If you were thrilled to see The Substance starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley earn multiple Oscar nominations, we’re on the same page — this film truly deserves the spotlight! But not every deserving actor, director, or film snagged as much recognition or respect this time around. 

Another unexpected movie to pull in multiple nominations is Nosferatu starring Lily-Rose Depp. Makeup and hairstyling, costume design, cinematography, and production design are all possible wins for the vampire-themed thriller.

Sebastian Stan did an incredible job portraying President Donald Trump in The Apprentice.So, his Oscar nod for best actor in the film doesn’t come as a shock at all.

When the 2025 Oscar Awards ceremony airs Sunday, March 2nd there will most definitely be some missing faces that very well may surprise you.

Jon M. Chu Snubbed for Best Director of Wicked

Let’s face it. Wicked was an instantaneous cultural phenomenon when it premiered in November 2024. Everywhere you turned, neon green and hot pink patterns were being used to advertise everything from makeup palettes to Starbucks drinks. 

Of course, Ariana Grande’s behind-the-scenes scandal with Ethan Slater and his ex-wife Lilly Jay overshadowed much of the movie’s magic – but the movie itself still proved to be a worthwhile watch with its deeper message, captivating plotline, and unforgettable soundtrack. 

So, why didn’t Jon M. Chu receive a rightful nomination for Best Director? Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo both received Oscar noms as lead actresses in the iconic film, but as the director, Jon was completely overlooked. 

After directing beloved films like Crazy Rich Asians in 2018 and In The Heights in 2021, you’d think The Academy would consider Jon for an Oscar nomination in 2025. But, they completely left him in the dust.

Angelina Jolie Snubbed for Best Actress in Maria

Maria Callas’ life story is intriguing, so it’s beyond epic that her life experiences were brought to the big screen. Angelina Jolie took on the titular role of the renowned opera singer, portraying the real-life Maria who chose to move to Paris during the 1970s.

Maria was a diva who’s life was blissfully glamorous, sure. But it was packed with jaw-dropping scandals and tumultuous heartbreak. Angelina’s captivating talent was a perfect match for this demanding role. We believe Angelina deserved an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Maria. 

Despite her powerful, emotionally nuanced performance, Angelina was surprisingly overlooked. What makes it even more frustrating is that she actually sang during the opera scenes, collaborating with archived recordings of the real Maria.

Angelina laid everything on the line with both her acting and singing abilities – and not many fans were aware she even knew how to sing. That being said, her Oscars snub isn’t fair in slightest.

Zendaya Snubbed for Best Actress in Challengers 

When you take Challengers’ box office success into account, it really makes you question why the movie received absolutely no Oscar nominations at all. With a budget of $55 million, it grossed more than $96 million! The profit alone speaks volumes about how well the movie did. 

Zendaya dedicated months to traveling for the movie’s press tour, showing up at red carpet events, and going above and beyond to promote the film. In the movie, Zendaya played the tricky role of Tashi Donaldson, a former tennis player stuck in the middle of a messy, drama-filled love triangle. 

Playing such a flawed and dynamic character isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but Zendaya handled it with elegance and grace. The Oscars’ oversight is simply baffling.

Selena Gomez Snubbed for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Perez 

While some people may have conflicting opinions about Selena Gomez’s overall performance in Emilia Perez, the resounding belief is that she showed up and showed out. Selena did her part to make the movie a success when it premiered which included brushing up her Spanish speaking skills, despite having admitted that she stopped speaking fluent Spanish as a young child. 

The “Lose You to Love Me” songstress also fielded criticism from Eugenio Derbez, who was less than impressed with her performance. 

According to Variety, Derbez slammed her mercilessly, saying, “Selena is indefensible. I [watched ‘Emilia Pérez’] with people, and every time she had a scene, we looked at each other to say, ‘Wow, what is this?’”

“Hablando de Cine” host Gaby Meza echoed Derbez. Although Meza admitted that Gomez is a “very talented actress,” she added, “Spanish is not her main language, not her secondary or fifth.” Ouch.

To that, Selena clapped back by explaining that she did the best she could in the timeframe she was given. Fans across social media platforms have flooded Eugenio’s comment sections to defend her. With so many people endorsing her, it’s shocking she didn’t receive a 2025 Oscar nomination at all.

To that, Selena clapped back by explaining that she did the best she could in the timeframe she was given. Fans across social media platforms have flooded Eugenio’s comment sections to defend her. With so many people endorsing her, it’s shocking she didn’t receive a 2025 Oscar nomination at all.

Pamela Anderson Snubbed for Best Actress in The Last Showgirl

While many people automatically associate  Pamela Anderson with projects like Baywatch and Barb Wire, when they think of, she made an impressive turn in The Last Showgirl. 

Anderson took on the lead role as Shelly, a woman lost in the chaos of the entertainment world and struggling to find her place. When Shelly’s job as a showgirl ends abruptly after 30 successful years, she has no idea what’s next. 

The movie dives into heavy topics like the struggles a woman faces as she ages and embracing the unknown. Pamela’s portrayal of Shelly was a bold, unexpected turn — vulnerable, layered, and utterly captivating. Honestly, she should’ve been in the Oscar conversation, but instead, The Academy shunned her.