ViuTV is set to bring the excitement of the 2025 Oscars to audiences across Hong Kong with its exclusive live broadcast on March 3, 2025. The event marks another opportunity for local viewers to witness the glamour of the Academy Awards after last year's gap, following ViuTV’s successful acquisition of exclusive broadcasting rights.
This year’s Oscars, also known as the 97th Academy Awards, will take place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, starting at 8:00 AM Hong Kong time. The broadcast will kick off with the red carpet coverage at 7:30 AM, showcasing celebrities arriving for Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony. With the dramatic reinstatement of ViuTV's broadcast rights, fans are gearing up for the return of this beloved tradition.
Highlighting the event is the performance lineup, featuring BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who will make history as the first K-pop artist to grace the Oscars stage. She will perform alongside renowned artists Doja Cat and British singer RAYE. This performance is especially significant as it champions the growing influence of K-pop on the global music scene, with Lisa's recent single “Born Again” creating quite the buzz before the event.
Additional performances are expected from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who will perform songs from their critically acclaimed film, Wicked. The presence of the legendary Queen Latifah adds to the star-studded ensemble, ensuring viewers will experience entertainment at its finest.
This year’s host, Conan O’Brien, known for his quick wit and humor, expressed his excitement for leading the ceremony for the first time. He acknowledged the honor of hosting the prestigious event, humorously remarking, “Finally, it’s my turn to host, but I need to find a way not to be replaced by AI.” O’Brien brings decades of experience from previous award shows, making him a fitting choice for this monumental occasion.
The surge of excitement surrounding the Oscars follows ViuTV's announcement of its intentions to air the ceremony, especially after their exclusive rights were secured this year. Last year's absence of coverage left many viewers disappointed, as they turned to alternative platforms for updates and highlights. ViuTV's return is heralded with anticipation and enthusiasm.
Historically, the Oscars have been broadcast on TVB, which ended its partnership following controversies over nominations, unearthing sensitive political themes. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences faced criticism after the pairing of the controversial documentary Do Not Split and Zhao Ting's film Nomadland led to TVB stepping back from broadcasting the awards.
The programming for the Oscars 2025 ceremony is set against the backdrop of incredible film accomplishments over the past year, with significant competition expected from high-profile nominations including Emilia Pérez which has received 13 nominations. This year’s awards are likely to ignite discussions around representation, the shifting dynamics of the cinematic universe, and the recognition of diverse storytelling.
Overall, the return of the Oscars to Hong Kong television screens via ViuTV not only signifies the celebration of cinematic brilliance but also reflects the changing media landscapes, audience expectations, and the importance of inclusivity within the global music and film industries.
With high stakes, remarkable performances, and celebratory moments, the 2025 Academy Awards promise to be more thrilling than ever. Viewers can catch the live broadcast by tuning to ViuTVsix or through various online streaming platforms, making it accessible for audiences both locally and internationally.
Set your alarms and prepare for glitz and glamour at the Oscars 2025!