Oscars: These are the favorites in the "Big Five" categories

They are considered the most important, most prestigious categories of the annual Oscars - the "Big Five". So far, only three films have won all of them - "It Happened One Night", "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "The Silence of the Lambs". A fourth will definitely not be added in 2025: Neither "The Brutalist" nor "Emilia Pérez" nor "Conclave" are nominated in all five categories.

But which films and actors have the best chances in the individual categories of the "Big Five"? In recent weeks, the favorites have changed dramatically, as can be seen from a look at various betting sites. Both "Emilia Pérez" and "The Brutalist" have had to contend with controversy since their wins at the Golden Globes, which may have paved the way for a third party to win.

"Best Film"

With 13 nominations, "Emilia Pérez" leads the field. However, scandalous statements by lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón (52) and some critical reviews from the trans community have caused the musical's chances of winning the top category of "Best Film" to drop rapidly. Industry websites and betting providers alike do not necessarily see "The Brutalist", "Conclave" and "A Complete Unknown" at the top. Instead, the dramedy "Anora", which revolves around a young stripper (Mikey Madison, 25), is currently given the best chances.

"Best Actress"

The same development is also emerging in the "Best Actress" category. It is now considered virtually unthinkable that Karla Sofía Gascón could triumph here. At the moment, much points to a neck-and-neck race between "Anora" star Mikey Madison and "The Substance" comebacker Demi Moore (62). For both women, this is the first Oscar nomination ever, although Moore had to wait much longer for it. Could this possibly give her a slight advantage?

Among the leading actors, two names are clearly ahead of the rest of the field. Although there were discussions about the use of AI in "The Brutalist" to make Adrien Brody's (51) Hungarian more authentic, the actor is still considered the favorite for the award. But he shouldn't be too sure yet - Timothée Chalamet (29) is also given good chances thanks to his convincing performance as Bob Dylan (83) in the biopic "A Complete Unknown". If Chalamet wins, he would immediately steal Brody's record as the youngest winner in this category.

"Best Director"

At the Globes, Brady Corbet (36) received the award for "Best Director" for "The Brutalist". However, "Anora" could possibly overtake him in the final stages before the Academy Awards. Various bookmakers now see Sean Baker (53) slightly ahead, while the remaining three competitors are ranked further down the list.

"Best Adapted Screenplay" and "Best Original Screenplay"

Regarding the "Big Five", no distinction is made between adapted and original screenplays. In the latter category, "Anora" is favored - so the film can imagine good to very good chances in four of the five main categories. The papal thriller "Conclave", on the other hand, is ahead in the "Best Adapted Screenplay" category - the film by Edward Berger (54) is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Harris (67).

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