Will the 2025 Cannes Winners Make a Splash at the Oscars Like Last Year’s Victors?
As the dust settles on the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, film enthusiasts and industry insiders are already speculating on which films will make a splash at the upcoming Academy Awards. Last year, Cannes winners such as “Parasite” and “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” went on to receive critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, leaving many wondering if this year’s victors will follow in their footsteps.
One film generating a lot of buzz is “Un Simple Accident,” directed by French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard. The film, which tells the story of a man who accidentally kills a stranger and must grapple with the consequences, received rave reviews at Cannes and is already being touted as a potential Oscar contender. Godard, known for his innovative and provocative filmmaking style, is no stranger to critical acclaim, having won the Palme d’Or at Cannes multiple times in the past.
Another film that has caught the attention of critics is “Sentimental Value,” directed by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. The film, which explores themes of love, loss, and memory, has been praised for its emotional depth and stunning visuals. Almodóvar, a frequent favorite at Cannes, is no stranger to the Oscars, having won multiple awards for films such as “All About My Mother” and “Talk to Her.”
Finally, “Nouvelle Vague,” directed by Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, is also generating Oscar buzz. The film, which follows a group of young artists in 1960s Paris as they navigate love, friendship, and artistic ambition, has been praised for its lush cinematography and strong performances. Guadagnino, best known for his work on films such as “Call Me by Your Name” and “Suspiria,” is considered a frontrunner for the Best Director category at this year’s Oscars.
While all three films have received critical acclaim and are considered strong contenders for Oscar nominations, one potential hurdle they may face is their primary language. Historically, the Academy has favored English-language films, with only a handful of foreign-language films winning major awards. However, recent years have seen a shift towards more diverse and international cinema, with films like “Parasite” breaking through language barriers to win multiple Oscars.
In an interview with Variety, film critic Peter Travers noted, “The Academy is slowly but surely starting to recognize the talent and creativity of filmmakers from around the world. Films like ‘Parasite’ have shown that language is no longer a barrier to success at the Oscars, and I think we’ll continue to see more international films making a splash in the coming years.”
Despite the challenges they may face, “Un Simple Accident,” “Sentimental Value,” and “Nouvelle Vague” are all strong contenders for Oscar nominations and could potentially follow in the footsteps of last year’s Cannes winners. As the awards season heats up, all eyes will be on these films and their directors to see if they can make a splash at the Oscars like their predecessors.
In conclusion, the 2025 Cannes winners have the potential to make a significant impact at the upcoming Academy Awards, but whether they will be able to break through the language barrier and secure major nominations remains to be seen. With the Oscars becoming increasingly diverse and international in recent years, the stage is set for these films to make a splash on Hollywood’s biggest night. Will they be able to capture the hearts of academy voters and secure their place in cinematic history? Only time will tell.