The Academy Awards are around the corner, and the buzz is building as nominees prepare to step onto the grand stage. This year, the 97th Annual Academy Awards, set for February 29, 2025, are anticipated to break records and uplift artistic strides made throughout the past year.
On February 25, some of the year's most notable nominees gathered for the Oscars Nominees Dinner at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Traditionally, this event is a luncheon held about one month prior to the prestigious ceremony. This time, due to the Southern California wildfires, the event transformed from its usual format to a cocktail reception and dinner.
Cynthia Erivo, nominated for Actress in a Leading Role for Wicked, dazzled the room wearing a stunning archival Bill Blass gown from 1987. Ariana Grande, also nominated for her role alongside Erivo, graced the occasion with her own elegant style. Not far behind, Mikey Madison, who is nominated for her exceptional performance in Anora, turned heads with her chic attire, showcasing style trends expected to grace the red carpet during the ceremony.
Timothée Chalamet appeared subtle yet elegant, opting for an all-black custom GapStudio jacket and trousers, showcasing maturity as he navigates his rise through Hollywood’s elite. Also present was Monica Barbaro, nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role for A Complete Unknown. She brought flair to the evening with her color-blocked Victoria Beckham dress, complemented with exquisite Bvlgari jewelry.
The nominees' celebration didn’t end without showcasing the remarkable Isabella Rossellini, who continues to hold her status as fashion royalty by donning men’s wear, this time wearing a polka dot smoking coat by Dolce & Gabbana as she celebrated her own nomination.
Let’s not overlook Coralie Fargeat, nominated for both directing and writing for The Substance, who asserted casual power dressed sharply in her Gabriela Hearst suit.
Brandi Carlile, who stood alongside established artists for her song “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late, wore her fashion sense creatively with an eye-catching crimson blouse and silk scarf all paired with her black suit.
Colman Domingo, nominated for Actor in Leading Role for Sing Sing, showed nuanced confidence through his choice of attire—a deep chocolate brown suit—a choice reflective of his artistic maturity. A rising star, Fernanda Torres, dazzled attendees as she walked through the event wearing her black caped gown created by The Row, establishing her presence among widely celebrated nominees.
With elegance surrounding the evening, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation, as stars looked forward to honoring their craft on the Oscars stage. While the stars shine bright, behind the scenes, the preparations for the live broadcast of the Oscars continue to take shape.
Last year’s telecast was filled with surprises, with Jimmy Kimmel finding himself unexpectedly with time to fill after the show ran longer than expected. This year, Raj Kapoor, among the returning producers, confirmed efforts to prepare for potential time management issues adequately. “We have many backup plans if we find ourselves with extra time again,” said Kapoor. “This year, we are definitely planning to have every moment accounted for,” he added, ensured fans would not be left with moments of silence.
The excitement does not end there; Conan O’Brien will take center stage as the beloved host for 2025. It marks O’Brien’s first time heading the Oscars, and Kapoor noted he has too much material ready, which could leave out some of his most precious segments. “We are definitely gifted with how much time Conan has invested,” Kapoor mentioned. O’Brien is preparing to make the ceremony engaging and entertaining, and he has planned special segments to delight audiences.
Adding to the charm, the telecast will pay homage to Los Angeles, featuring heartfelt moments and tributes to its denizens, weaving storytelling of the resilience post-wildfires. This opening is set to spotlight the artistry and dedication of those impacted and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, promising vibrant material aligned with artistic recognition.
Despite facing critiques, the Academy's decision this year not to include live performances of the nominated songs from the Best Original Song category has drawn raised eyebrows. Kapoor announced this change, explaining some songs' absence will allow for more creativity with the rest of the awards presentation. “This was not made lightly, it’s about prioritizing the event’s flow,” he remarked. Among the nominees are familiar names such as Elton John and Diane Warren, whose contributions have made them staples of the Oscars musical lineup.
This year’s crop of songs is perceived as disparate, leading to heated debates on social media platforms where opinions clash. Out of five nominations, John and Carlile's “Never Too Late” stands out as the sentimental favorite, echoing the tunes of John's extensive career. Yet, how the Academy presents these songs without live performances will remain to be seen, and whether it missteps with fans eager for the live music tradition.
With controversies hanging just outside the limelight, such as best actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón's past remarks on sensitive topics, Kapoor indicated on-stage appreciation will be extended across all nominations, checking off any potential left out candidates.
The upcoming Oscars promises glitzy fashion, moving stories, and rich artistic contributions, making the anticipation all the more thrilling as the industry recognizes its best. The lights will shine bright once more on February 29, and the stories behind the glamour of Tinseltown will make this Oscars unforgettable.