The 97th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place tonight, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This year's ceremony is notable for several reasons, including the unexpected absence of actor Harrison Ford, who recently dropped out as presenter after being diagnosed with shingles.
Ford's publicist confirmed the 82-year-old actor's withdrawal from the event, stating, "Harrison is doing okay and resting." Ford was initially announced as one of the presenters along with notable figures such as Dave Bautista, Gal Gadot, and Samuel L. Jackson, among others. Following Ford's announcement, his fellow "Star Wars" co-star, Mark Hamill, was quickly named as his replacement for the prestigious event.
Hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, the ceremony will broadcast live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC, and will also be available for streaming on Hulu. The evening will kick off with red carpet coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT, featuring exclusive insights and interviews from the stars.
Despite facing significant challenges, including the aftermath of massive wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles suburbs earlier this year, the Academy remains committed to honoring exceptional cinema. This year's Oscars will also pay tribute to the heroic firefighters who battled the devastating flames. While there will be no live performances of Best Song nominees for the ceremony, the event will still carry forth the spirit of celebration and remembrance.
Among the nominees this year is "Porcelain War," which poignantly captures the experiences of artists during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Directed by Slava Leontyev and Brendan Bellomo, this powerful documentary has already garnered respect, winning the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and multiple international awards. It marks the third consecutive year for a Ukrainian co-production to vie for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar, highlighting the country's resilience through art.
This year's ceremony also sees significant nominations across various categories. Notably, Jacques Audiard's satirical musical "Emilia Pérez" leads with 13 nominations. Following closely are "The Brutalist" by Brady Corbet and "Wicked" directed by Jon M. Chu, each receiving 10 nominations. Other noteworthy contenders include "Bob Dylan: A Complete Unknown" by James Mangold, and "Conclave" by Edward Berger, each landing eight nominations, demonstrating the competitive nature of this year's awards.
With films like "Anora," which tells the story of a Russian oligarch's son and his love for a stripper, expected to compete fiercely for the Best Picture award, film critics are buzzing with anticipation. NV film critic Valerii Myrnyi has predicted this year's Best Picture showdown will likely be between "Anora" and "Conclave," emphasizing the depth and variety of talent represented.
The Oscar winners will be announced following the presentations, building suspense as viewers from around the world tune in. "The Oscars is not just about recognition; it is about celebrating the stories told through cinema, which often reflect societal issues and human experiences," said one observer.
This year's ceremony shines brightly for Ukraine, particularly with recognition for films such as "Porcelain War," which was filmed during the first year of the invasion, focusing on three artists who chose to remain and continue creating amid turmoil. With the film community rallying to support Ukraine's voice through film, many hope it can draw more attention to the pressing matters at hand.
Ford's exit as presenter, bedazzled by his comedic interaction during the SAG Awards last week, serves as both notable and sad news for attendees and fans alike. His humor was on full display when he shared the stage with Jessica Williams during the event, leading viewers to recall the lighter moments of his storied career.
While the Oscars represent the heights of artistic achievement, this year's awards also carry deep significance, fondly celebrating the memories of lives lost fighting the wildfires and honoring the fight for freedom against oppression, as illustrated by Ukrainian filmmakers. The geopolitical climate has prompted filmmakers around the world to reflect on their narratives, and provide insight through their lenses, enhancing the relevance and importance of their works.
One can expect the red carpet event to attract vast attention, as fans and celebrities alike gather to celebrate cinema's power and potential to shine light on important issues. Viewers are encouraged to follow the ceremony closely, as the night promises to honor both iconic artistry and poignant narratives.
With the glitz and glamour of Hollywood on full display, the 2025 Academy Awards will highlight not only the achievements of filmmakers but also the shared experiences and struggles of humanity. The impact of films like "Porcelain War" allows for reflection on the historical moments shaping our world today, paving the way for important discussions around art, war, and resilience.
Follow along as the Oscars reveal their winners later tonight, supported by numerous attendees, including past winners and nominees, each contributing to the rich fabric of cinematic history.