Every awards season, countless extraordinary performances get overshadowed by bigger names and studio campaigns. 2025 has been no exception – while A-listers dominate the conversation, several breathtaking portrayals in indie films and streaming projects have been criminally overlooked.

In this article, we highlight 10 underrated performances from 2025 that deserve Oscar consideration, examining what made them special and why they didn’t get the recognition they warranted. These actors delivered career-best work that deserves to be celebrated.

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1. Paul Mescal in The End of the World

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Mescal delivers a heart-wrenching performance as a father trying to protect his daughter during an apocalypse
• His physical transformation (losing 30 pounds) added raw authenticity
• The film’s limited release meant few voters saw it

Standout Scene:

A 7-minute single-take breakdown when his character realizes rescue isn’t coming

🔗 Related: Interview with Mescal about the role

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2. Thuso Mbedu in The Forgotten Colony

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Mbedu carries this historical drama as a 19th century African resistance leader
• She learned three indigenous languages for the role
• The film’s Netflix release buried it in algorithm purgatory

Standout Scene:

Her impassioned speech to unite divided tribes against colonists

🔗 Related: The Forgotten Colony on Rotten Tomatoes

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3. John Boyega in Sound of the Streets

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Boyega disappears into the role of a deaf gang member trying to go straight
• He spent 6 months learning ASL and working with deaf consultants
• The gritty urban setting turned off more traditional voters

Standout Scene:

A silent confrontation with his former crew using only facial expressions

🔗 Related: Boyega’s preparation for the role

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4. Hong Chau in The Quiet Room

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Chau plays a trauma therapist with her own unprocessed grief
• Her micro-expressions convey volumes without dialogue
• The film’s experimental structure confused some viewers

Standout Scene:

Breaking down during what should be a routine session

🔗 Related: Hong Chau’s awards history

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5. Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Satchmo

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Harrison Jr. embodies Louis Armstrong without resorting to caricature
• He learned trumpet from scratch in just 4 months
• The jazz biopic genre feels “played out” to some voters

Standout Scene:

Recording “What a Wonderful World” while battling racism

🔗 Related: Satchmo behind-the-scenes feature

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6. Jessie Buckley in The Drowning Woman

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Buckley portrays dissociative identity disorder with terrifying accuracy
• She worked closely with mental health professionals
• The psychological thriller genre often gets overlooked

Standout Scene:

The chilling moment when her second personality fully emerges

🔗 Related: Mental health advocates praise performance

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7. Ben Whishaw in The Librarian

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Whishaw gives a career-best performance as an autistic archivist
• He avoided stereotypes by working with autism consultants
• The small British film lacked awards campaign funds

Standout Scene:

A meltdown triggered by a misplaced book

🔗 Related: Autism community response

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8. Kaitlyn Dever in Last Call

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Dever plays a 911 operator trying to save a caller in real-time
• The entire performance happens in one room, in real-time
• The single-location format limited its exposure

Standout Scene:

The devastating moment she realizes she can’t save the victim

🔗 Related: Dever’s acting process

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9. Claes Bang in The Architect

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Bang portrays a Nazi collaborator with disturbing nuance
• He refuses to make the character either monstrous or sympathetic
• The foreign language performance hurt its chances

Standout Scene:

Rationalizing his war crimes to his daughter

🔗 Related: Interview about moral complexity

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10. Thuso Mbedu (Again) in The Weight of Water

Why It’s Oscar-Worthy:

• Mbedu’s second stunning performance this year as a water activist
• She performed dangerous underwater stunts herself
• The environmental message overshadowed the acting

Standout Scene:

A protest speech that turns into a near-drowning

🔗 Related: Environmental impact of the film

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Why Do Great Performances Get Overlooked?

Industry Factors:

• Limited marketing budgets for indie films
• Genre bias against horror, sci-fi, and comedies
• Voter fatigue with seeing all contenders
• Campaign politics favoring established names

🔗 Further Reading: The Broken Oscar System

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Conclusion: These Performances Deserve Recognition

While they may not get Oscar nominations, these 10 underrated performances from 2025 represent the pinnacle of screen acting. Each actor disappeared into their role, created unforgettable moments, and deserved far more attention than they received.

Which performance do you think was most snubbed?  Let us know in the comments!

🔗 More Underrated Gems:

• IndieWire’s Under the Radar Picks
• The Playlist’s Hidden Performances

The entertainment industry is no stranger to scandals, but 2025 has delivered some of the most jaw-dropping controversies in recent memory. From A-list Hollywood stars facing legal trouble to K-pop idols embroiled in shocking allegations, this year has kept gossip columns buzzing.

In this article, we break down the biggest entertainment scandals of 2025, examining what happened, the fallout, and how fans reacted. Whether you’re a pop culture enthusiast or just curious about celebrity drama, these stories dominated headlines worldwide.

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1. The Chris Pratt AI Voice Recasting Backlash

What Happened?

• Marvel Studios faced massive criticism after reports revealed they used AI voice replication to recreate Chris Pratt’s voice in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 without his full consent.
• Pratt publicly expressed discomfort, leading to debates about AI ethics in Hollywood.

Fallout:

• SAG-AFTRA threatened legal action, calling it a violation of actors’ rights.
• Marvel later announced they would re-record lines with Pratt and limit AI voice use in future projects.

🔗 Related: SAG-AFTRA’s Statement on AI Voice Cloning

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2. HYBE vs. ADOR: The K-Pop Corporate War

What Happened?

• Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR (home to NewJeans), was accused of attempting a hostile takeover from parent company HYBE.
• Leaked emails revealed internal sabotage and power struggles over creative control.

Fallout:

• NewJeans’ comeback was delayed, and fans protested HYBE’s handling of the situation.
• Min Hee-jin was temporarily suspended, sparking debates about corporate control in K-pop.

🔗 Related: Koreaboo’s Coverage of HYBE vs. ADOR

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3. The Jonathan Majors Comeback Backfires

What Happened?

• After his 2023 assault conviction, Jonathan Majors attempted a career comeback with a lead role in an indie film.
• A resurfaced video showed him berating crew members on set, leading to renewed backlash.

Fallout:

• The film was dropped by its distributor, and Majors lost another major studio deal.
• The #CancelMajors trend reignited discussions about second chances in Hollywood.

🔗 Related: Variety’s Report on Majors’ Controversy

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4. BTS’s Jin Faces Military Service Controversy

What Happened?

• After completing his mandatory service, Jin was accused of receiving special treatment (e.g., extra leave and VIP accommodations).
• Korean netizens demanded investigations, claiming celebrity privilege.

Fallout:

• The Korean military released a statement denying favoritism.
• BTS’s agency, HYBE, faced scrutiny over military exemption debates for K-pop idols.

🔗 Related: Soompi’s Coverage of Jin’s Military Service

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5. The Selena Gomez Deepfake Scandal

What Happened?

• AI-generated deepfake endorsements using Selena Gomez’s likeness promoted a fraudulent skincare brand.
• Gomez sued the company, calling it a “gross violation of rights.”

Fallout:

• The case set a legal precedent for AI impersonation laws.
• Gomez launched a campaign to regulate deepfake technology.

🔗 Related: Selena’s Deepfake Lawsuit Details

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6. The Rock Accused of Script Sabotage

What Happened?

• Leaked emails revealed Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson demanding last-minute script changes on Red One, delaying production.
• Crew members called him “difficult to work with,” leading to industry backlash.

Fallout:

• Amazon Studios reportedly blacklisted him from future projects.
• Johnson denied the allegations, calling it “creative differences.”

🔗 Related: The Hollywood Reporter’s Exclusive

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7. Taylor Swift’s Tour Tax Evasion Allegations

What Happened?

• A report claimed Swift’s team used shell companies to avoid paying millions in taxes during her Eras Tour.
• Swift’s lawyers denied wrongdoing, calling it “standard tax planning.”

Fallout:

• The IRS launched an investigation into tour revenue loopholes.
• Fans debated whether celebrities should pay higher taxes.

🔗 Related: Billboard’s Tax Controversy Breakdown

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8. Netflix’s Squid Game Reality Show Lawsuit

What Happened?

• A contestant from Squid Game: The Challenge sued Netflix, claiming “inhumane conditions” during filming.
• Allegations included sleep deprivation and psychological distress.

Fallout:

• Netflix settled out of court but faced criticism for exploitative reality TV practices.
• The controversy sparked calls for stricter reality show regulations.

🔗 Related: Deadline’s Report on the Lawsuit

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9. The Viral TikTok Cult Documentary Scandal

What Happened?

• A hit docuseries exposed a TikTok-famous wellness guru as the leader of a secretive cult.
• Followers accused the guru of financial manipulation and emotional abuse.

Fallout:

• TikTok banned the guru’s account, and police launched an investigation.
• The case raised concerns about social media influencers exploiting fans.

🔗 Related: Rolling Stone’s Cult Exposé

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10. The Harry Potter Reboot Casting Outrage

What Happened?

• HBO’s Harry Potter series faced backlash after casting a non-binary actor as young Dumbledore.
• J.K. Rowling’s controversial comments resurfaced, dividing fans.

Fallout:

• The actor received online harassment, prompting Warner Bros. to issue a statement.
• The debate highlighted LGBTQ+ representation in legacy franchises.

🔗 Related: EW’s Harry Potter Reboot Updates

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Conclusion: Will the Scandals Change the Industry?

2025’s entertainment scandals have sparked debates about AI ethics, celebrity accountability, and corporate power. While some controversies faded quickly, others may lead to lasting changes in how Hollywood, K-pop, and social media operate.

Which scandal shocked you the most?  Let us know in the comments!

🔗 More Entertainment News:

• TMZ’s Latest Celebrity Gossip
• Variety’s Industry Reports

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The gaming industry in 2025 is packed with titles designed to keep players hooked for hours—whether through gripping narratives, competitive multiplayer, or endless progression systems. From AAA blockbusters to mobile gacha games, developers are crafting experiences that tap into our psychology, making them nearly impossible to put down.

In this article, we’ll explore the most addictive games of 2025, analyzing what makes them so compelling and why they dominate players’ time. Whether you’re into RPGs, shooters, or mobile games, there’s something here to steal your free time.

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1. GTA 6 – The Open-World Drug

Why It’s Addictive:

• Massive, dynamic world with evolving NPC routines and real-time events.
• Endless side activities (heists, street racing, underground fight clubs).
• Online mode updates promise persistent world changes, keeping players engaged.

🔗 Related: Rockstar’s Official GTA 6 Updates

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2. Marvel’s Wolverine – Brutal, Binge-Worthy Action

Why It’s Addictive:

• Visceral combat with dismemberment mechanics and rage-based abilities.
• Deep narrative with morally gray choices affecting the story.
• Roguelike mode where players fight through ever-changing enemy waves.

🔗 Related: Insomniac’s Wolverine Preview

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3. Honkai: Star Rail 2.0 – Gacha Gaming at Its Finest

Why It’s Addictive:

• New planets & characters with gacha mechanics that trigger dopamine rushes.
• Auto-battle & idle rewards make progression effortless yet rewarding.
• Limited-time events with exclusive gear, fueling FOMO (fear of missing out).

🔗 Related: HoYoverse’s Honkai: Star Rail Official Site

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4. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – The Ultimate Time Sink

Why It’s Addictive:

• The new “Extraction Royale” mode blends battle royale with tactical extraction.
• Weapon mastery camos require hundreds of hours to unlock.
• Ranked play with seasonal rewards keeps competitive players grinding.

🔗 Related: Call of Duty 2025 Updates

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5. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (DLC) – Painfully Rewarding

Why It’s Addictive:

• Brutal new bosses that demand perfection, rewarding persistence.
• Expanded lore & secrets that keep the community theorizing.
• New weapon arts & builds encourage endless experimentation.

🔗 Related: FromSoftware’s Official DLC Page

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6. Zenless Zone Zero – Stylish, Fast-Paced Addiction

Why It’s Addictive:

• Roguelike dungeon runs with procedurally generated challenges.
• Urban fantasy setting filled with collectible agents and gear.
• Daily login bonuses & events that incentivize regular play.

🔗 Related: Zenless Zone Zero Trailer Breakdown

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7. Monster Hunter Wilds – The Grind That Never Ends

Why It’s Addictive:

• Larger, living ecosystems where monsters interact dynamically.
• Endgame crafting loop with rare materials that require farming.
• Squad-based hunts that make multiplayer sessions last for hours.

🔗 Related: Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds Preview

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8. League of Legends: Project L – Fighting Game Crack

Why It’s Addictive:

• Team-based 2v2 battles with high skill ceilings.
• Ranked leaderboards that push players to climb endlessly.
• Regular balance patches that shake up the meta, forcing adaptation.

🔗 Related: Riot’s Project L Dev Blog

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9. Palworld 2 – Creature Collecting Meets Chaos

Why It’s Addictive:

• Open-world survival with base-building and creature taming.
• PvP & raid bosses that encourage cooperative play.
• The new “Pal Fusion” system lets players breed overpowered hybrids.

🔗 Related: Palworld 2 Early Access Details

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10. Tower of Fantasy 3.0 – The Next-Gen Gacha Obsession

Why It’s Addictive:

• Expanded sci-fi world with new zones and vehicles.
• Gacha pulls for mechs & waifus with irresistible designs.
• Cross-platform co-op that keeps social players logging in daily.

🔗 Related: Tower of Fantasy Official Updates

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What Makes a Game Truly Addictive?

Psychological Triggers:

✔ Variable Rewards (loot boxes, random drops)
✔ Progression Systems (battle passes, skill trees)
✔ Social Competition (leaderboards, guild wars)
✔ FOMO Mechanics (limited-time events, exclusives)

🔗 Further Reading: The Science Behind Addictive Game Design

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Final Thoughts: Will You Escape the Addiction?

2025’s most addictive games are designed to keep players engaged for months—or even years. Whether it’s the open-world freedom of GTA 6, the brutal challenges of Elden Ring, or the gacha pulls of Honkai: Star Rail, these titles are built to dominate your free time.

Which game will you lose sleep over?  Let us know in the comments!

🔗 More Gaming Lists:

• IGN’s Best Games of 2025
• GameSpot’s Most Anticipated Titles