The 2025 Academy Awards arrive with a historic showdown between two cinematic giants. Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' leads with 16 nominations, setting an Oscars record, while Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' follows with 13. Both films have dominated awards season, combining artistic ambition with blockbuster success.

This year's ceremony introduces a new category: best casting. The Times created an interactive game letting viewers vote on Hollywood's worst casting choices. Film critic Manohla Dargis highlights standout performances, praising Renate Reinsve's nuanced work in 'Sentimental Value' and Ethan Hawke's depth in 'Blue Moon.' She argues both 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' capture the American experience in ways studio films rarely do.

Prediction markets have already seen over $120 million wagered on Oscar outcomes, with platforms like Polymarket displaying live odds during the Golden Globes. Most nominated films are available for streaming, with HBO Max offering both frontrunners. The Times' Anatomy of a Scene series provides quick insights into the filmmaking process for eight of the ten best picture contenders.