Who are the Oscar nominees for best lead actress this year? See full list, including Demi Moore
The highly coveted best actress Oscar is one of the most competitive trophies in Hollywood, and at Sunday's 97th Academy Awards. This year, it's a stacked category with Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo among the nominees.
The category for best actress in a leading role is often considered one of the toughest Oscar races to win. In 2023, Oscar pundits were split on whether Michelle Yeoh ("Everything Everywhere All at Once") or Cate Blanchett ("Tár") would win (Yeoh took home the trophy that night). Last year, it was a close race between Emma Stone ("Poor Things") and Lily Gladstone ("Killers of the Flower Moon"), and Stone came out on top.
This year, pundits predict Moore ("The Substance") will snag the category win after the actress took home a Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award and Screen Actors Guild Award. However, "Anora" star Mikey Madison took home wins at the BAFTAs and the Independent Spirit Awards, leaving pundits split between the two.
Also among this year's nominees are Karla Sofía Gascón ("Emilia Pérez") who made history as the first openly transgender actress to receive a nomination in the category. The Spanish actress recently sparked controversy for making racist and xenophobic social media posts about Muslims, George Floyd and diversity at the Academy Awards.
Here are this year's nominees for best actress.
Best actress Oscar nominees 2025
Cynthia Erivo, "Wicked"
Karla Sofía Gascón, "Emilia Pérez"
Mikey Madison, "Anora"
Demi Moore, "The Substance"
Fernanda Torres, "I'm Still Here"
Who won the best actress Oscar last year?
At last year's ceremony, Emma Stone took home her second win in the category for her physically demanding role in "Poor Things."
In the Yorgos Lanthimos film, Stone played Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life through a brain transplant in Victorian London.
How to watch the Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards will air live Sunday, March 2 at 7 p.m. ET/4 PT, on ABC.
How to stream the Oscars
You can also stream the awards ceremony live on ABC.com, the ABC app, Hulu, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV.
Watch 97th Academy Awards with Disney bundle.
Watch 97th Academy Awards on Fubo
Contributing: Amaris Encinas