Celebrities, movie enthusiasts, and fashion aficionados are thrilled as the most anticipated night in the entertainment industry’s calendar has finally arrived – the 97th Academy Awards.
The Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez leads the pack with an impressive 13 nominations, but its award prospects were recently marred by resurfaced offensive historic tweets from its lead actor.
Other strong contenders such as Wicked, The Brutalist, Conclave, and Anora are also vying for the top honors, with the competition for the best picture award too close to predict.
The awards ceremony is being hosted by US comedian Conan O’Brien in Los Angeles, with the event commencing at 16:00 (PT), 19:00 (ET), and midnight (GMT).
Throughout the evening, viewers can expect references to the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles and left numerous homes destroyed.
Below are the key highlights and noteworthy elements to watch for during the ceremony, as a thrilling awards season comes to a close.
Emilia Pérez, a film centered on a Mexican drug lord who undergoes a gender transformation, boasts a total of 13 nominations, including nods for best picture, best actress (Karla Sofía Gascón), and best supporting actress (Zoe Saldaña).
This movie holds the record for the most nominations for a non-English language film in history. Despite being a French production primarily set in Mexico, the film predominantly features Spanish dialogue.
Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination marks a historic moment as the first transgender individual to receive an acting nomination, although Elliot Page was previously nominated for Juno in 2008 before transitioning.
However, Emilia Pérez has faced controversy, particularly in Mexico, and recently encountered a social media dispute involving Gascón.
While still competitive in select categories, Emilia Pérez is not expected to dominate the awards night as strongly as last year’s Oppenheimer did with its 13 nominations.
Close on the heels of Emilia Pérez with 10 nominations is the epic drama The Brutalist, starring Adrien Brody.
Wicked also boasts 10 nominations, featuring the talents of British actress Cynthia Erivo and singer Ariana Grande, while Demi Moore secures her first Oscar nomination for her role in The Substance.
Additionally, the papal election drama Conclave has garnered eight nominations, with British actor Ralph Fiennes contending for the best actor award.
All the mentioned films are in the race for the prestigious best picture accolade, alongside Anora, a tale about a New York stripper who falls for the son of a wealthy Russian.
Anora, with six nominations, surged ahead in the competition following multiple wins at precursor events like the Critics Choice Awards, as well as triumphs at the Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America Awards.
Despite the buzz surrounding the contenders, there is no clear favorite for the top prize, with
The Brutalist may not be the favorite, as Timothée Chalamet poses a strong challenge with his acclaimed portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Chalamet’s surprise SAG win last week has stirred up the competition, following his unconventional awards campaign. If Chalamet wins, he could end Brody’s winning streak and become the youngest-ever Best Actor winner. In the Best Supporting Actor category, Kieran Culkin is the top contender for A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldaña is expected to win Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, having already secured wins at prestigious events like the Baftas, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes.
It’s notable that it’s been ten years since the #OscarsSoWhite movement emerged, highlighting the lack of diversity at the 2015 Academy Awards. This year, there is diversity in both the Best Actress and Best Actor categories, with Colman Domingo from Sing Sing receiving his second consecutive nomination for Best Leading Actor. Despite some progress, diversity in the nomination field remains slow, with Coralie Fargeat being the sole female nominee for Best Director for The Substance out of five candidates. April Reign, the LA-based founder of #OscarsSoWhite, emphasized that while there has been progress, it is insufficient, addressing the need for inclusivity regarding gender, age, class, sexuality, and geography.
Many nominees are expected to grace the red carpet, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande likely to showcase emotion and support through hand-holding. Karla Sofía Gascón’s attendance had been uncertain due to past controversies, but she is confirmed to be present at the Oscars ceremony, although her red carpet appearance and seating arrangements with co-stars remain unknown. Presenters for the event include Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Downey Jr, Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Emma Stone.
This year’s Oscars race has unfolded amidst the tragic backdrop of wildfires in Los Angeles, leading to the nominations being postponed twice. Balancing the celebratory tone of the event with the city’s suffering has been a challenge, considering the insensitivity of flaunting wealth in such circumstances. Nonetheless, cancelling the event was never considered, as emphasized by Lynette Howell Taylor, a British film producer and Academy board member who lost her home in the fires. The ceremony will acknowledge the city’s difficulties while focusing on honoring the year’s outstanding films.
To streamline the ceremony, the Academy has opted not to have original song nominees perform individually, instead featuring a medley by Wicked stars Erivo and Grande, lasting around 10 minutes. The decision has sparked anticipation and speculation, especially regarding the performance of Defying Gravity. Other performers at the ceremony will include Doja Cat, Lisa from Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye.
In a historic move, the prestigious Academy Awards ceremony will be hosted this year by the renowned comedian and podcaster, Conan O’Brien. Stepping into the spotlight, O’Brien takes the reins from the beloved US late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel, who has graced the Oscars stage four times, including the previous year’s ceremony.
Scheduled to air live on Sunday, March 2nd, the 2025 Oscars will emanate from the iconic Dolby Theatre in the heart of Hollywood, a venue synonymous with glitz and glamour since 2002. Viewers in the United States can catch the star-studded event on ABC or stream it live on Hulu, while audiences across over 200 territories worldwide will also have the opportunity to tune in and be part of the cinematic celebration.
For UK viewers, the anticipation builds as the Oscars will be broadcast on ITV and ITVX starting at 22:30 GMT, promising a night of unforgettable moments and recognition of outstanding talent in the film industry.
This year’s Oscars not only mark a momentous occasion for the ceremony but also shine a spotlight on trailblazing talents. Cynthia Erivo, a trailblazer in her own right, becomes the first black British woman to secure two Oscar nominations for acting. Following her nomination for “Harriet” in 2020, Erivo adds another feather to her cap with a nod for her role as Elphaba in “Wicked.” A win in the best actress category would see her achieve an EGOT, a revered milestone reserved for individuals who have clinched an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.
Meanwhile, veteran actor Ralph Fiennes re-enters the Oscars race after 28 years with his first nomination in the best actor category. Fiennes garners recognition for his portrayal of a cardinal involved in the selection of a new Pope in the gripping film “Conclave,” showcasing his enduring talent and versatility on the silver screen.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, Felicity Jones earns a best supporting actress nomination for her role in “The Brutalist,” a decade after her initial brush with Oscar glory. The music world also takes center stage with the legendary Sir Elton John vying for the best original song award, underscoring his enduring influence and creativity in the realm of music and film.
Among the frontrunners generating excitement and admiration are none other than the beloved duo Wallace and Gromit, along with their creators at Aardman Animations. The iconic pair, known for their delightful adventures, are in the running for their fourth Oscar nomination in the best animated feature category for their latest escapade, “Vengeance Most Fowl.” The anticipation mounts as fans eagerly await the outcome for these beloved animated characters.
As the Oscars draw near, the spotlight shines brightly on the exceptional talents gracing the silver screen and the creative minds behind the captivating films that have captured our hearts and minds. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on this year’s awards season
