The 97th Academy Awards have officially announced their nominees for Best Sound, recognizing the creative teams that brought immersive audio experiences to some of the most remarkable films of the year. The nominees for Best Sound at the 2025 Oscars are:
1. A Complete Unknown
Sound Team: Tod A. Maitland, Donald Sylvester, Ted Caplan, Paul Massey, and David Giammarco
This biographical film about Bob Dylan’s early career features intricate sound design that captures the essence of 1960s folk music. The team masterfully blends live performances, ambient noise, and subtle audio nuances to transport audiences into the era.
2. Dune: Part Two
Sound Team: Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett, and Doug Hemphill
As the highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 Oscar-winning Dune, Dune: Part Two continues to showcase the vast, immersive soundscapes of Arrakis. The audio design enhances the film’s action sequences, deepens its atmospheric world-building, and amplifies Hans Zimmer’s epic score.
3. Emilia Pérez
Sound Team: Erwan Kerzanet, Aymeric Devoldère, Maxence Dussère, Cyril Holtz, and Niels Barletta
A unique blend of crime thriller and musical, Emilia Pérez employs an innovative approach to sound. The fusion of traditional Latin American music with high-energy action sequences and emotive storytelling makes this film a standout nominee.
4. Wicked
Sound Team: Simon Hayes, Nancy Nugent Title, Jack Dolman, Andy Nelson, and John Marquis
Bringing the iconic Broadway musical to the big screen, Wicked features a dynamic soundscape that balances powerful vocal performances with an enchanting orchestral score. The sound team ensures that every note and spoken word resonates beautifully.
5. The Wild Robot
Sound Team: Randy Thom, Brian Chumney, Gary A. Rizzo, and Leff Lefferts
This animated adaptation of Peter Brown’s bestselling novel delivers a breathtaking soundscape that captures nature’s serenity and the mechanical intricacies of its robotic protagonist. The sound team’s meticulous work helps create a world where technology and nature harmoniously coexist.
What Makes These Nominees Stand Out?
The Best Sound category at the Oscars recognizes films that push the boundaries of audio storytelling. This year’s nominees showcase:
- Immersive world-building (Dune: Part Two, The Wild Robot)
- Musical excellence (Wicked, Emilia Pérez, A Complete Unknown)
- Action-driven soundscapes (Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez)
Each of these films has delivered an auditory experience that elevates storytelling, making them worthy contenders for the Best Sound Oscar in 2025.
