The Oscars, the renowned trophies of the Academy Award, are probably the most prestigious awards in the entire world of entertainment. In 2025, at the celebration for the 97th Academy Awards, the whole world will be listening for such anticipation. From the game-changing films to the signatures of someone’s heritage, this year’s Oscars hope to pen cinematic excellence unlike any other. Here’s an extended explanation, with detail about the Oscars 2025, the shortlisted films, and an overview of what it means for cinema’s global stands.

What are the Oscars?

The Academy Awards are an annual awards show presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to recognize excellence in cinematic achievements in the film industry. Some of the categories are Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and the like. Besides, the newly named International Feature Film category (formerly best foreign-language film) spotlights non-English language features from around the world.

Oscar 2025 Shortlist: International Feature Film Category

One of the most discussed categories this year is the International Feature Film category, which shortlisted fifteen films including Santosh, a co-production among the United Kingdom, India, Germany, and France. Directed by Sandhya Suri, this film is attracting worldwide attention, primarily owing to its interesting storyline and great performances, including that of Shahana Goswami as a cop.

Santosh: A Collaborative Venture Across Borders

The proudest moment for India regarding Indian cinema is the fact that although this is the entry of the United Kingdom, the film has a deep Indian imprint. Shahana Goswam, speaking about the film’s Oscar journey, quoted, “I feel really happy, proud, and encouraged by this selection. It is a moment of celebration for all of us.” Highlighting the seamless cross-border collaboration of talents, the film is a reminder that storytelling knows no boundaries.

The Oscars and Why They Matter to Worldwide Cinema

There is no parallel in terms of the mass reach of the films across the globe that the Oscars can offer. Touted films that have made their way to this jury are often accompanied by their appreciation across popular viewership, box-office, and critical acclaim. This makes it even more worthy as having recognized the filmmaking efforts; it brings a diverse narrative to inspire, accessorizing them further.

India at the Oscars 2025

India’s official entry to the Oscars 2025 this year was Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao. Even though it promised a lot, it couldn’t make it to the shortlist. Santosh, on the other hand, is quite well anchored in Indian storytelling to keep the hope alive for India. As rightly said by Shahana Goswami, “India has every reason to be proud of it. It’s about storytelling and diversity.” Wherever this film comes, the story is still Indian. This sentiment reflects the universality of cinema in that a good story transcends all borders.

Oscar Predictions: What to Expect With the final nominations set to be announced soon, speculation is rife. Industry experts believe Santosh has a strong chance of making it into the final list of nominees. Shahana Goswami shared her optimism, “I do have a gut feeling about the film making it through the nominations.”

The important contenders in other categories

Beyond the International Feature Film, the competition in the other categories is just as aggressive. Movies like Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie are making a fuss, likely competing against each other for Best Picture, Best Director, and several technical awards. To add to those nominations, performances by the likes of Cillian Murphy and Margot Robbie also are contenders for the acting awards.

Importance of Representation and Diversity

One of the defining trends that have emerged from recent Oscars 2025 is that of the representation and diversity in terms of members within the Academy; films not only from underrepresented communities and underrepresented regions are afforded the recognition that they have always deserved. In this light, the 2023 shortlisted films also marked the appropriate cutting across cultures and borders.

What That Means for Aspiring Filmmakers

In this case, it is the Oscars that inspire these upcoming filmmakers. It is a golden door to new opportunities and ventures into this global recognition that comes with an Oscars 2025 nomination. It would even reinforce the need for honest storytelling and taking creative risks.

How to Watch Oscars 2025

The 97th Academy Awards will be held on March 24, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It will be broadcast live to let audiences all over the world watch and celebrate the best in cinema. Catch live coverage of the event on cable via major television networks or streaming services of their authorized platforms.

Conclusion

Oscars 2025 will not only celebrate movies but also testify to the power that stories can leverage to cut across borders and inspire change. Santosh is a reminder that movies can actually create a magical quality that brings everybody together to connect, no matter what’s their background. As we await final nominations and eventual winners, it is definite that this year’s Oscars will continue to highlight the richness and the diversity of a globalized cinema. Be it a casual viewer or hard-core cinephile, Oscars 2025 is sure going to be a memorable event.

FAQs

1. When are Oscars 2025?
The date of the 97th Academy Awards is March 24, 2025.

2. What films are shortlisted for International Feature Film Award?
Santosh is among the fifteen films shortlisted for the International Feature Film category.

3. When and where can I watch the live stream of the Oscars 2025?
It will be live-streamed online or broadcasted in major television networks.

4. What makes Santosh such an attractive entry?
It stands out as particularly strong because of the excellent storytelling, diverse involvement, and strong performances.

5. What is India’s role in Oscars 2025?
While Laapataa Ladies did not make it to the shortlists, India remains alive with Santosh-the country’s connection that keeps it in the Oscars this year.