Home / Arts and Entertainment / Oscars Defy Tradition: Foreign Films, Sequels, and Horror Thrive
Oscars Defy Tradition: Foreign Films, Sequels, and Horror Thrive
12 Nov
Summary
- Foreign films like "Parasite" winning Best Picture
- Sequels like "Avatar: Fire and Ash" and "Wicked: For Good" gaining Oscar buzz
- Horror films like "Sinners" and "Weapons" gaining more Academy recognition
In the lead-up to the 2025 Oscars, the definition of "Oscar bait" has continued to evolve. Just two years ago, the audacious and unique "Everything Everywhere All at Once" swept the awards, defying expectations that the Academy would shy away from a film featuring butt plugs and hot dog fingers.
This trend of the Oscars embracing the unconventional is set to continue. Foreign-language films, once considered outsiders, have now proven they can win the top prize, with Bong Joon Ho's "Parasite" taking home Best Picture in 2020. This year, a slew of acclaimed foreign-language films, from Norway's "Sentimental Value" to Brazil's "The Secret Agent," are generating Oscar buzz.
Additionally, sequels and remakes, long seen as unable to outshine their predecessors, are now emerging as serious contenders. James Cameron's "Avatar: Fire and Ash" and the second part of the musical "Wicked: For Good" are both expected to be in the running. Even the horror genre, historically shunned by the Academy, is making inroads, with Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" and Zach Creggar's "Weapons" generating significant Oscar chatter.
As the Oscars continue to evolve, the 10 Actors to Watch featured at the recent Newport Beach Film Fest are poised to play a key role in these groundbreaking films, showcasing their talents on the industry's biggest stage.
