The 2025 Academy Awards have unveiled a remarkable lineup of nominees, particularly in the Best Actress category. This year’s contenders include:

  • Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba has garnered critical acclaim, highlighting her exceptional talent and versatility.
  • Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez: Gascón makes history as the first openly transgender performer nominated for Best Actress, a milestone celebrated by many.
  • Mikey Madison for Anora: Madison’s compelling performance in this indie drama has captivated audiences and critics alike.
  • Demi Moore for The Substance: Moore’s return to the big screen in this psychological thriller has been met with widespread praise.
  • Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here: Torres delivers a poignant performance in Walter Salles’ latest film, marking a significant moment in her career.

Fernanda Torres’ nomination is particularly noteworthy, as it mirrors her mother, Fernanda Montenegro’s, historic nomination in 1999 for Central Station. Montenegro was the first Brazilian actress to be nominated for an Oscar, and her performance was lauded as one of the year’s best.

However, the 1999 Oscars remain one of the most debated in the Academy’s history. Gwyneth Paltrow secured the Best Actress award for her role in Shakespeare in Love, a decision that surprised many. Industry insiders have since revealed that Harvey Weinstein, then head of Miramax, orchestrated an aggressive campaign to secure the win for Paltrow. This campaign overshadowed performances like Montenegro’s in Central Station, leading to widespread belief that she was unjustly denied the award.

Glenn Close, a seven-time Oscar nominee, expressed her bewilderment in a 2020 interview, stating, “I remember the year Gwyneth Paltrow won over that incredible actress [Fernanda Montenegro] who was in Central Station, and I thought, ‘What?’ It doesn’t make sense.”

The 1999 Best Actress race also included esteemed actresses like Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth and Meryl Streep for One True Thing, making Paltrow’s win even more contentious.

As Fernanda Torres steps into the Oscar spotlight this year, her nomination not only celebrates her individual talent but also serves as a poignant reminder of her mother’s overlooked performance. The Torres-Montenegro legacy underscores the enduring challenges and politics within the film industry, highlighting the importance of recognizing genuine talent over orchestrated campaigns.

The 2025 Oscars present an opportunity for the Academy to honor performances based on merit, free from external influences. As the ceremony approaches, many hope that the lessons from past oversights will guide a more equitable recognition of talent, ensuring that deserving artists like Fernanda Montenegro are never again denied their rightful accolades. Check the video above for more info on the Oscars’ Biggest Robbery