The excitement is building as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveils its list of presenters for the 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 2, 2025. A star-studded lineup has been confirmed, including past winners and prominent figures from the film industry. Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb, and Bowen Yang are all set to grace the stage at the Dolby Theatre, showcasing their talents and celebrating cinematic excellence.
This year's ceremony will be hosted by Conan O'Brien, marking his inaugural role as the Academy Awards host. The event will air live at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on ABC and will also be available for streaming on Hulu. The official red carpet show will commence earlier, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Highlighting the presenters' achievements, many are previous Oscar winners themselves. Halle Berry, who made history as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress award for her role in Monster's Ball (2001), leads the charge alongside past winners like Whoopi Goldberg and Penélope Cruz. Goldberg won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Ghost (1991), and Cruz received the same accolade for her work in Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2009). These titans of film not only bring prestige to the event but also inspire the next generation of artists stepping onto the stage.
Notably, the lineup includes last year’s acting winners: Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Robert Downey Jr. Stone took home Best Actress for her role as Bella Baxter in Poor Things, which was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Cillian won Best Actor for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, and Da’Vine Joy’s award was for her role as Mary Lamb in The Holdovers.
According to the Academy, additional presenters are yet to be announced, but the anticipation is already palpable as fans look forward to the star-studded affair. The awards ceremony promises to be not only a celebration of artistic achievement but also aims to reflect on current events affecting the community. O'Brien has expressed his desire to use the platform to raise awareness about the devastating wildfires impacting Los Angeles, aiming to balance sensitivity and upliftment during the live broadcast.
Producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to curate the event. Kapoor, who serves as showrunner and will also be producing, has experience from the recent Grammy Awards. His insights are invaluable as the Academy seeks to deliver an engaging and memorable show.
This year’s event also introduces some changes to format, departing from the traditional celebration of acting categories. Instead, five former winners will highlight below-the-line talent, shining the spotlight on those who often work behind the scenes. While this decision has shifted the presentation format, it is part of the Academy's continual effort to adapt and recognize the full spectrum of talent within the film industry.
Halle Berry’s involvement continues to break new ground for women of color within the industry. She hoped this year’s Oscars would inspire individuals beyond Hollywood, remarking on the importance of representation and inclusivity. This sentiment echoes through the ranks, as other presenters including Afro-Latina actress Zoe Saldaña, who is nominated this year, bring diverse voices to the forefront of the ceremony.
The 2025 Oscars nominations, unveiled earlier this year, have sparked conversations, particularly with films like Emilia Pérez facing scrutiny over past controversies related to its lead actress’s social media history. Nevertheless, the impressive nominees list, which includes established favorites like Dune: Part Two and The Brutalist, highlights the innovative work being produced today.
The awards will culminate with the announcement of key winners across various categories, with the Best Picture contenders showcasing significant talent and thematic depth. Among the leading studios, Netflix tops the nominations leaderboard with 16 nods, illustrating its impactful role within contemporary cinema.
With only weeks to go before the big night, excitement continues to build. Rumors suggest the ceremony might kick off with performances from the stars of Wicked, lending more star power to the Oscars spectacle. Regardless of the final details, the event promises to be both celebratory and poignant, reflecting the rich fabric of the arts during these challenging times.
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Academy Awards on March 2—the night to celebrate the film industry's brightest talents is approaching, and with it, the promise of unforgettable moments and cinematic magic.