The 2025 Oscars: Analyzing the Box Office Impact of Best Picture Nominees
As the 2025 Oscars approach, anticipation builds around the Best Picture contenders, likely boosting their box office performances. While nominations traditionally encourage viewers to indulge in these artistic films, it’s important to note that Oscar nominees rarely dominate Hollywood’s highest-grossing charts, which are typically led by massive action and sci-fi blockbusters.
Oscars and Box Office Dynamics
The relationship between the Oscars and box office success has been complex. Historically, audiences have expressed frustration over the Academy’s tendency to overlook popular films in favor of artsy, critically acclaimed ones. Recently, however, there has been a shift, as more commercially successful films also receive nominations. This year’s nominees are a testament to this evolving trend, showcasing a blend of critical acclaim and varying degrees of box office success.
2025 Best Picture Nominees: A Box Office Overview
| Best Picture Nominee | Runtime | Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| I’m Still Here | 2h 18m | 95% | 99% |
| Pomegranate | 2h 19m | 93% | 90% |
| Conclave | 2h | 93% | 86% |
| The Brutalist | 3h 35m | 93% | 81% |
| Dune: Part Two | 2h 46m | 92% | 95% |
| Nickel Boys | 2h 20m | 90% | 76% |
| The Substance | 2h 20m | 89% | 75% |
| Wicked | 2h 40m | 88% | 95% |
| A Complete Unknown | 2h 20m | 80% | 96% |
| Emilia Perez | 2h 10m | 74% | 19% |
10. Nickel Boys
Domestic Gross: $1.73 Million | Worldwide Total: $1.89 Million
Despite being one of the 2025 Oscars nominees, Nickel Boys finds itself fighting for visibility at the box office. Following its nominations for Best Picture and Best Screenplay, it experienced a slight uptick in ticket sales during the January 24 to 26 weekend (source: Box Office Mojo), though with a $23 million budget, it remains far from recouping costs.
9. The Brutalist
Domestic Gross: $10.25 Million | Worldwide Total: $12.8 Million
The 3.5-hour runtime of The Brutalist presents a challenge for attracting audiences. Yet, critics are championing its cinematic grandeur. Significant ticket sales have followed its Oscar nominations, positioning it for potential profitability given its modest $10 million budget.
8. Emilia Perez
Domestic Gross: – | Worldwide Total: $13.37 Million
Primarily available through Netflix, Emilia Pérez has not registered a domestic gross. Its success internationally, fueled by a lauded premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, reflects a shifting distribution model. Despite skepticism surrounding its Oscar nominations, the film continues to attract viewers worldwide.
7. I’m Still Here
Domestic Gross: $515 Thousand | Worldwide Total: $15.56 Million
Surprising audiences with a Best Picture nomination, I’m Still Here has turned a profit relative to its $1.5 million budget. After being recognized at the Golden Globes, it’s expected to experience additional interest following its official U. S.release on February 7.
6. Pomegranate
Domestic Gross: $15.14 Million | Worldwide Total: $33.12 Million
Audience acclaim drives the success of Anora, which tells the compelling story of a sex worker in a runaway romance. With a $6 million budget, it has achieved break-even status and is well-positioned to continue earning as more viewers rent it.
5. A Complete Unknown
Domestic Gross: $64.53 Million | Worldwide Total: $75.75 Million
Sporting a compelling cast led by Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown has thrived at the box office. However, with production costs around $60 to $70 million, it still faces financial challenges amidst fluctuating ticket sales following its January opening.
4. The Substance
Domestic Gross: $17.1 Million | Worldwide Total: $76.825 Million
The Substance resonates with audiences for its thought-provoking narrative and stellar performances, particularly by Demi Moore. As a genre film gaining momentum, it has sparked conversations about the Oscars’ previously evident bias against horror cinema.
3. Conclave
Domestic Gross: $31.965 Million | Worldwide Total: $84.535 Million
Drawing on a well-known literary source, Conclave has captured audience interest and earned a reception reflective of its engaging narrative. Rated PG, it appeals to a broader demographic compared to many R-rated contenders.
2. Dune: Part Two
Domestic Gross: $282.14 Million | Worldwide Total: $714.64 Million
Dune: Part Two exemplifies box office prowess through its staggering earnings. As a cornerstone of a successful sci-fi franchise and boasting a renowned ensemble cast, it merges mainstream appeal with artistry.
1. Wicked
Domestic Gross: $469.66 Million | Worldwide Total: $718 Million
Wicked stands as the box office champion of 2024, overcoming hurdles related to its early production challenges. With exceptional performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it exceeds expectations, establishing itself as a cultural touchstone.
As the Oscars loom, the box office trajectories of these nominations reveal how quality intertwines with mainstream appeal. A significant portion of this data is accurate as of February 1, 2025.
Sources: Box Office Mojo, Collider, Deadline
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