SUMMARY
The 97th Academy Awards will celebrate the finest achievements in filmmaking on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. This year’s Oscars boast a diverse lineup, featuring blockbuster hits, critically acclaimed dramas, and outstanding international films. Notably, the nominations highlight a group of first-time acting nominees, recognising both rising stars and veteran performers receiving their first-ever Oscar nods. Here’s a look at these first-time nominees.
1 / 131. Karla Sofia Gascon | Karla Sofia Gascon made history as the first openly transgender actress nominated for Best Actress. She earned this nomination for her lead role in Emilia Pérez, portraying a Mexican crime boss undergoing a gender transition. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 132. Demi Moore | At 62, Demi Moore received her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her performance in The Substance. This role also garnered her a Golden Globe earlier this year. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 133. Mikey Madison | Mikey Madison earned her first Best Actress nomination for her breakout role in Anora, a romantic comedy-drama that also led to nominations at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 134. Fernanda Torres | Fernanda Torres secured a Best Actress nomination for her role in I’m Still Here. She is only the second Brazilian actress ever nominated in this category, following her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated in 1999. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 135. Sebastian Stan | Sebastian Stan received his first Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 136. Ariana Grande | Pop star Ariana Grande earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Glinda in Wicked, marking her Oscars debut. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 137. Kieran Culkin | Known for his work in Succession, Kieran Culkin received his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, a performance that also garnered him a Golden Globe. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 138. Isabella Rossellini | After decades in the industry, Isabella Rossellini earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Sister Agnes in Conclave. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 139. Zoe Saldana | Zoe Saldana received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her performance as Rita Mora Castro in Emilia Pérez, a role that also brought her Golden Globes recognition. (Image: Reuters)
10 / 1310. Jeremy Strong | Jeremy Strong earned his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice. (Image: Reuters)
11 / 1311. Monica Barbaro | Monica Barbaro received her first Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown. (Image: Reuters)
12 / 1312. Guy Pearce | Australian actor Guy Pearce secured a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his portrayal of Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. in The Brutalist. (Image: Reuters)
13 / 1313. Yura Borisov | Yura Borisov received his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Anora, becoming the first Russian actor to be recognized in a performance category since 1977. (Image: AP)
