The recent announcement of the 2025 Oscar nominations has ignited lively discussions around the cinematic landscape of the past year. Amid the usual speculation about potential winners, an unexpected narrative has taken center stage: the remarkable success of films featuring monkeys. As anticipation builds for the awards ceremony, critical conversations have emerged not only regarding the nominees but also those films that were surprisingly overlooked.
This year’s nominations included notable surprises and exclusions. For instance, director Denis Villeneuve’s absence from the Best Director category for Dune: Part Two, alongside the omission of composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for their work in Challengers, has raised eyebrows among industry professionals and fans alike. Yet, while the spotlight shines on the Best Picture contenders, a fascinating trend has emerged related to a specific category that highlights a unique triumph: the Best Visual Effects. Unsurprisingly, films featuring CGI monkeys have taken the lead here.
Monkeys Command Attention in Best Visual Effects Nominations
The Influence of CGI Monkeys in Modern Cinema
The Best Visual Effects category in the 2025 Academy Awards showcases an intriguing trend, predominantly featuring films that prominently feature CGI monkeys. For the first time in several years—barring the anomalies of the COVID-impacted 2020 awards—this category has notably excluded superhero films, creating an opening for other creative contenders.
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Best Visual Effects Nominees |
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Alien: Romulus |
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Better Man |
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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes |
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Wicked |
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Dune: Part Two |
Among the five nominees, three films cleverly integrate CGI monkeys, showcasing their varied roles. Notably, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes upholds the legacy set by its predecessors, which have all previously been nominated in this category. Additionally, films like Better Man portray its lead—music icon Robbie Williams—in an ape-like representation, and Wicked includes whimsical winged monkeys as iconic guards.
Potential for Triumph in Visual Effects Remains Uncertain
A Competitive Landscape Ahead
While the presence of CGI monkeys in the nominations presents an intriguing angle, these films face stiff competition. The frontrunner for the Best Visual Effects Oscar is undeniably Dune: Part Two. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film’s breathtaking CGI—from the mesmerizing landscapes of Arrakis and Giedi Prime to the awe-inspiring giant sandworms—has captivated both audiences and critics.
With a staggering 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Dune: Part Two may hold the advantage in this key category. As Hollywood continues to refine its CGI capabilities, the detailed rendering of apes and other simian figures may not be enough to eclipse the superior visual artistry presented in *Dune: Part Two*.Thus, while monkeys might dominate the conversation, the ultimate victory at the 2025 Oscars remains uncertain.
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