The 2025 Oscars are finally upon us, bringing excitement to stars and film lovers alike with the 97th Academy Awards just around the corner. Leading this year’s nominations is the Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, which has garnered a remarkable 13 nods, but not without controversy stemming from historical tweets by its star. Other notable films in contention include Wicked, The Brutalist, Conclave, and Anora, all vying for the prestigious best picture award.
Comedian Conan O'Brien will host the ceremony from Los Angeles, which kicks off at 16:00 PT, 19:00 ET, and midnight GMT. Expect references to the recent wildfires that devastated parts of LA, as the event aims to balance celebration and recognition of the community's struggles.
Among the films, Emilia Pérez stands out for its groundbreaking nominations, including best actress for Karla Sofía Gascón—the first trans actress to receive an acting nomination. However, while it garnered critical acclaim, its chances for a sweeping win are uncertain in light of the intense competition from Oppenheimer, which also received 13 nominations last year.
Noteworthy contenders like The Brutalist and Wicked have 10 nominations each, featuring performances from stars such as Adrien Brody and Cynthia Erivo. The race for best actor appears close, with Brody considered a frontrunner and Timothée Chalamet following closely behind for his role in A Complete Unknown. Chalamet's win at the SAG awards threw a new twist into the competition, marking him as a serious competitor.
The best supporting categories also hold surprises. Kieran Culkin leads for A Real Pain in the best supporting actor race, while Zoe Saldaña is favored for her performance in Emilia Pérez.
Reflecting on diversity, it has been ten years since the #OscarsSoWhite movement began, prompting discussions about progress across gender and representation in Hollywood. This year's nominations feature commendable representation, but industry leaders acknowledge more work remains.
This year’s ceremony will feature performances from big names, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, performing a medley from Wicked. Notably absent this time will be the original song nominees, creating a fresh format for the event.
Hosted for the first time by Conan O'Brien, the Oscars will air live on March 3, 2025, from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. US viewers can catch the ceremony on ABC and stream on Hulu, while UK fans can tune in through ITV and ITVX later that night.
This year's awards provide a mix of fan anticipation, celebrity appearances, and poignant moments, making for a memorable celebration of film. From powerful performances to discussions on societal issues, the 2025 Oscars promise to be a defining night in entertainment.
