The 97th Academy Awards promise to be one of the most unpredictable and highly debated ceremonies in recent history. After an awards season filled with surprising twists, intense competition, and unexpected controversies, the biggest night in Hollywood is finally here.
When and Where to Watch
The Oscars will take place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, kicking off at 7 p.m. EST. The event will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu. For fans eager to catch the red carpet glitz and glamour, coverage begins early, with the official ABC and Hulu preshow starting at 6:30 p.m. EST, while E! begins their red carpet coverage at 4 p.m. EST. The Associated Press will also livestream celebrity arrivals from 3 p.m. EST.
A City Recovering from Crisis
This year’s Oscars come at a time of resilience for Los Angeles, which continues to recover from the devastating wildfires that recently impacted areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Many in the entertainment industry were directly affected, with some even advocating for an awards season cancellation out of respect for those who lost their homes. Conan O’Brien, this year’s first-time host, has been among those displaced, having lived in a hotel for the past two months. In response, Oscar producers have dedicated a segment of the show to honoring the city’s strength and recovery efforts.
The Top Contenders and Unexpected Shake-Ups
Leading the nominations is Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez,” boasting 13 nods. However, its momentum took a major hit due to resurfaced controversial tweets from lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans performer nominated for Best Actress. This controversy has left the Best Picture race wide open.
Current Best Picture Frontrunners:
- “Anora” – Sean Baker’s gripping tale of a sex worker marrying a Russian oligarch’s son has dominated major guild awards, making it the film to beat.
- “Conclave” – A thriller starring Ralph Fiennes, which gained momentum after winning big at the BAFTAs and SAG Awards.
- “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” – Both films have secured 10 nominations each, posing as dark horse contenders.
- “Dune: Part Two” – While not a direct Best Picture favorite, it is expected to sweep technical categories.
Historic Nominations and Political Tensions
For the first time in history, an actor is nominated for playing a sitting U.S. president. Sebastian Stan earned a Best Actor nod for portraying a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice,” alongside Jeremy Strong’s nomination for his role as Trump’s mentor, Roy Cohn. The former president has labeled the film’s creators as “human scum,” fueling even more political discourse around the Oscars.
Adding to the already charged atmosphere, the ceremony comes amid a highly volatile political landscape, taking place just weeks into Trump’s second administration. This year’s show also follows the dramatic fallout between the U.S. and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, creating a politically charged backdrop for the event.
Host Conan O’Brien has acknowledged the challenge of balancing entertainment with the current climate, stating, “I cannot ignore the moment we’re in. But I also have to remember to celebrate cinema and infuse the show with positivity.”
Close Races in Acting Categories
While supporting categories seem all but decided—with Zoe Saldana (“Emilia Pérez”) and Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”) as strong favorites—the lead acting races are more uncertain:
Best Actress:
- Demi Moore (“The Substance”) is considered the frontrunner.
- Mikey Madison (“Anora”) and Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here”) remain potential upset candidates.
Best Actor:
- Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”) leads the race.
- Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”) could make history as the youngest-ever Best Actor winner if he pulls off an upset.
The State of the Film Industry and Oscars Viewership
This year’s ceremony comes at a pivotal moment for the movie industry. Box office sales in 2024 saw a 3% decline from the previous year, with numbers still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels. The Hollywood strikes of 2023 disrupted production schedules, leading to fewer major releases and job losses across the industry. The devastating wildfires in January further compounded the challenges.
Last year, the Oscars saw a resurgence in viewership, thanks to blockbuster hits “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie.” However, with this year’s lineup largely composed of independent films, the Academy faces a tough battle to maintain audience interest.
Major Changes to the Ceremony
Unlike previous years, the Academy has decided to eliminate live performances of the Best Original Song nominees. Instead, audiences will be treated to special musical moments, including a highly anticipated performance by “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, as well as a tribute to the late music legend Quincy Jones, featuring Queen Latifah.
Last year’s acting winners—Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph—are confirmed to participate in the ceremony. While initial plans suggested a return to the “fab five” presentation format (where five previous winners present each acting category), organizers have reportedly abandoned the idea.
Final Thoughts
With an unpredictable Best Picture race, historic nominations, political undercurrents, and significant changes to the format, the 97th Academy Awards promise to be one of the most fascinating ceremonies in recent memory. Whether it’s the crowning of unexpected winners, impassioned political speeches, or moments of Hollywood resilience, this year’s Oscars are set to leave a lasting impact on the industry and beyond.
Stay tuned as the glitz, glamour, and drama unfold live from Hollywood’s biggest night!
