97th Academy Awards: The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated nights in Hollywood¡ªthe Oscars 2025! But this year, the glitz and glamour of the red carpet will be met with a different kind of tension. With Los Angeles still reeling from the devastating wildfires that have swept through the region, this year¡¯s ceremony is set to take place amid a wave of uncertainty.
Can the Oscars go on as planned? And if so, how will the Academy respond to this unprecedented crisis? It¡¯s a night that promises drama both on and off the stage. Here¡¯s everything you need to know about the 97th Academy Awards, including when to watch, who¡¯s hosting, and what to expect from a night that will surely be one for the history books.
Get ready to tune in on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, when the Oscars take centre stage on ABC. For those who prefer to stream, you can catch all the action on Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and Fubo TV. While the recent wildfires have rocked the city and delayed several pre-Oscar events, the show must go on.
After a two-year run by Jimmy Kimmel, the stage will now be set for the legendary Conan O¡¯Brien to take the reins as the official host of the Oscars! Known for his razor-sharp humour and lovable wit, Conan will make his debut as Oscars host this year. The Academy¡¯s Bill Kramer and Janet Yang have already expressed excitement, calling Conan the perfect person to bring humour, heart, and some much-needed levity to this year¡¯s show.
The devastating wildfires that have scorched Los Angeles have left the city in mourning. The fires have personally affected many in the film industry, including some Academy board members. Despite the tragedy, the Academy has vowed to proceed with the ceremony, with Bill Kramer and Janet Yang pledging to use the night to not only celebrate film but also honour those affected by the disaster.?
While the Best Original Song category is usually filled with live performances by chart-topping artists, this year¡¯s Oscars will break tradition. Instead of performances, the segment will dive deeper into the songwriters¡¯ creative process, revealing the stories and inspirations behind this year¡¯s nominated songs.
The race for the 2025 Oscars is wide open, with films like "Anora", ¡°Dune: Part Two¡±, and ¡°Emilia P¨¦rez¡± battling for top honours. With the deadline for voting extended multiple times due to the wildfires, the list of nominees remains in flux. But names like Nicole Kidman, Timoth¨¦e Chalamet, and Saoirse Ronan are already in the conversation.
The big reveal for the 2025 Oscar nominations will take place live on Thursday, January 23, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. You can catch the announcement on Oscar.com, the Academy¡¯s YouTube page, or across their social media accounts.?
Final voting window: The final voting for Oscar nominees will take place between February 11-18.
Nominee luncheon: Due to the fires, the traditional Nominee Luncheon has been cancelled, but smaller, more intimate gatherings may be held later.
Relief for wildfire victims: The Academy has pledged support for wildfire victims, including a $750,000 donation to the Motion Picture & Television Fund.
With Conan O¡¯Brien at the helm and the weight of recent events on everyone¡¯s minds, the 97th Academy Awards is shaping up to be an Oscars like no other. Prepare yourself for a night of celebration, reflection, and maybe even a few surprises. This year, the Oscars will not just honour the best in the film¡ªthey may also be a moment of healing for a city and community in need. Don¡¯t miss it!
For more news and updates from the world of?OTT, and?celebrities?from?Bollywood?and?Hollywood, keep reading?Indiatimes Entertainment.