The 2025 Academy Awards are coming up and with it, we reflect on the year’s films and the state of Asian and Asian American film.
While the 2025 Oscar nominees may not feature the same level of high-profile Asian American narratives we’ve seen in some previous years – from Minari to Everything Everywhere All at Once – they showcase an impressive breadth of talent behind the camera, with Asian and Asian American filmmakers nabbing nominations across several notable categories.
Leading up to the ceremony on Sunday, March 2, we’ve curated a list of nominated films featuring Asian and Asian American creatives that you should know.
Documentaries
Black Box Diaries
Nomination: Documentary Feature Film
It’s no exaggeration to call Black Box Diaries one of the most powerful documentaries in recent memory. Directed and produced by Japanese journalist Shiori Itō, the film tells Itō’s harrowing story of sexual assault and her relentless quest for justice. In 2015, Itō was sexually assaulted by a prominent Japanese journalist. Despite coming forward to the police, her case was dismissed.
Refusing to remain silent, Itō took her story public in 2017, quickly becoming the face of the burgeoning #MeToo movement in Japan. In Black Box Diaries, Itō weaves together personal testimonies, legal battles, and years of investigative work, offering a deeply personal and unflinching look at her struggle against systemic injustice, despite immense societal pressure to silence her. Itō spent over four years making the film, which she told the BBC involved “reliving her trauma” in order to create a final product she could be proud of.
Feature Films
Wicked
Nomination: Best Picture, Actress in a Leading Role, Actress in a Supporting Role, Costume Design, Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Production Design, Sound, Visual Effects
While not overtly centered on Asian American characters, Wicked represents a significant achievement for Asian American filmmakers in Hollywood, with Jon M. Chu at the helm as director. Following his success with Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights, Chu brought his distinctive direction and visual style to the adaptation that became one of 2025’s most talked-about films.
It was no small feat to bring the beloved and fantastical world of Oz to the silver screen, but it was a challenge that Chu tackled with heart and precision. Though Chu missed out on a Directing nomination at this year’s Oscars, the success of Wicked cannot be acknowledged without recognizing his influence. The film (which also stars the legendary Asian actress Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible) is up for an impressive 10 awards during the Oscars, including Best Picture, further cementing Chu’s place as a powerhouse director in Hollywood.
Anora
Nomination: Best Picture, Directing, Writing (Original Screenplay), Actress in a Leading Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Film Editing
Also in the running for Best Picture is Anora, which was co-produced by Canadian Asian producer Samantha Quan, her husband Sean Baker (who also directed the film), and Alex Coco. The comedy drama film follows a young woman named Anni, who meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only to be pulled into a whirlwind of unexpected consequences.
With a unique blend of humor and biting social commentary, Anora deftly explores themes of class, identity, and personal agency. The film’s sharp writing and timeliness make it a standout in this year’s race.
Short Films
Instruments of a Beating Heart
Nomination: Live Action Short Film
Directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki, Instruments of a Beating Heart is a short documentary that offers a fascinating glimpse inside a first-grade classroom at a Tokyo public elementary school. The film follows the young students as they prepare to perform Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” at an upcoming ceremony, capturing their determination, frustrations, and small triumphs along the way.
Though its premise might seem simple on the surface, the result is a moving exploration of discipline, community, and perseverance. The film’s beauty lies in its subtle moments, where viewers feel immersed in the students’ journey as they navigate both challenges and growth.
“What is happening in our schools will shape what our future society will look like,” says Yamazaki. “While the Japanese system has its strengths and weaknesses, I hope this film provides the opportunity for other societies around the world to hold a mirror to their educational systems and to reflect on how they want to raise the next generation.”
Anuja
Nomination: Documentary Short Film
Anuja tells the powerful story of a nine-year-old girl working alongside her sister in a Delhi garment factory, whose life is changed forever when she gets the opportunity to attend school. Directed by Adam J. Graves in collaboration with his wife Suchitra Mattai, the short film has had a wave of support from industry veterans including Mindy Kaling, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Oscar winner Guneet Monga.
More films of note
Magic Candies, a Japanese short film directed by Daisuke Nishio, is up for Animated Short Film.
I Am Ready, Warren, directed by South Asian filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, is nominated in the Documentary Short Film category.
Which category are you most looking forward to during the Academy Awards ceremony? What Asian and Asian American filmmakers will you keeping an eye on? Join in the comments on Instagram or TikTok and tag @caamedia.
