The 97th Academy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. This annual event celebrates outstanding achievements in the film industry, honoring the year’s most exceptional movies, performances, and technical contributions. Film enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await this prestigious ceremony, which not only showcases cinematic excellence but also reflects the evolving landscape of storytelling and filmmaking. With a diverse array of nominees and anticipated performances, the 2025 Oscars promise to be a memorable occasion, highlighting the creativity and dedication of filmmakers and artists across the globe.
For viewers in India, the Oscars will be broadcast live on Star Movies and streamed on JioHotstar starting at 5:30 AM IST on March 3. According to an official press release, JioHotstar will also offer the ceremony on-demand after the live telecast. In the United States, the event will air on ABC at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific, with streaming available on platforms such as Hulu, Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV. These broadcasting arrangements ensure that audiences worldwide can participate in celebrating cinematic achievements.
Emmy Award-winning television host, writer, and comedian Conan O’Brien will host the Oscars for the first time, succeeding Jimmy Kimmel. Known for his sharp wit and humor, O’Brien is expected to bring an entertaining touch to the ceremony. Addressing his approach, he stated, “I think as host I cannot ignore the moment we’re in right now, but also it’s threading a needle. I want to do it with humor and also make sure the night doesn’t drift into only that.” His unique comedic style is anticipated to add a fresh dynamic to the event.
The 97th Academy Awards will feature an impressive list of presenters, including Selena Gomez, Joe Alwyn, Lily-Rose Depp, Goldie Hawn, Connie Nielsen, Sterling K. Brown, Ana de Armas, Ben Stiller, Willem Dafoe, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb, and Bowen Yang.
Additionally, last year’s Oscar winners Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., and Da’Vine Joy Randolph will return to present major acting awards. Music lovers can look forward to electrifying performances at the ceremony. BLACKPINK’s Lisa, making history as the first K-pop artist to perform at the Academy Awards, will take the stage alongside Doja Cat and Raye. Lisa is expected to perform her newly released song “Born Again.”
The ceremony will also feature a special “Wicked” medley by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, as well as an appearance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. A highlight of the evening will be a tribute to music legend Quincy Jones by rapper and singer Queen Latifah. Executive producer Raj Kapoor shared, “One of the most exciting things that we’ve worked on this year is a musical performance that will tribute Quincy Jones. Queen Latifah will be a part of the performance.”
The nominations for this year’s Oscars were announced in January, with “Emilia Pérez” leading with 13 nominations. This French-Mexican musical, directed by Jacques Audiard, tells the story of a drug-running mobster who undergoes a gender transition. Other strong contenders include “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” each receiving 10 nominations, while “Conclave” and “A Complete Unknown” garnered eight nods each.
The ‘Best Picture’ category features a diverse lineup of films:
These films represent a wide range of genres and storytelling techniques, reflecting the industry’s creative diversity.
In the Best Actor category, Timothée Chalamet has been nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.” He competes against Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”), and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”). Notably, Brody remains the youngest winner in Oscar history in this category, having won at age 29 for “The Pianist” in 2003.
The Best Actress nominees include Demi Moore for her role in the horror film “The Substance,” Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”), Mikey Madison (“Anora”), Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here”), and Karla Sofía Gascón (“Emilia Pérez”). Gascón’s nomination is particularly significant as she becomes the first openly transgender actress to receive this recognition.
The Best Director category features Jacques Audiard (“Emilia Pérez”), Coralie Fargeat (“The Substance”), James Mangold (“A Complete Unknown”), Sean Baker (“Anora”), and Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”). In the Best Supporting Actor category, “Succession” stars Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”) and Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice”) have received their first.
