Oscar nominations - Jewish filmmakers shine at the 2025 Academy Awards

Icons such as Samuel Goldwyn and Louis B. Mayer helped lay the foundation for the industry, and their influence remains evident as Jewish artists shape the narratives of modern cinema. As the stars shine on the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre, this year’s nominations feature a wide array of films that explore everything from personal journeys to grand historical narratives.

Among the standout nominees is The Brutalist, a three-hour epic that has garnered 10 nominations. The film follows a Hungarian-Jewish architect who escapes the devastation of post-WWII Europe in 1947, only to find that America isn’t the welcoming land of opportunity he had imagined. Adrien Brody’s nominated performance captures the emotional depth of a man who is not only rebuilding his life but also transforming American architecture. His character channels his trauma into artistic expression, and Brody’s nuanced portrayal is a central highlight of the film.

Another notable contender is Real Pain, a story penned by Jesse Eisenberg that delves into the complexities of family and historical trauma. Eisenberg’s narrative focuses on two estranged cousins who travel to Poland to visit the Holocaust concentration camps where their grandmother survived. What begins as an obligation soon transforms into a profound exploration of survivor guilt, familial relationships, and the lingering effects of history. Eisenberg, who is Jewish, has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this deeply moving film.

In A Complete Unknown, Timothée Chalamet portrays a young Bob Dylan, tracing the musician’s early years from his Jewish roots in Minnesota to his controversial transformation at the Newport Folk Festival. The film highlights the tension between Dylan’s Jewish identity and his artistic evolution, giving insight into one of music history’s most pivotal figures.

Finally, September 5 brings the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics to life with haunting restraint. Instead of sensationalizing the violence, the film focuses on small, human moments that drive its narrative, recreating the heartbreaking hostage crisis that resulted in the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes. With its delicate handling of the material, September 5 has emerged as a frontrunner for Best Original Screenplay.

This year’s Oscar nominees underscore the continued influence of Jewish filmmakers and performers, proving once again that their contributions to the art of storytelling are as essential as ever.