The 2025 Academy Awards are just around the corner, and excitement is building for what promises to be another thrilling night celebrating the best of cinema. Set to take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, this year's Oscars have generated significant buzz, particularly with Netflix’s divisive musical, Emilia Pérez, leading the pack with 13 nominations.
Hosting this year’s ceremony is comedian Conan O’Brien, who takes over the reins from Jimmy Kimmel. O’Brien, known for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence, aims to bring his unique brand of humor to the prestigious event. “We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year. He is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film,” the Academy said.
Alongside Emilia Pérez, other top contenders include The Brutalist and Wicked, both earning 10 nominations. Close behind are A Complete Unknown and Conclave, which garnered eight nods each. This year's nominees reflect a mix of genres and themes, making predictions for winners particularly challenging.
According to industry analysts, the Best Picture category has become increasingly difficult to forecast. Since the Academy expanded the nominee field from five to up to ten films, upsets have become more common. The use of ranked-choice voting complicates matters, allowing Academy voters to list their preferences which may lead to unexpected results.
This year, Anora, directed by Sean Baker, is seen as the frontrunner, having swept several awards this season, including the Directors Guild and Producers Guild awards. The film, which explores the poignant intersection of love and ambition through the eyes of its lead character, has captivated audiences and critics alike. Yet, its three-hour runtime raises questions—whether its length could deter voters from selecting it as their top pick.
Running close behind is Conclave, presenting dramatic explorations of power within the Vatican, led by Ralph Fiennes. Though initially not viewed as the favorite, its narrative has gained traction among voters, showcasing the complex dynamics of faith and morality. Will this film's thematic depth resonate enough to earn the golden statuette?
Meanwhile, controversy surrounds Emilia Pérez, particularly with actress Karla Sofía Gascón, whose previous questionable comments have raised eyebrows. Despite the uproar, the film seems poised to maintain strong support from international voters who may favor its innovative storytelling.
Who else will prove victorious? Predictions are rampant: Best Actress could see Demi Moore's performance in The Substance capture the award, buoyed not just by her acting chops but by decades of rapport with Oscar voters. She is facing stiff competition, most prominently from Mikey Madison for her breakout role in Anora.
Best Actor sees Adrien Brody for his nuanced portrayal of architect Lazlo Toth steal the spotlight. With his history as previous winner, many expect him to take home this award once again. Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of the searching protagonist may add unexpected twists to the evening if it sways voters' sentiments.
The ceremony will also feature many high-profile presenters, including Oscar winners like Emma Stone and Cillian Murphy, along with Hollywood heavyweights such as Harrison Ford and Gal Gadot. Their presence lends prestige and excitement to the night, not to mention the heightened expectations for the musical performances.
For the first time, the Oscars will broadcast live on Hulu, alongside ABC, allowing wider audiences to witness the spectacle. The live stream commences at 7 p.m. ET, with pre-show festivities beginning at 6:30 p.m., setting the stage for another memorable gathering celebrating cinematic achievements.
Despite controversies and surprises, many viewers are preparing for what they expect will be impactful performances. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, both nominated for their respective roles, will take the stage, marking their contributions to this year’s artistic achievements.
For film lovers, the anticipated awards are not merely celebrations; they highlight the captivating stories and voices within the industry. The nominations reflect distinct journeys, offering unique perspectives on pivotal issues.
More than the awards themselves, the Oscars infuse the industry with energy and inspiration. Whether favorites like Anora and Conclave take home top honors or audacious surprises emerge, the 2025 Academy Awards promises to deliver memorable moments on cinema's grandest night.
Counting down to the big day, all eyes are set on Hollywood, where lights, cameras, and Oscar dreams unite for yet another captivating celebration.