The biggest night in Hollywood is almost here, and for movie lovers and casual viewers alike, the 97th Academy Awards promises to be spectacular. Scheduled to air at midnight Irish time on Monday, March 3, 2025, from the iconic Dolby Theatre located in Ovation Hollywood, this year's Oscars will gather the finest film stars to celebrate another remarkable year of cinematic achievements.
For those eager to catch every moment, the ceremony will be broadcast live on RTÉ One. Viewers who prefer not to stay up late can tune in for the Oscars Highlights, which will air on RTÉ2 at 9:30 p.m. the same day. The thrill of the Oscars extends beyond the ceremony itself, with several online platforms also streaming live from the red carpet—allowing fans to witness the glamour and style as stars arrive. E! will kick off their exclusive coverage with Live From E!: The Oscars red carpet show hosted by Access Hollywood's Zuri Hall starting at 9 p.m. GMT, providing fans with comprehensive access to celebrity fashions and pre-awards excitement.
This year's Oscars, hosted by Conan O'Brien, marks another opportunity for Hollywood to celebrate excellence across multiple categories, from Best Picture to Best Director. The competition is fierce, with films like Anora, The Brutalist, Conclave, and Dune: Part Two leading the pack of nominees. These films are not just vying for attention but are also engaging audiences with captivating stories and artistic creativity.
Among the talented nominees this year, Best Actor contenders include Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown, and Colman Domingo for Sing Sing, each bringing unique performances to the fore. The Best Actress race features Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), and others, showcasing diverse narratives and powerful character portrayals.
The presence of men on the red carpet has sparked conversation surrounding the increasing importance of fashion within the male actor community. Over the past year, male stars have attracted attention not only for their performances but also for their sartorial choices. Designer Thom Browne noted, "Seeing people be their true selves is so refreshing… people seem to be more confident than ever when getting dressed." This shift signifies the sartorial battleground has become as relevant as the awards themselves—driving home the point of how seriously male actors approach their appearance at such high-profile events.
Particularly, Adrien Brody's outfit choices for awards season have captured the attention of fashion critics and fans alike, as he donned classic, timeless styles with modern twists. This year marks notable changes from previous ceremonies, as the fashion world embraces male stars walking the red carpet with unapologetic confidence.
Beyond the fashion discussions, this year's Oscars will showcase numerous genres through its nominations. Diverse action films will also compete for accolades such as Gladiator II and Dune: Part Two. Not to be overshadowed, the theatrical adaptation Wicked presents action and storytelling, all culminating to create buzz about the remarkable visual aesthetics and narrative skills represented.
Despite the absence of categories for stunt work within the Academy Awards, films this year reflect massively inventive stunts and cinematography. With films engaging both visual effects and storytelling, the nominations paint a picture of not just quality narratives but also of pushing technical boundaries—something filmmakers have focused highly on this Oscar season.
All of these elements converge at the Oscars, where glamour, storytelling, and showmanship take center stage. The anticipation surrounding their various awards reveals the depth of artistry present this year, showcasing how Hollywood celebrates its best and brightest.
Just as the stars prepare for shining moments with their awards, even the audience feels charged as they await each announcement—knowing full well their favorites may take home the coveted trophies. The Oscars are as much about the cinema as they are about the spectacle—the excitement of who wore what, who won, and the unforgettable moments crafted throughout the evening.
From its remarkable nominees to the elaborate red carpet, this year's Academy Awards promise to be unforgettable. Mark your calendars for March 3, as cinema's biggest night is sure to light up the screens once again, bringing the spectacle of Hollywood right to your living room!