The 97th Academy Awards are almost here, promising another spectacular celebration of the best films and performances of the past year. Scheduled for Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the prestigious Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, the ceremony is set to be hosted by the beloved comedian Conan O’Brien. This year, there is heightened anticipation as Hollywood's biggest stars prepare to shine during what many call the most glamorous night of the year.
The Oscars ceremony will air live starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with coverage beginning earlier at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT for the official red carpet show. For the first time ever, the Oscars will be accessible to regular Hulu subscribers, marking a significant step for cord-cutters who want to enjoy the awards without owning traditional cable. Right before the main event, fans can tune in to watch the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s elite arriving on the red carpet.
"I will say this if you like close-up magic tricks, you'll be very happy with my Oscars performance," Conan jokingly remarked to ABC News about his hosting duties. He brings with him his unique comedic style, setting the stage for what promises to be both entertaining and memorable.
The red carpet will feature pre-show celebrations led by Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer from 6:30 p.m. ET, where this year’s nominees and performances will be highlighted. The star-studded event will allow viewers to catch all the award nominations and behind-the-scenes excitement as the stars arrive for Hollywood's biggest night.
What makes this ceremony particularly riveting are the highly competitive categories with films vying for the coveted Best Picture award. This year, the movie Emilia Pérez is leading the nominations with 13 nods, including Best Actor for Timothée Chalamet and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón. Other strong competitors include The Brutalist and Wicked, each with 10 nominations. The anticipation surrounding which film takes home the ultimate award is palpable, heightening the stakes for filmmakers and actors alike.
For those who are unable to catch the live broadcast, the ceremony will be available for on-demand viewing on Hulu the following day, March 3. The Oscars will also be broadcasted live across more than 200 territories, including prominent networks like CTV in Canada and ITV in the UK, allowing fans worldwide to partake in the buzz.
Alongside the stars lining up for the awards, the ceremony will feature heartwarming performances from artists such as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. While usual categories like Best Original Song will not include performances, viewers can still expect show-stopping moments throughout the evening. Other notable performances include Doja Cat and Queen Latifah, which only adds to the anticipation for music fans.
"Being nominated for an Oscar is an incredible honor and these last few months have been beyond my wildest dreams," said Demi Moore, who is nominated for her role in The Substance. The heartfelt sentiments echoed by nominees like Moore reflect the significance of recognition within the industry, especially amid the challenges so many faced due to natural disasters affecting the Hollywood community. The Academy has acknowledged this and plans to spotlight first responders during the ceremony, bringing attention to the resilience of the community.
With fierce competition across all categories, including Best Actor where seasoned performers like Adrien Brody and Ralph Fiennes go head-to-head with rising stars such as Timothée Chalamet, this year’s Oscars promise memorable surprises. Each nominee's story adds depth to the pre-show excitement as viewers eagerly make their own predictions.
By connecting audiences globally with moving performances and powerful stories, this year's ceremony reinforces the Academy's mission to recognize the best talents and achievements the film industry has to offer. The Oscars will also celebrate the artistry behind the scenes with nominations across various crafts such as Cinematography, Production Design, and Visual Effects, highlighting the multifaceted nature of filmmaking.
E! will also host extensive coverage, featuring red carpet interviews and special commentary. With events starting from as early as 2 p.m. ET with E!’s Brunch at the Oscars to the post-ceremony frenzy recapping the night’s standout moments, fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves fully.
For anyone hoping to enjoy the Oscars from the comfort of their homes, tune in to ABC or stream it live on Hulu—it's the perfect setting to celebrate cinematic excellence from wherever you are. Whether you cheer for your favorite films, marvel at the dazzling attire, or enjoy incredible musical performances, on oscar night, Hollywood truly shines.