Oscars 2025: Why people claim Kieran Culkin, Zoe Saldaña and Ariana Grande’s nominations are ‘category fraud’
The 2025 Academy Awards have ignited a heated debate over "category fraud," a term used when actors are nominated in categories that don't align with their screen time or role prominence. This year, Kieran Culkin, Zoe Saldaña, and Ariana Grande are at the center of this controversy.
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Kieran Culkin's Nomination
In "A Real Pain," Kieran Culkin portrays Benji Kaplan, sharing nearly equal screen time with co-star Jesse Eisenberg. Despite his significant role, Culkin has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Critics argue that his performance is more fitting for a lead category, suggesting that positioning him as a supporting actor is a strategic move to enhance his chances of winning. This tactic, often referred to as category fraud, has been a recurring issue in award seasons.
Zoe Saldaña's Placement
Zoe Saldaña's role in "Emilia Pérez" as Rita Mora Castro is pivotal, with her character deeply intertwined with the film's narrative. However, she has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress, while her co-star Karla Sofía Gascón competes in the Best Actress category. This decision has raised eyebrows, as many believe both actresses share leading roles, and splitting them into different categories may be a deliberate attempt to avoid direct competition.
Ariana Grande's Role
In the film adaptation of "Wicked," Ariana Grande takes on the character of Glinda, a role that traditionally shares the spotlight equally with Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo. Despite the substantial screen time and character importance, Grande has been submitted for Best Supporting Actress. This contrasts with the original Broadway production, where both leading actresses were nominated in the Best Actress category at the Tony Awards. The decision to position Grande as a supporting actress has led to discussions about the fairness and integrity of category placements.
As the Oscars approach, the discussions surrounding these nominations highlight the ongoing challenges in categorizing performances and the implications of strategic positioning within award ceremonies.
Understanding Category Fraud
Category fraud involves studios and actors positioning performances in categories that may not accurately reflect the role's prominence, aiming to increase the likelihood of securing an award. This practice can lead to confusion and debates about the true definition of leading versus supporting roles. While there are no official rules delineating these categories, the strategic placements often spark controversy among critics and audiences alike.
The practice of category fraud is not new to Hollywood. Studios and actors often navigate category placements strategically to maximize their chances of securing awards. While there are no official rules delineating lead versus supporting roles, these decisions can influence voting patterns and outcomes. As the Oscars approach, the discussions surrounding these nominations highlight the ongoing debate about fairness and integrity in award classifications.