Houston – As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, there’s a buzz in the air, and it’s not just about the nominees—it’s about everything that goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood’s biggest event. From the challenges of getting a film into the Best Picture category to the intriguing question of whether academy members watch every nominated film, a lot is going on.
International film critic and host of Bond on Cinema, Ward W. Bond, who has been part of the Hollywood film scene for years, spoke to Houston Life’s Derrick Shore and Tessa Barrera.
The Oscar process begins with the nominees. With a vast array of categories, most people know that the Best Picture category is the most coveted. But what does it take for a film to be nominated for the prestigious award? Bonds explains that being recognized at international film festivals, like the Cannes Film Festival, is often a big indicator of a film’s Oscar potential. For instance, Sean Baker’s Anora, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, is a strong contender this year. It’s not just about the big studios either; this year’s Oscars feature a surge of independent films.
Many may not realize the level of dedication and the research required for academy members. Bonds reveals that Oscar voters, including himself, must watch all the films in the shortlists before the nominations are made. While this sounds like a rigorous task, it doesn’t always happen—Bonds humorously compares the Academy’s voting process to a high school election, where friends tend to vote for each other without always fully understanding the candidates.
For films that make it to the shortlist, committee members like those on the short film panel, who view every nominee, often become the unsung heroes of the process. One committee member may watch as many as 181 short films in a given year before narrowing them down to the final five nominees.
As for this year’s awards, Bonds provides a sneak peek into some of the tight races. The Best Supporting Actress category, in particular, has been a subject of much discussion. While Zoe Saldaña has taken home numerous awards leading up to the Oscars, Ariana Grande, known for her pop career, is receiving rave reviews for her role in Wicked, and she could very well steal the Oscar. Similarly, Best Actor seems to be a lock for Adrien Brody, with his stellar performance in The Brutalist.
Bond on Cinema
What sets Bond’s Amazon Prime show Bond on Cinema apart from other entertainment shows is its long-form interviews. Bonds shares that his unique interviewing style, where he dives into the intricate details of a filmmaker’s work, has been a key to his success. From the technical aspects of filming underwater in disaster movies to exploring the creative challenges behind the scenes, Bonds doesn’t shy away from asking the hard-hitting questions. As a result, filmmakers appreciate his approach and the depth of understanding that comes with it.
This year, it’s clear that independent filmmakers are making waves at the Oscars. Bonds highlights that many of the nominees this year are from emerging filmmakers who have made their way into the spotlight through hard work and passion. For them, a nomination could change their lives forever.
Bonds also gives a special shout-out to the filmmakers nominated in the Best Live Action Short Film category. He has had the privilege of interviewing all five nominees, and no matter who wins, he believes the recognition will be life-changing for these indie artists.
As we approach Oscar night, the excitement continues to build. Bond wants to encourage the community to support movie theatres and enjoy a night of watching movies with your loved ones. Whether you’ve watched all the nominated films or just the trailers, there’s something for everyone in this year’s Oscars. Don’t miss out on Bond on Cinema for all the insider knowledge and predictions leading up to Hollywood’s biggest night.
Need to catch up? Here’s a complete list of nominations and here’s where you can watch the nominees.