This year marks the 97th Academy Awards, and the excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the festivities of the Oscars 2025, scheduled to air tonight, March 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET. With Conan O’Brien at the helm for his first Oscars hosting gig, viewers anticipate both humor and homage as the annual celebration takes place at the historic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Fans have multiple options for coverage, from traditional cable channels to streaming platforms. For viewers wanting to watch the awards live, the Oscars will be accessible on ABC and simultaneously on streaming services, including Hulu, for the first time this year. The availability of the ceremony on various platforms caters to both traditionalists and those shifting to modern viewing habits.
The pre-Oscars excitement kicks off with extensive red carpet coverage. Ahead of the ceremony, E! provides live broadcasts starting at 4 p.m. ET with “Live From E!: The Oscars,” as fans gather to see the stars arrive, dressed to impress. Notable presenters at this year’s event include the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Gal Gadot, and Rachel Zegler, among many others, ensuring plenty of star power.
This year’s Oscars don’t just shine the spotlight on the night’s nominees, but also honor the city of Los Angeles itself. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized their intention to showcase both the city’s beauty and resilience and its significance to the film industry. They noted, “We will honor Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience...,” reflecting on the challenges faced recently, including the devastating wildfires impacting parts of Southern California.
Nominees for the coveted best picture category this year include films like “Wicked,” “Conclave,” and “Anora.” These titles are among several highly anticipated contenders. The competition for best actor includes notable performances by Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet, with actresses like Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore recognized for their exceptional roles over the past year.
An interesting twist for this year’s ceremony is the decision to change how the original song nominees will be presented. Rather than the typical live performances, which have historically marked the Oscars, this year’s ceremony will focus on the songwriters behind the nominations, shedding light on their artistry through personal reflections. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “This year the best original song category presentation will move away from live performances...,” showcasing the depth of creativity behind the music instead.
Even with these changes, beloved musical performances will still be part of the evening. Notable performances are set from Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with highly anticipated acts from Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, Raye, and Lisa from BlackPink. Together, these artists promise to energize the night with their musical talents.
Fans can engage with the Oscars experience leading up to the main event, as the red carpet show’s festivities begin as early as 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET. With hosts providing commentary on celebrity fashion, viewers can immerse themselves entirely during the run-up to the big show.
Conan O’Brien’s hosting is particularly looked forward to, as he steps onto the Oscars stage for the first time. His humor and experience as the master of ceremonies at various award shows previously, including the Emmys and the MTV Movie Awards, contribute to the hopeful anticipation for how he will navigate this year’s unique Oscars format. “It’s going to be a great show,” O’Brien stated, emphasizing his excitement to be part of this significant night for the film industry.
Finally, the Oscars’ significance as more than just televised entertainment resonates deeply, especially when considering the challenges faced by the community due to wildfires and strikes affecting the film industry. Reflecting on these issues, O’Brien noted the night serves as “a celebration of an entire industry and people from every walk of life,” underscoring the resilience of filmmakers, artists, and audiences alike as they come together to recognize outstanding achievements.
With the Oscars ceremony about to begin, viewers are set for memorable moments, emotional highs, and plenty of glamour. The stage is ready, the stars are arriving, and it’s sure to be another unforgettable Oscars night, as excitement builds across the country for the biggest night in film.