Jennifer Lawrence, Sydney Sweeney, Russell Crowe Headline 2025 Awards Season Contenders

The 2025 Awards Season is gaining momentum with a slate of high-profile releases featuring Jennifer Lawrence, Sydney Sweeney, and Russell Crowe. Among the most anticipated titles is Sentimental Value, the Cannes Grand Prix winner directed by Joachim Trier. The indie drama joins a diverse lineup that includes historical epics, biopics, and psychological thrillers.

With screenings underway in major markets and wide releases scheduled throughout November, these films are positioning themselves as early contenders in the awards race. Critical reception has been strong, setting the stage for a competitive season.

Jennifer Lawrence, Sydney Sweeney, Russell Crowe, Joachim Trier, Lynne Ramsay. Launch of major film releases for the 2025 Awards Season, November 2025, with staggered release dates across the month. Theatrical releases in New York, Los Angeles, and nationwide, To compete for critical acclaim and awards recognition, Through limited and wide theatrical rollouts, festival buzz, and strong performances

Key Films and Release Details

• Sentimental Value (Dir. Joachim Trier): Starring Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve, this family drama is screening in New York and Los Angeles. It holds a 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating and is Norway’s official Oscar submission.
• Die My Love (Dir. Lynne Ramsay): Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson headline this psychological drama, opening on nearly 2,000 screens.
• Nuremberg: Russell Crowe leads this historical courtroom drama, opening in 1,802 theaters. It revisits the 1945 tribunal with a focus on psychological warfare.
• Christy: Sydney Sweeney stars as boxing icon Christy Martin in this biopic, launching at 2,000 locations.
• Lost & Found In Cleveland: A comedy ensemble debuting on 350 screens, distributed via a new digital marketplace.
• Train Dreams (Dir. Clint Bentley): A period drama based on Denis Johnson’s novella, opening in 90 theaters.
• Modi (Dir. Johnny Depp): A limited release biopic on artist Amedeo Modigliani, opening on 10 screens.
• Peter Hujar’s Day: A cinematic dialogue between photographer Peter Hujar and writer Linda Rosenkrantz, debuting in NY and LA.

Critical Response and Industry Buzz

Analysts have praised Sentimental Value for its emotional depth and festival pedigree. “It’s a strong contender in the international feature category,” noted one industry tracker.

Die My Love has drawn attention for Lawrence’s intense performance, described as “brutal but beautiful.” Meanwhile, Nuremberg is being closely watched for its historical relevance and ensemble cast.

Sweeney’s portrayal in Christy is also generating early awards chatter, with critics highlighting her physical and emotional commitment to the role.

Awards Season Implications

These releases are expected to shape the early awards conversation. Sentimental Value and Die My Love are likely to dominate indie and acting categories, while Nuremberg could make a push in screenplay and production design.

The diversity of genres—from courtroom drama to biopic to experimental cinema—signals a robust and competitive season. The inclusion of new distribution models, such as digital theatrical platforms, also reflects evolving industry strategies.

What’s Next on the Calendar

Several of these films will expand to additional markets in the coming weeks. Festival appearances and critic screenings will continue to influence momentum.

Oscar shortlists and guild nominations are expected to begin rolling out in December, with these titles positioned to make a strong showing.