97th Academy Awards: What to Expect from Hollywood’s Biggest Night
The 97th Academy Awards are set to take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with late-night host Conan O’Brien making his Oscars debut. As the industry recovers from recent upheavals, this year’s ceremony promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
A Tight Race for Best Picture and Major Categories
Unlike previous years, there is no clear frontrunner for Best Picture. Films like Anora, The Brutalist, and Conclave are all strong contenders, making the competition fierce.
In the acting categories, the race remains just as uncertain. Timothée Chalamet, who won the SAG Award for A Complete Unknown, is a strong contender for Best Actor. Meanwhile, the Best Actress category sees a diverse lineup, including Karla Sofía Gascón, Demi Moore, and Mikey Madison, with Gascón’s campaign drawing particular attention and controversy.
Controversies and Industry Challenges
This year’s Oscars have not been without controversy. The Hollywood industry is still grappling with the effects of last year’s actors’ and writers’ strikes, while devastating fires in Los Angeles have affected celebrities and studios alike. Campaigns have also faced scrutiny, with accusations of AI manipulation and debate over the fairness of certain nominations.
Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about the Oscars’ relevance, with some arguing that a growing disconnect between nominated films and mainstream audiences could impact viewership. Critics have suggested introducing an audience award to keep fans engaged.
Where and How to Watch
The 97th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC and will also be available for streaming on Hulu. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with the red carpet coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.
With an unpredictable night ahead, film fans around the world will be watching closely to see which stars take home Hollywood’s highest honors.
