97th Academy Awards: Everything You Need to Know About the Oscars 2025
The 97th Academy Awards are set for March 3, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about presenters, performances, nominees, and how to watch the Oscars live.
When and Where Are the Oscars Happening?
The highly anticipated 97th Academy Awards will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will kick off at 5:30 AM (IST), aligning with global broadcasting schedules to accommodate international audiences. The ceremony will celebrate the best in filmmaking over the past year, honoring outstanding achievements across multiple categories.
How to Watch the Oscars Live
For the first time, the Oscars will be streamed live on Jio Hotstar. Viewers can also watch the live telecast on Star Movies and Star Movies Select, with a repeat telecast scheduled for 8:30 PM IST for those who miss the live show.
Who Is Hosting the 97th Academy Awards?
This year’s Oscars will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, marking his debut as an Academy Awards host. The seasoned talk show host and comedian shared his excitement, stating that hosting the Oscars is like “getting to drive a Ferrari for the first time.” O’Brien has hinted at incorporating humor while addressing relevant social and political issues but aims to keep the event celebratory and uplifting.
Impact of the Wildfires on the Ceremony
The devastating wildfires that recently swept through Los Angeles raised questions about whether the Oscars should proceed. The Academy initially delayed the announcement of nominations but ultimately decided to move forward with the event. The awards show will address the wildfire crisis, with several fundraising initiatives in place to support affected communities. Raj Kapoor, the show’s executive producer, emphasized that the ceremony will highlight resilience and recovery efforts, offering a tribute to those impacted.
Who Are the Presenters?
The Academy has lined up an impressive list of presenters, featuring Hollywood veterans and fresh talent. This year’s roster includes Dave Bautista, Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Margaret Qualley, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldaña, and Rachel Zegler. Additionally, last year’s acting winners—Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph—will also be presenting awards.
Will There Be Live Performances?
Unlike previous years, the Oscars will not feature performances of the Best Original Song nominees. However, the show will include a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, featuring Queen Latifah, Doja Cat, LISA (Blackpink), and RAYE. In addition, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will perform a special medley from the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. The Los Angeles Master Chorale will also make a special appearance.
Best Picture Nominees for 2025
This year’s Best Picture category features a diverse mix of films spanning various genres and themes. The nominees are:
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Anora
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The Brutalist
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A Complete Unknown
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Conclave
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Dune: Part Two
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Emilia Pérez
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I’m Still Here
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Nickel Boys
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The Substance
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Wicked
How to Watch the Oscar-Nominated Films
Many of the nominated films are still showing in theaters, while several are available on streaming platforms. Viewers can watch Dune: Part Two and Wicked in cinemas, while Anora, Conclave, and The Brutalist are available on Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
Who Are the Predicted Winners?
With multiple contenders vying for the top prize, Anora has emerged as a front-runner, sweeping awards at the Producers Guild, Directors Guild, and Independent Spirit Awards. However, Conclave remains a strong contender, especially after its Screen Actors Guild ensemble win.
In the acting categories:
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Best Actress: Demi Moore (The Substance) is the favorite, but Mikey Madison (Anora) remains a serious challenger after winning at the BAFTAs and Independent Spirit Awards.
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Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) is the front-runner, although Timothée Chalamet could pose a threat following his SAG win.
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Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) is expected to take home the award.
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Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) is heavily favored.
What Makes Emilia Pérez a Standout Film?
One of the most talked-about films this year is Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, a unique narco-musical about a Mexican drug lord who undergoes gender-affirming surgery. The film leads the nominations with 13 nods and has already made history by securing Karla Sofía Gascón the first-ever Oscar nomination for an openly transgender actor. However, the controversy surrounding past offensive tweets by Gascón has sparked backlash, affecting the film’s awards campaign.
What to Expect from the 2025 Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards promise an evening of celebration, resilience, and acknowledgment of cinematic excellence. While the event will undoubtedly highlight Hollywood’s finest, it also aims to reflect on the broader social and environmental challenges affecting the film industry and the world. Expect emotional speeches, dazzling fashion, and a few surprises as this year’s best films and performances take center stage.
(Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Information regarding the Academy Awards is subject to change based on official announcements from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.)
Also Read: Nickel Boys Movie Review: A Haunting, Visceral Adaptation That Redefines Cinematic Storytelling