The contenders for the film industry's biggest prizes this year represent a range of genres and styles – but there's a common thread that's hard to miss.

Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the beloved stage musical is walking the yellow brick road all the way to the 2025 Oscars, scoring 10 nominations including best picture, lead actress and supporting actress.

Follow live updates and coverage of the Oscar nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards. Find out who will be nominated.

Every contender for best picture comes with enough critical and/or commercial heft to have at least some argument for the throne (make that the papal ring). But all claims are not equal. So let’s rank the 10 nominees from least to most deserving.

Lewis in "There Will Be Blood" or Meryl Streep in whatever movie you want to name.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. Rarely does the Oscar go to a truly zany performance.