HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES -- Oscar Sunday is here, and the excitement is palpable as stars prepare for the 2025 Academy Awards. Taking place on March 2 at the iconic Dolby Theatre, this year's ceremony marks the first time veteran comedian Conan O’Brien will host the Oscars. With 13 nominations, including for Best Picture, Emilia Pérez has set a record for films not in the English language. The anticipation is building, especially as the show promises to bring Hollywood's biggest stars to the forefront.
For fans eager to catch all the glamour and glitz, live coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on ABC, featuring the red carpet looks through “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars.” This year’s ceremony will be characterized not only by its nominees but also by unique challenges faced by its host. O’Brien, displaced from his Pacific Palisades home due to Southern California wildfires, emphasized the importance of celebration this year, saying, “Part of the message I’m hoping for this year’s Oscars is, we roll up our sleeves and we get back to work.”
Leading up to the ceremony, stars including Emilia Pérez, have reflected on their career journeys, highlighting their ties to the Bay Area and the significance of Hollywood’s biggest night. From director Kelsey Mann of Pixar’s "Inside Out 2," who expressed his gratitude for the film's recognition, to predictions about nominees' performances, the Oscars have much to offer. “It's pretty crazy we made a movie that's going to be on one of those ballots,” Mann noted, underscoring the momentous achievement of the nomination.
The anticipation for the red carpet is not just due to the nominees but also the star power of presenters. Audiences can expect appearances from Penélope Cruz, Whoopi Goldberg, Halle Berry, and many others throughout the evening. Behind-the-scenes coverage and exclusive interviews will add to the excitement, with ABC7’s Amanda del Castillo relaying all live updates from the red carpet and event.
This year's Academy Awards have sparked controversy and discussions within the film industry, particularly surrounding the nomination of films like Emilia Pérez, which explores gender reassignment surgery within the Mexican cultural narrative. Filmmakers are hoping for recognition against pressing issues, alongside some titles receiving both acclaim and backlash, such as The Substance, which critiques Hollywood’s unrealistic beauty standards for women.
Oscar Sunday also signifies the day where historical performances take center stage. This year will feature musical performances from the hit show Wicked and collaborations from hugely talented artists like Lisa of Blackpink, rapper Doja Cat, and Raye, providing entertainment beyond the awards themselves. The event seeks to deliver on all fronts—celebration, recognition, and artistic expression—as it encompasses the essence of the film industry.
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will return to the Oscars stage with their "After the Oscars Show," capturing live interviews with Academy Award winners the moment they step offstage from their triumphs. “I’m always excited to meet so many people I’ve admired over the years, especially at the time when they’ve won something so massive,” Consuelos said, hinting at the special moments audiences can anticipate.
Reflecting on their experience backstage, Ripa shared, “We have no idea who’s going to come back! We can’t hear, we can’t see, and then suddenly the winner is right there standing in front of us.” Their comedic touch and warm personalities are expected to add to the post-awards festivities, showcasing the best moments and fashion from the night.
With red carpet coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. ET, expect not only fashion highlights but also significant insights from experts predicting winners. “We know it’s going to be competitive, but which fashionable stars will turn the most heads?” asked supermodel Roshumba Williams during interviews leading up to the event.
Within the industry itself, some films like The Brutalist, which tackles complex narratives of the post-World War II era, and Anora, highlighted for its comedic touch, are generating conversations about representation on screen. The wide range of narratives being presented this year speaks to Hollywood's continuing evolution and commitment to diverse storytelling.
Drawing to the end of the evening, viewers can expect around three and a half hours of entertainment as the ceremony seeks to wrap up with poignant moments, thrilling surprises, and, as tradition holds, winners being celebrated live on stage.
For those seeking to watch the Oscars, they can tune in to ABC, stream on Hulu, and rely on various platforms depending on the region, ensuring global access to every memorable moment of Oscar Sunday.