2025 Academy Awards: Top Contenders for the Major Categories According to Bookmakers
On the eve of March 3rd, 2025, the 97th Academy Awards are upon us at the Dolby Theatre in LA. Unlike the past year, there ain't no clear winner in sight to steal the show. Here's a sneak peek at the betting favorites from the international bookies in the Big Five categories.
Best Picture
As the 97th Academy Awards draw closer, the excitement for the Best Picture nominees is palpable. With Oppenheimer dominating the scene last year, there's another contender aiming to take the crown - Anora:
- Anora: 1.50
- Konklave: 3.25
- The Brutalist: 7.50
- Like A Complete Unknown: 50.00
- Emilia Pérez: 66.00
- Wicked: 66.00
- The Substance: 100.00
- Dune: Part Two: 100.00
- I'm Still Here: 100.00
- Nickel Boys: 100.00
Anora, nominated for six Oscars, stars 25-year-old actress Mikey Madison as a stripper in Manhattan, who marries the wealthy son of a Russian oligarch to get that green card. The controversial and critically polarizing film took home the Best Picture win at the Critics Choice Awards in early February.
Best Actor
The fiercely contested Best Actor race is expected to be a close one between Adrien Brody, 51, and Timothée Chalamet, 29:
- Adrien Brody - The Brutalist: 1.44
- Timothée Chalamet - Like A Complete Unknown: 2.63
- Ralph Fiennes - Konklave: 14.00
- Sebastian Stan - The Apprentice: 33.00
- Colman Domingo - Sing Sing: 33.00
Brody portrays László Tóth in the drama The Brutalist, a ten-time Oscar nominee. This film chronicles Tóth's journey to the US after WWII, chasing his version of the American dream.
Chalamet may be Brody's toughest competitor in this category. As singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, viewers find his portrayal convincing in the biographical film Like A Complete Unknown.
Best Actress
Another coveted award, Best Actress claims Demi Moore, 62, as the current favorite of the international bookies:
- Demi Moore - The Substance: 1.40
- Mikey Madison - Anora: 2.88
- Fernanda Torres - I'm Still Here: 11.00
- Cynthia Erivo - Wicked: 33.00
- Karla Sofía Gascon - Emilia Pérez: 33.00
Moore captured the Best Actress award at the Golden Globes for her incredible performance in the body horror film The Substance.
Betting odds are good for Mikey Madison in winning the Best Actress award, making this category another tight race.
Best Director
In the Best Director category, international bookies favor the films Anora and The Brutalist:
- Sean Baker - Anora: 1.53
- Brady Corbet - The Brutalist: 2.38
- Jacques Audiard - Emilia Pérez: 20.00
- Coralie Fargeat - The Substance: 25.00
- James Mangold - Like A Complete Unknown: 25.00
With Anora and The Brutalist each earning six and ten nominations respectively, there's many unpredictable winners in this year's categories.
Best Adapted Screenplay
The category of Best Adapted Screenplay features a number of films that dominate the nomination field. The current favorite of the international bookies is the film Conclave:
- Conclave: 1.11
- Emilia Pérez: 9.00
- Nickel Boys: 16.00
- Like A Complete Unknown: 12.00
- Sing Sing: 20.00
Conclave, based on Robert Harris' novel of the same name, is a thriller that follows cardinals electing a new pope. Fans and critics praise the outstanding performances by actors like Ralph Fiennes, 62, and Stanley Tucci, 64.
The 97th Oscars could be a night of surprising winners, considering the lack of clear favorites in many categories. Tune into the broadcast on March 3 at 1 a.m. German time, where you can catch ProSieben's transmission along with the Joyn or Disney streaming options. The ceremony will feature presenters such as Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, and Samuel L. Jackson.
What are the favorites for the Best Picture category at the 97th Oscars? Anora, starring Mikey Madison, is the current leader with 1.50 odds, followed by Konklave, The Brutalist, Like A Complete Unknown, Emilia Pérez, Wicked, The Substance, Dune: Part Two, I'm Still Here, and Nickel Boys, each with varying odds.
Who are the current betting favorites for the Best Actor category? Adrien Brody, for his role in The Brutalist, and Timothée Chalamet, for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in Like A Complete Unknown, are the leading contenders with 1.44 and 2.63 odds respectively.
In the Best Actress category, Demi Moore, for her performance in The Substance, is the current favorite with 1.40 odds, while Mikey Madison, the star of Anora, is close behind with 2.88 odds.
For the Best Director category, the films Anora and The Brutalist are favored, with Sean Baker and Brady Corbet being the possible winners.
Best Adapted Screenplay category has Conclave as the current favorite, based on Robert Harris' novel, with 1.11 odds.
