The biggest night in film is finally here, as the stars of Hollywood gather for the 97th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2, 2025. With the glimmer of hope and excitement, this year's Oscars promise to be more than just the culmination of movie magic—it’s where dreams become tangible through the golden referral of the Academy Awards.
Leading the nominations is the Netflix film Emilia Pérez, which has garnered 13 nominations, just one shy of the record of 14 held by classics like Titanic and All About Eve. The sweeping crime musical centers on the life of a cartel leader who transitions gender, stirring conversations about diversity and representation. Hot on its heels are The Brutalist and Wicked, both of which have received 10 nominations each, showcasing the versatility and vibrancy of Hollywood's storytelling.
For those eager to tune in, the Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC at 7 p.m. Eastern Time (4 p.m. Pacific). This year, the Oscars can also be streamed for the first time on Hulu, with other platforms like Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV also offering broadcasts for audiences eager to catch all the glitz and glamour from home.
Before the main event, viewers can catch the all-important red carpet coverage, which starts at 6:30 p.m. EST (3:30 p.m. PST), giving fans the chance to see their favorite stars dressed to the nines. ABC will feature exclusive live footage, but fans can also watch via E!’s pre-show starting earlier at 4 p.m. EST, titled "Live From E!: The Oscars".
This year’s awards will see fierce competition, particularly for the Best Picture award. The nominees include Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, and Wicked. The competition is fierce across genres, making predictions difficult for seasoned Oscar enthusiasts.
On the acting front, high-profile contenders as best actor include Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, who previously took home the Oscar for The Pianist; he faces off against Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice).
Meanwhile, the Best Actress category features Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here), each vying for their first Academy Award.
Hosting this year’s ceremony is Conan O'Brien, stepping onto the Oscars stage for the first time, though he's no stranger to awards shows, having previously hosted the Emmys. O'Brien expressed his excitement and humorously remarked, "America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. and now I'm hosting the Oscars!" His lighthearted approach is expected to keep the atmosphere lively throughout the evening.
Besides the awards themselves, the entertainment will be star-studded. Performers will include the Academy’s choice for this year—Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will thrill audiences alongside Doja Cat, LISA from Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye, giving musical acts off-the-charts energy throughout the show.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has made significant efforts to reach viewers around the globe too, ensuring the Oscar telecast will be available worldwide, bolstering the event's status as a universal celebration of cinema.
So, mark your calendars and set those reminders—fans of cinema and culture alike will not want to miss out on what is sure to be the premiere event of the year. Whether you're watching on your couch at home or live from the Dolby Theatre, the magic of the Oscars will shine through, celebrating not just the year’s achievements but the stories and people behind them.
With nominees filled with surprises and fan favorites, the anticipation heightens as viewers make their final predictions. Will Emilia Pérez sweep the awards, or will Dune: Part Two display its strength as it did at the box office? The night promises not just the thrill of wins, but also the heartwarming moments of acceptance speeches and heartfelt tributes to Hollywood's rich heritage.
The Oscars are not just about trophies; they symbolize recognition of artistic merit, storytelling innovation, and passionate performances. They are moments where actors reflect on their journeys and where audiences resonate with the art of cinema, possibly seeing their own stories represented therein.
Stay tuned to TODAY.com for complete Oscars coverage, including live updates on winners and unexpected moments, through the entire evening. Enjoy the show, and let the magic of the Oscars transport you to the heart of Hollywood.