The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, often lauded as Hollywood's biggest night, is set to take place on March 2, 2025, promising to honor the year's finest cinematic achievements.
For the first time, comedian and television host Conan O'Brien will take to the stage as the host, succeeding Jimmy Kimmel, who held the position for the 2023 and 2024 ceremonies. This year's ceremony will take place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, marked as the venue for some of cinema's most prestigious moments.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on Rai 1 and ABC, with the Italian audience tuning in at 11:30 PM for the red carpet festivities before the awards commence at 1:00 AM local time on March 3. Viewers can also catch the event on RaiPlay for on-demand viewing.
With films like Emilia Pérez, nominated for 13 awards, The Brutalist and Wicked, both with 10 nominations each, this year’s Oscars reflect not only diverse storytelling but also the global nature of the film industry. Reportedly, the excitement surrounding the nominees this year is palpable, as these films have stirred significant interest and conversations about their themes.
Noteworthy presenters, including last year’s acting award winners Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Robert Downey Jr., are set to return to present trophies to this year’s deserving contenders. They will be joined by A-list stars like Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, and Oprah Winfrey, enhancing the ceremony's star-studded allure.
Among the nominees, Isabella Rossellini stands out, having received recognition for her role in Conclave, which is also nominated for Best Film. Rossellini’s nomination adds to her illustrious career and the anticipation surrounding her performance at the event. It’s not only about her; Alba Rohrwacher is another Italian talent to watch, recently garnering international acclaim for her film roles, including one alongside Angelina Jolie.
The anticipation extends to musical performances as well, with confirmed acts including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who will perform selections from Wicked. The night will also feature appearances from Queen Latifah, Doja Cat, and Raye, promising energetic entertainment interwoven with the emotional highs and lows of the award presentations.
The Academy has emphasized the importance of transparency and graciousness this year. A highlight will be the numerous films representing different genres and narratives from around the globe, shedding light on the richness of global cinema.
This year's Oscars carry weight beyond the awards themselves; they represent resilience after challenges, including the severe recent wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area—a stark reminder of nature’s impact on community and creativity.
While the highly anticipated films boast powerful stories, nominations reflect trends shown during the recent Golden Globes. Expectations are high for those who will take home the coveted Academy Awards, as sentiments linger on who will emerge as the night’s standout stars.
With social media capturing every moment, the Oscars are not just about winners and losers; they are about shared experiences and collective memories formed during those live broadcasts. From the first steps on the red carpet to emotional acceptance speeches, every element of the night holds significance for audiences worldwide.
All eyes will be on the Dolby Theatre as glamour and talent combine to create another unforgettable evening. Such events serve as much-needed escapism and celebration showing the resilience and creativity of filmmakers as they continue to tell stories against the backdrop of unprecedented global challenges. The Oscars are emblematic of not just the films but the collective experience of appreciation, storytelling, and entertainment.