how competitive the 2025 Oscars have been. Films like 'Emilia Pérez' and 'Wicked' dominated the nominations, leaving little room for other standout performances and productions.

A historic highlight this year is the nomination of Karla Sofía Gascón, the first transgender woman to be nominated for Best Actress for her role in 'Emilia Pérez.' Her recognition marks a significant milestone for the industry, underscoring the evolving landscape of representation and inclusion.

Originally published in The Latin Times