Oscar Predictions: Best Sound — ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator 2’ Among Bold Musicals and Blockbuster Sequels Facing Off

Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.

Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:

OSCARS | EMMYS | GRAMMYS | TONYS

2025 Oscars Predictions:
Best Sound

Weekly Commentary (Updated Nov. 19, 2024): Multiple musicals and big, loud sci-fi franchises are in contention for their aural sensations.

We have a diverse lineup of musicals and sprawling sci-fi epics in contention for this year’s Sound category, celebrating the art of immersive auditory storytelling. The category, which honors the efforts of sound editors and re-recording mixers, has evolved to recognize films that push the boundaries of what audiences hear on screen. Recent winners like Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” (2021) and George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) exemplify how exceptional sound design can amplify a director’s vision. Coincidentally, both filmmakers are back in the race this year with “Dune: Part Two” and “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” likely heavyweights in the category. Not to mention Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” which can be one of the beloved technical juggernauts of the season.

Over the past decade, a notable trend has emerged: an overlap between Sound and Film Editing nominees and winners. Films such as “Ford v Ferrari” (2019), “Dunkirk” (2017) and “Sound of Metal” (2020) triumphed in both categories, highlighting the integral relationship between sound design and the pacing of a film’s narrative. These examples underscore how the technical aspects of cinema — sound and editing — work hand in hand to enhance storytelling.

However, this synergy is less of a requirement for musicals, which rely on a different kind of auditory precision. Music biopics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018) have won in both categories (back when sound was split into separate awards for mixing and editing). Still, other music-heavy films have found success in Sound alone. “Whiplash” (2014), “La La Land” (2016) and “A Star is Born” (2018) all secured nominations for their standout soundscapes. This trend bodes well for entries like the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” and the Robbie Williams-as-a-monkey feature “Better Man.”

Regarding traditional musicals, a sound nomination often signals broader Academy support. This year, Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” and Universal Pictures’ “Wicked” are two major contenders. If either hopes to secure a best picture nomination — or win — a sound nod will be a critical step. Historically, musicals like “Les Misérables” (2012), “Dreamgirls” (2006) and “Chicago” (2002) have proven that exemplary design is essential for elevating the genre’s storytelling.

The challenge for “Wicked” by Jon M. Chu will ensure its fantastical world resonates visually and aurally, capturing Elphaba’s sweeping drama and intimate journey. Meanwhile, “Emilia Pérez” from Jacques Audiard, with its unique blend of musicality and bold storytelling, could impress voters if it matches its striking visuals with equally compelling sound design.

Read: You can see all Academy Award predictions in all 23 categories on one page on the Variety Awards Circuit: Oscars.

The 97th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 2.

NOTE: All movie listings, titles, distributors, and credited artisans are not final and are subject to change. The Academy ultimately determines who receives nominations.

** denotes the film is not yet dated or can open in 2025.