The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025, was a night filled with memorable performances, dazzling red carpet appearances, and significant cinematic accolades. This year, as excitement buzzed around the event, film lovers and stars alike gathered to celebrate achievements across the film industry. Hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, the event marked yet another remarkable moment for Hollywood.
Leading the discussions was the notable film Emilia Pérez, directed by acclaimed French filmmaker Jacques Audiard. The movie scored 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nods for Carla Sofia Gascon and Zoë Saldana. Despite the buzz, critics suggested the film faced challenges due to Gascon's controversial past concerning social media posts perceived as racist. Nonetheless, if Emilia Pérez clinches the Best Picture award, it would follow the historic win of Parasite, making it just the second non-English film to achieve this honor.
One of the night’s most talked-about performances came from K-pop star Lisa, the first of her genre to grace the Oscars stage. Her elegant black lace gown with red accents became the subject of admiration as she performed Live and Let Die, drawing loud applause from the audience. "I can’t believe I’m here," Lisa expressed, reflecting her joy at being part of such a prestigious event.
After Lisa’s electrifying performance, rapper Doja Cat took the stage, dressed fiercely in her unique, netted outfit for her rendition of Diamonds are Forever. Following her, British artist Ray delivered a soulful performance of Skyfall, delighting the audience and leading to enthusiastic cheers and standing ovations.
The evening also saw major wins including Best Actor awarded to Adrien Brody for his role in The Brutalist. This marked Brody’s second Oscar win, placing him as one of only eleven actors to have received this honor more than once. His portrayal of Laszlo Toth, a Holocaust survivor and architect, has been praised for its depth and emotional resonance. "He has shown remarkable growth throughout his career," commented industry peers, highlighting Brody's unique contributions to cinema.
Joining the ranks of nominees were Timothée Chalamet for Complete Unknown, Ralph Fiennes for Conclave, Sebastian Stan for Apprentice, and Coleman Domingo for Singu. The competition for Best Actor was particularly fierce this year, with many raising the stakes for future ceremonies.
Among the contenders for Best Actress, Demi Moore emerged as the favorite for her role in Substance, with Fernanda Torres and Mikey Madison also vying for the award. Critics speculate about Moore potentially claiming her first Oscar as she has earned consistent accolades this season.
While the ceremony was undoubtedly star-studded and glamorous, it also included recognition of works outside traditional Hollywood boundaries. Though no features from Korea were nominated for major awards, two short animations derived from popular texts by Baek Heena were contenders, showcasing the rich storytelling coming from diverse cultures. Baek was present at the event, adding her own touch to the celebratory atmosphere.
It's important to note the increasing diversity among nominees and attendees, showcased by Lisa's performance. The integration of K-pop at such ceremonies highlights not only the changing dynamics of global culture but also the increasing acceptance of various forms of entertainment on prestigious platforms. This year, as our eyes turned to the screen, performances were not just celebrated; they made statements. Lisa's winning moment marked K-pop's burgeoning influence within the film industry.
Looking forward, anticipation builds for forthcoming seasons and how the Academy might continue to evolve. With the success of the 97th Academy Awards, conversations around representation and inclusivity are more relevant than ever, leaving many eager to see how future ceremonies develop. From cinematic masterpieces to unforgettable performances, this year’s Oscars surely set the stage for more groundbreaking moments to come.