“Oscar Nomination Reactions 2025: Insights and interesting analysis from Rebecca Rubin, Matt Donnelly, Katsy Stephen, Jazz Tangkay, Matt Minton, Elsa Keslassy, and Caroline Giardina!”
“2025 Oscar nomination morning: Ariana Grande gets congratulations from therapist, Mikey Madison FaceTimes the dog, and Demi Moore makes a funny comment on ‘The Substance’!”
The Oscar nomination morning was spectacular and unexpected! “Wicked” star Ariana Grande got an interesting congratulatory call from her therapist, while “Anora” actor Mikey Madison FaceTimed his beloved dog. And then, his co-star Yura Borisov, who was already in Moscow enjoying champagne! Demi Moore even joked that her soul never returned to her body on the occasion of “The Substance”‘s first nomination!
On this spectacular day, “A Complete Unknown” director James Mangold and supporting actress Monica Barbaro, as well as “The Substance” producer Coralie Fargeat, spoke about the recognition they received from the Academy.
Ariana Grande
Congratulations on your first nomination. Where were you when you found out?
I was in London; I just got out of the shower. Then my therapist called tocongratulate me. I talked to my mom, best friends, and Kristin Chenoweth and texted Cynthia and Jon Chu.
What was your reaction when you heard your name?
I cried. I haven’t stopped crying since. It was overwhelming.
How did it feel when your co-star Bowen Yang announced your name?
It felt like home. I love him so much, and he’s one of my best friends. He looked so charming. He texted me before to wish me good luck.
What does it mean to both you and Cynthia to get nominated?
It’s a great celebration of all our hard work. It feels like Kristin and Idina have given us this responsibility. Now we’re getting this recognition together.
Is this better than getting a Grammy nomination?
Oh my god, I don’t know what to say. Next question.
“Wicked” got a total of 10 nominations. Why wasn’t John nominated for best director?
He’s so talented, and all the other nominations are because of him. He feels that celebrating “Wicked” is special to him, too. None of this would have been possible without his leadership and thoughtfulness.
Who are you going to bring with you to the ceremony?
I haven’t had time to think about it. I want a table for 40 Italians from Boca; how do we figure that out?
Demi Moore
Oscar Nomination 2025: Demi Moore nominated for Best Actress for ‘The Substance’!
This is the first Oscar nomination of your career. How did you react when you heard your name?
I felt like I was not in my body. The moment was very intense, and there was a lot going on in my mind. There was a fire in Los Angeles at that time, and I had to stay up all night worrying because it was not too far away from us. I felt deeply humbled in this situation.
At the Golden Globes, you said that you had never received this kind of recognition in your career. Do you feel vindicated now?
I am very grateful for this recognition. It is not only about my success but also about this film “The Substance” and its message. I think my work is for a bigger thing, and this honor is part of that.
What does it mean to you to have a film like this nominated at the Oscars?
It means a lot to me. “The Substance” is a unique film, a fusion of different genres. I felt at times that this film could have been a complete disaster, but in spite of that, the film offered a new perspective. It can be compared to films like “Ghost,” but “The Substance” has given birth to new ideas.
Has this film given a new turn to your career?
Absolutely, “The Substance” has given a new direction to my career. This film not only entertained the audience but also made them start thinking about answers to deep questions. It has inspired me to challenge myself even more as an actor.
How have critics received “The Substance”?
Critics have considered it a very special and experimental film. It forces the audience to think about humor, pain, and deep issues. I am glad that it has been appreciated so much and is being seen as a new film genre.
What is your next step after Oscar nominations?
After Oscar nominations, I wish to work on more interesting and deeper subjects. This is a new phase, and I am sure whatever I do will take me to even greater heights.
Mikey Madison
Oscar Nomination 2025: Madison Nominated for Best Actress for “Anora”
How did you react to being nominated for an Oscar for the first time?
Lying in bed in a New York hotel, I feel so grateful. This morning, I FaceTimed my mom, dad, dog, and twin brother. It was a very special moment. Although I’m a little heartbroken about Los Angeles, as a community we all came up with a beautiful way to celebrate the film.
“Anora” got six nominations, including one for your co-star Yura Borisov. Have you spoken to him?
Yes, I spoke to him! He was in his country, and we FaceTimed. He was drinking champagne in the park with his wife; the scene was so lovely.
Have you contacted Sean Baker?
I’m not sure if he’s awake yet, but I’ve made a few FaceTime calls. We’ll see if he answers!
Is there anyone you’re excited to meet at the Oscars?
I haven’t had the chance to meet Fernanda [Torres], but she’s a really amazing and beautiful actress. Her talent inspires me.
Are there any nominated films you haven’t seen yet?
Yes, there are a few I have yet to see. Although I’m stubborn and love watching movies on the big screen, for now I have to watch them on my projector, which is much more convenient at home.
Monica Barbaro
Oscar Nomination 2025: Barbaro was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for “A Complete Unknown.”
Where were you when the nominations were announced?
“I was just in London, and I was doing fittings with costume designer Jenny Egan. She refreshed her phone over and over, and I was thinking, ‘I don’t want to know anything.’ Then I looked at my phone and collapsed. I’m so happy, it’s surreal.”
Does the cast have a group chat?
“We have several group chats. Ed [Norton], Jim [Mangold] and I were together in Paris, Rome, and then London, so we live on group chat. I sent them a video of me walking down the street in Rome and someone was singing ‘Don’t Think Twice.’ Now it’s congratulatory messages everywhere.”
Who would you take to the Oscars with you?
“I hadn’t thought about it yet. This is the first time I’ve considered it. I’m an actor, and I’m excited for work, so I don’t get a plus one at parties.”
Is there anyone you’re excited to meet at the festival?
“I grew up watching Zoe Saldana. ‘Center Stage’ was our movie in the ballet world. So, it’s been a great experience to talk to these people and share my love of their work.”
This weekend, Timothée Chalamet will be the host and musical guest on “Saturday Night Live.” Will you be singing with him?
“I’m shooting in London, and I was trying to make it work, but I don’t think I’ll be able to go to ‘SNL.’ Now I’m so sad. I want to hug her and congratulate her. But I’ll definitely watch it.”
Yura Borisov
Oscar Nomination 2025: Borisov was nominated for best supporting actor for “Anora.”
This is the first time you have been nominated for an Oscar, and it is also your first American film. How do you feel about this?
It is a really emotional and amazing experience. People are calling and texting me, everyone is overjoyed. But I myself don’t understand what I am feeling now.
Where were you when you got the nomination?
I was in the car with my family at that time. It was a funny moment, because my name was called first. My wife screamed so happily that after that I did not hear anything of the rest of the nominations.
Have you spoken to Mikey Madison or Sean Baker about their nominations?
Yes, I had a video call with Mikey to congratulate him. It was a bit strange, because it was evening in Moscow and five in the morning in LA. It was quite unexpected to hear the news so early at that time.
James Mangold
Oscar Nomination 2025: Mangold was nominated for best director and adapted the screenplay for “A Complete Unknown.”
This is the first time you have been nominated for an Oscar, and it is also your first American film. How do you feel about this?
It is a really emotional and amazing experience. People are calling and texting me, everyone is overjoyed. But I myself don’t understand what I am feeling now.
Where were you when you got the nomination?
I was in the car with my family at that time. It was a funny moment, because my name was called first. My wife screamed so happily that after that I did not hear anything of the rest of the nominations.
Have you spoken to Mikey Madison or Sean Baker about their nominations?
Yes, I had a video call with Mikey to congratulate him. It was a bit strange, because it was evening in Moscow and five in the morning in LA. It was quite unexpected to hear the news so early at that time.
Coralie Fargeat
Fargeat was nominated for best director for “The Substance.”
How do you feel about being nominated as the only female director this year?
It’s a really incredible experience. I’m extremely proud and happy. It’s a great achievement, and I’m glad that there’s a female director in this group. But at the same time, it shows that we still have a long way to go.
You’re only the ninth female director to be nominated in Oscar history. What do you feel when you see this statistic?
These stats are really shocking. It’s time for change, and that’s what the film says. We’re making little progress right now, but this step has to be in the direction the film ends with – I’ve bled! I’m proud that the film contributed to that. I feel proud that I had the opportunity to be a part of this change. I’ve also received a lot of messages from young directors: “Thank you for this film, it has given us a lot of strength, it has given us hope and courage, and it shows that it’s possible.”
Did you ever imagine that you would earn five Oscar nominations after winning at Cannes?
When I make a film, my goal is to make it to Cannes and the Oscars. I believe that’s what I want to do. I believe that the impossible is possible.
How does it feel to see Demi Moore nominated for her performance? I know she wasn’t the first actress you thought of for this role.
When I was writing for this character, I knew it would be a risky and deeply emotional role. Demi chose this script at a time when she was on a journey of freeing herself. She was at a point where she was ready to play such a challenging character. I truly believe that films are about people who are willing to take risks with the same ideas and heart.
Andy Nelson
Nelson was nominated for best sound for “Wicked.”
This is your 25th nomination, making you the second most nominated living person after John Williams. What does this number mean to you?
It’s really emotional. I’m so grateful for every nomination along the way, and it’s hard to believe I’ve been receiving this kind of recognition for a quarter of a century. I’m so happy I’m being recognized for a film I love with all my heart.
Why is “Wicked” so special to you?
I’ve always had a special love for musical films, and “Wicked” had everything I’d expect – passion, singing, and great performances. Working with Jon Chu was also an amazing experience. It’s been an extraordinary journey in every way, and I can’t wait to start “Wicked: For Good.”
What can you share about “Wicked: For Good”?
The film is currently in postproduction, but we’ll start mixing by the end of spring. I am very excited about it because we will bring all the amazing things that we brought from the first film in an even better way. It is going to be a very different film, and I am ready for it.
Do you remember the first time you saw “Wicked” on stage?
Yes, I remember that moment very well. Within 10 minutes, I knew this was going to be a great movie. The film was cinematically very impressive in its approach, and I was waiting for it to hit the big screen. Never thought I would be a part of it.
RaMell Ross
Ross Receives Adapted Screenplay Nomination for ‘Nickel Boys’
Were you watching the nominations live? And where were you when the good news broke?
“I was alone in my studio, wrapped in a blanket, eating popcorn, and drinking Gatorade. As soon as ‘The Nickel Boys’ was named, I got a call from my dad. He congratulated me, and I was shocked and said, ‘Is my internet slow? You already told me that!'”
What was your reaction when ‘The Nickel Boys’ was nominated for Best Picture?
“To be honest, my expectations were pretty low. I went in thinking I could avoid being disappointed. There are so many movies, and it’s very hard to decide. The nominations process has never been simple.”
How do you feel about ‘The Nickel Boys’ getting so much recognition?
“It’s really incredible! This film is a tribute to those boys whose lives were cut too short. We kept it that way and today it’s at the top of cinema. Nothing could be better than that for me.”
You’re a professor at Brown University. Do you think your students will treat you differently now that you’ve been nominated for an Oscar?
“I hope they treat me with a little more respect! I should be a little more relaxed, because their inquiries are really deep. These kids are really smart!”
