The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marked a significant moment for Hollywood, especially as the industry continues to recover from devastating wildfires. The event was hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, who humorously remarked about being called to bring the show to life, stating, "America asked for it, and now it's done: here is the new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme from Taco Bell!" Without losing focus, he announced his role as the Oscars' host alongside the night's anticipated awards.
Following severe disruptions caused by the fires, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had been under pressure to reevaluate the ceremony's future, leading to intensified discussions on economic impact and resilience. Despite calls for cancellation, the ceremony proceeded as planned, with the Academy’s leaders emphasizing the importance of celebrating unity within the film community and honoring those who bravely fought the flames.
This year’s awards ceremony was particularly notable due to the inclusion of the musical film "Emilia Pérez," directed by Jacques Audiard, which led the nominations with 13—marking the highest count for any non-English production. Yet, the film has been shrouded in controversy, primarily due to resurfaced tweets from its lead actress Karla Sofia Gascón, which included racist and Islamophobic remarks. These revelations have cast doubt on its chances, even as the film triumphed at the César Awards just days prior, winning seven trophies.
Other noteworthy competitors for the awards included Sean Baker’s "Anora," which has garnered substantial accolades, including the Palme d'Or at Cannes, alongside Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist," which showcases the life of a Holocaust survivor and features performances by the talented Adrien Brody. The intense competition also highlights themes of class struggle and personal redemption, attracting significant industry attention.
The nominees list echoed the eclectic taste of this year’s cinematic offerings. Films vying for the coveted title of Best Picture include "Conclave," which dives deep inside the workings of Vatican politics, and "Wicked," which, though it was a box office hit with performances nominated for Best Actress, had its music nominations overlooked since the songs were not originally crafted for the film itself.
Notably, the ceremony emphasized brevity for acceptance speeches this year, with winners instructed to keep their thanks to just 45 seconds—a sharp departure from previous years where acceptance speeches often stretched to several minutes. This new policy was implemented following the historical long-windedness of past winners, emphasizing more concise acknowledgments without compromising excitement.
When the clock strikes midnight west coast time, Oscar fans around the world will see how the suspense settles, especially with the transition to streaming for the first time on Disney+, following decades of broadcasting through Canal+. Viewers could tune in from 12:30 AM onwards to catch the red carpet coverage featuring highlights from Lena Situations, who would be commenting on celebrity outfits live during the pre-show festivities.
Other industry heavyweights included Demi Moore, favored for her role in "The Substance," and the intense race between Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet for Best Actor, the latter being portrayed as the youthful embodiment of Bob Dylan, aiming to claim the honor at the youngest age on record.
Despite all the drama surrounding promotional efforts and predictions, the results of the night remain unpredictable. The order of the evening’s proceedings is standard, with the Academy expected to honor its traditions—barely deviated by the heavy shadows cast by recent events.
Fans and critics alike will be keeping close tabs on the outcome of the ceremony as they speculate which of the nominated films like "Anora" or "The Brutalist" could dethrone the frontrunner, all with the palpable excitement and nail-biting tension associated with Academy nights. Naturally, Oscar season brings with it not just entertainment but also moments of joy and turmoil, as films are criticized or lauded to the extremes, reflecting the swaying tides of popularity, relevance, and public sentiment.
Within this shifting narrative, the cinema community stands together, honoring talents past and present, echoing O’Brien’s commitment to shed light on the good stories within the challenging circumstances facing many. With attention focused on meaningful representation and recognition against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the Oscars look set to not only celebrate but also inspire.