The 97th Academy Awards have come and gone, leaving behind a trail of memorable wins, emotional speeches, and cinematic milestones. As Hollywood’s brightest stars bask in the glow of their Oscar nominations and victories, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next? From blockbuster sequels to indie gems, here’s a glimpse into the upcoming projects and career trajectories of this year’s most celebrated nominees.
Jacques Audiard: Building on ‘Emilia Pérez’
Jacques Audiard, who swept the Oscars with Emilia Pérez, is already gearing up for his next project. After winning Best Director and Best Picture for the genre-defying musical crime thriller, Audiard is rumored to be exploring another bold narrative—a psychological drama set in post-apocalyptic Paris. While details remain under wraps, insiders suggest Audiard will continue his tradition of blending surrealism with deeply human storytelling. With Emilia Pérez setting a new record for non-English-language films at the Oscars, expectations for his next venture are sky-high.
Saoirse Ronan: A Fourth Nomination Looms
Saoirse Ronan, nominated for Best Actress for her role in The Outrun, is wasting no time diving into her next project. The Irish star is set to headline Yorgos Lanthimos’ upcoming anthology film—a darkly comic triptych that promises to showcase her versatility once again. Lanthimos’ unique storytelling style has already earned him multiple Oscar nods, and with Ronan on board, this collaboration could bring her a fourth nomination. Ronan’s ability to balance blockbuster roles with intimate dramas continues to solidify her status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.
Zendaya: From Tennis Courts to Mexico City
Zendaya, who starred in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, is taking her career in an exciting new direction. Following her performance as a tennis coach navigating love and rivalry, Zendaya will appear in Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel Queer. Starring alongside Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, Zendaya will take on a supporting role in this gritty exploration of obsession and identity set in 1950s Mexico City. With Guadagnino’s penchant for visually stunning narratives, Zendaya’s presence adds another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated film.
Denis Villeneuve: Expanding the Universe
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two may not have taken home Best Picture, but its visual effects win reaffirmed its status as a cinematic marvel. Villeneuve is now turning his attention to Dune: Part Three, which will delve deeper into Frank Herbert’s sprawling sci-fi universe. Fans can expect more epic battles, political intrigue, and jaw-dropping visuals as Villeneuve continues his ambitious adaptation of the beloved series. With Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet reprising their roles, this trilogy promises to redefine modern science fiction.
Gints Zilbalodis: Indie Animation’s Rising Star
Fresh off his surprise Best Animated Feature win for Flow, Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis is poised to become a major force in animation. His next project will reportedly explore themes of isolation and connection through an experimental visual style that pushes the boundaries of traditional animation. Zilbalodis’ use of open-source software has already inspired a new generation of animators, making him one to watch as he continues to innovate within the medium.
Bill Murray: From Comedy to Drama
Bill Murray wowed audiences with his performance in Dito Montiel’s Riff Raff, earning him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Murray is now set to star in Wes Anderson’s upcoming untitled film—a return to their long-standing collaboration that has produced cinematic gems like The Grand Budapest Hotel. While details about Anderson’s latest project remain scarce, Murray’s involvement guarantees it will be filled with quirky charm and emotional depth.
Emma Stone: Back with Lanthimos
Emma Stone continues her winning streak after her Oscar-winning turn in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things. She has signed on for Lanthimos’ next anthology film alongside Saoirse Ronan and Willem Dafoe. Stone’s ability to transform herself for complex roles makes her an ideal fit for Lanthimos’ unconventional narratives. With their creative synergy evident in past collaborations, this new project could be another awards-season darling.
DreamWorks Animation: Riding High After ‘The Wild Robot’
DreamWorks Animation celebrated its first Oscar win since 2005 with The Wild Robot. The studio is now developing a sequel that will expand on Rozzum 7134’s journey as a mother and protector while introducing new characters inspired by Peter Brown’s book series. Lupita Nyong’o will reprise her role as Roz in what promises to be another visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure.
Sean Baker: Continuing His Indie Legacy
Sean Baker earned critical acclaim for Anora, which was nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars. Known for his intimate portrayals of marginalized communities, Baker is reportedly working on a new project set in rural America—a story about resilience and redemption told through his signature realist lens. Baker’s ability to craft compelling narratives on modest budgets ensures his next film will be another indie triumph.
Luca Guadagnino: A Double Feature Year
With two films—Challengers and Queer—already generating buzz, Luca Guadagnino shows no signs of slowing down. The Italian director is rumored to be exploring an adaptation of another literary classic while continuing his collaborations with top-tier talent like Zendaya and Daniel Craig. Guadagnino’s ability to blend sensuality with emotional complexity makes him one of the most exciting filmmakers working today.
Conclusion
As Hollywood moves beyond the 97th Academy Awards, its brightest stars are diving headfirst into new projects that promise innovation, artistry, and unforgettable storytelling. From seasoned directors like Jacques Audiard and Denis Villeneuve expanding their creative horizons to rising talents like Gints Zilbalodis redefining animation, these nominees are proving that their Oscar recognition is just the beginning of even greater achievements ahead. The future of cinema looks brighter than ever—and we can’t wait to see what comes next!