The 2025 Academy Award nominations have been announced, spotlighting the mesmerizing movie sets that graced the screens last year. Among the nominees for outstanding achievement in production design are five exceptional films: The Brutalist, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Nosferatu, and Wicked. Each film provides a unique, visual experience, demonstrating the creativity and artistry in set design and decoration. Here’s a closer examination and ranking of these films based on their production design achievements.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Production Designer: Suzie Davies
Set Decorator: Cynthia Sleiter
Location: Prague’s Barrandov Studio
Fifth on the list is “Dune: Part Two.” As its predecessor did in 2022, the second installment of this epic saga continues to impress with its remarkable production design. Led by Patrice Vermette and Shane Vieau, the team created expansive sets that challenge science fiction conventions with influences drawn from brutalist architecture and even septic tanks. These elements coalesce to present a visually distinctive and compelling world that stays true to the franchise’s vision while pushing its boundaries.
Next up, capturing the eerie allure of gothic horror, “Nosferatu” secures its position with its immersive and detailed set design. Production designer Craig Lathrop, along with set decorator Beatrice Brentnerová, meticulously crafted 60 sets that bring the fictional town of Wisbog to life. From Prague’s Barrandov Studio to the haunting landscapes of Transylvania, the film’s interiors captivate with authentic details, transporting audiences back to the 1830s. Despite its macabre nature, there’s an unexpected coziness in its chilling authenticity.
In third place, “The Brutalist” uses its architectural style to reflect the nuanced human experience it portrays. The film’s production designer Judy Becker and set decorator Patricia Cuccia leverage the monumental and utilitarian aspects of post-war brutalist architecture to symbolize the immigrant experience, which is central to the film’s narrative. The towering set pieces, like the awe-inspiring Institute and an impressive library cabinet system, encapsulate the sense of resilience and poetic beauty inherent in brutalism, beautifully complementing the story.
Securing the runner-up spot is “Wicked,” a feast for the eyes with its vibrant and imaginative settings. Production designer Nathan Crowley and set decorator Lee Sandales transformed an English countryside farm into the magical Munchkinland, complete with a yellow brick road and fields of tulips. Shiz University, another key set piece, features innovative elements such as a large water tank to depict students’ arrivals. The dormitory shared by main characters, along with other fantastical elements like mechanized props, provide an enchanting backdrop that delights viewers with its color and creativity.
The top spot belongs to “Conclave,” which excels in political and religious intrigue. Tasked with recreating the unrivaled architecture of the Vatican, production designer Suzie Davies and set decorator Cynthia Sleiter, along with local artisans, constructed a Stylistically precise replica of the Sistine Chapel. The film uniquely balances a touch of realism with creative artistry, evident in the use of historically rich locations like the oldest hospital in Europe. The meticulous attention to detail in recreating the Vatican conjures an atmosphere of authenticity and suspense, justifying its position as a frontrunner for the award.
In summary, the films nominated for the 2025 Oscars in production design showcase an extraordinary range of creativity and meticulous craftsmanship. Each film, through its unique aesthetic approach and the teams behind these works, invites viewers into richly imagined worlds. Whether translating the grandeur of science fiction, the haunting allure of horror, or the vibrant whimsy of fantasy, these productions elevate the storytelling experience and highlight the impact of exceptional design in cinema.
