The countdown is on. With just days until the 97th Academy Awards lights up the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on March 2, 2025, preparations are in full swing for what promises to be one of the most unpredictable and emotionally charged ceremonies in recent memory. Hollywood’s biggest night is no stranger to drama, but this year’s Oscars arrive on the heels of wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County, a contentious awards race, and a host—Conan O’Brien—stepping into the spotlight for the first time. As the film industry rallies to celebrate its finest achievements of 2024, here’s what to expect from this landmark event.
A Ceremony Shaped by Resilience
The 2025 Oscars are poised to be more than a celebration of cinema—they’re a testament to Hollywood’s grit. Late 2024 saw devastating wildfires tear through Los Angeles, threatening iconic landmarks like the Dolby Theatre and displacing thousands, including industry heavyweights. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences responded with agility, extending nomination voting deadlines and canceling the traditional nominees’ luncheon. “We are devastated by the impact of the fires,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang in a January statement, pledging to use the ceremony to honor frontline workers and unify the film community.
This backdrop sets a unique tone. Expect an opening that acknowledges the recent trauma—perhaps a montage of resilience featuring LA’s cinematic landmarks, narrated by O’Brien’s signature wit tempered with sincerity. The Academy has hinted at weaving this narrative throughout the night, potentially turning the telecast into a quasi-telethon, much like the Grammys’ $24 million fire relief effort earlier this month. It’s a chance for Hollywood to showcase its heart, not just its glamour.
Conan O’Brien Takes the Helm
For the first time, Conan O’Brien will host the Oscars, bringing his razor-sharp humor and live TV expertise to a gig that’s notoriously tough to nail. Announced on November 15, 2024, O’Brien replaces Jimmy Kimmel, who helmed the last two ceremonies, and steps into a role that’s oscillated between single hosts and experimental formats in recent years. “Conan has all the qualities of a great Oscars host—he’s witty, charismatic, and funny,” said executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan. They’re banking on his ability to connect with audiences, a skill honed over decades on late-night TV and at events like the Emmys.
O’Brien’s challenge? Balancing levity with the gravity of the moment. He’s already joked about the gig’s difficulty in a Hollywood Reporter interview, saying, “It’s not the easiest assignment I’ve ever had, but I’m embracing it.” Expect a monologue that skewers Hollywood’s quirks—maybe a jab at the wildfires’ timing or the awards season’s chaos—while keeping it accessible to the global audience tuning in via ABC, Hulu, and Disney+. His outsider status in the film world could be a strength, offering a fresh lens on an industry often accused of navel-gazing.
The Nominees: A Diverse and Divisive Field
The 97th Oscars boast a lineup that’s as eclectic as it is competitive. Leading the pack is Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical crime drama from Netflix, with a historic 13 nominations—edging close to the record 14 held by Titanic and La La Land. Karla Sofía Gascón’s nod for Best Actress marks a milestone as the first transgender woman recognized in an acting category, though her campaign stumbled after old tweets resurfaced, sparking debate online. Close behind are The Brutalist and Wicked, each with 10 nominations, rounding out a top tier that blends arthouse ambition with blockbuster appeal.
Best Picture contenders reflect 2024’s cinematic highs and lows: Anora, Conclave, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, Nickel Boys, and I’m Still Here join the trio above, offering a mix of indie darlings and big-budget epics. Anora, Sean Baker’s gritty tale of a sex worker’s ascent, has surged as a frontrunner after sweeping precursor awards like the Directors Guild of America (DGA). Conclave, Edward Berger’s papal thriller, and The Brutalist, Brady Corbet’s sprawling post-WWII saga, are neck-and-neck, buoyed by critical acclaim and Golden Globe wins.
Snubs and surprises abound. Selena Gomez’s omission from Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez—despite nods elsewhere—stung fans, while Challengers and its Trent Reznor-Atticus Ross score got zero love, a shock after their Golden Globe triumph. Meanwhile, I’m Still Here, a Brazilian drama, sneaked into Best Picture and Best Actress, signaling the Academy’s growing international bent.
The Race to Watch: Best Picture Showdown
Best Picture is anyone’s game, but the smart money’s on a three-way tussle. Anora has momentum—Baker’s DGA win historically predicts Oscar success, and its raw energy resonates in a year craving authenticity. The Brutalist, with Adrian Brody’s towering performance and Golden Globe drama cred, appeals to voters who love a meaty epic. Conclave, bolstered by Ralph Fiennes and a twisty script, could sneak in if the Academy leans toward cerebral thrills.
Emilia Pérez looked unstoppable until Gascón’s social media misstep dimmed its shine—13 nominations might not translate to wins if voters balk at the controversy. Wicked, a box-office juggernaut, could ride populist appeal to a surprise victory, though musicals rarely clinch the top prize (Chicago in 2003 was the last). Dark horses like Dune: Part Two, with its technical prowess, or I’m Still Here, with its emotional punch, shouldn’t be discounted in a season this volatile.
Performances and Presenters: Star Power Unleashed
The Oscars thrive on spectacle, and 2025 won’t disappoint. Rumors swirl of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performing “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, a potential showstopper given their nominations and the film’s cultural buzz. Doja Cat’s name has popped up on X as another possible performer, perhaps tied to an original song nod—her bold energy would electrify the night. The Academy’s decision to axe live song performances last year sparked backlash; expect a return to form here, spotlighting Emilia Pérez’s score or A Complete Unknown’s Dylan-inspired tunes.
Presenters add heft. Last year’s acting winners—Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and Da’Vine Joy Randolph—return to hand out statuettes, a nod to tradition. But the “Fab 5” format, where past winners laud nominees, shifts to below-the-line categories like cinematography, freeing up acting slots for a yet-to-be-revealed twist. Amelia Dimoldenberg, back as red carpet correspondent, will bring her dry humor to pre-show chatter, streaming live on Hulu for the first time alongside ABC’s broadcast.
What’s Different This Year?
The wildfires forced logistical pivots, but the Academy’s doubling down on inclusivity and innovation. Streaming on Hulu and Disney+ globally marks a digital leap, aiming to hook younger viewers. The cancellation of the nominees’ luncheon—replaced by a “class photo” snapped last week—streamlines prep, funneling energy into the main event. Voting tweaks post-fires extended deadlines, ensuring all 10,000+ members had their say, though some grumbled about rushed decisions.
