As a big movie buff, I never miss the Oscars. I am “one of those” fans who does all she can to see each and every Best Picture nominee before the big night (well, I’ve achieved that at least a few times).
The 97th Academy Awards is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and it is shaping up to be a ceremony filled with groundbreaking moments and unique features that may very well set it apart from previous years.
Thanks to some internet sleuthing, including perusing the official Oscars website and other pop culture sites like Vulture.com, Yahoo Entertainment, and others, I’ve culled what the “experts” are finding most interesting about the 2025 ceremony.
Without further ado, here are five compelling takes on why the 2025 Oscars should be an unforgettable event:
1. Conan O'Brien Takes the Helm of the 2025 Oscars
In a move that has generated significant buzz, the Academy has announced that renowned comedian and television host Conan O'Brien will host the 2025 Oscars. Known for his sharp wit and extensive experience in the entertainment industry, O'Brien is expected to bring a fresh and humorous perspective to the ceremony.
His unique comedic style and quick improvisation skills promise to keep audiences entertained throughout the evening. This hosting choice may be the Academy's effort to blend traditional Old Hollywood glamour with contemporary humor, appealing to a broad spectrum of viewers.
2. Historic Nominations and Milestones
The 2025 Oscars are set to make history with several groundbreaking nominations:
Karla Sofía Gascón's Best Actress Nomination: Gascón has made headlines as the first transgender actress nominated for Best Actress, a significant milestone in the Academy's history. Her nomination for her role in "Emilia Pérez," which leads with 13 nominations, signifies a progressive shift towards inclusivity and recognition of diverse talent in the film industry.
Timothée Chalamet's Portrayal of Bob Dylan: Chalamet's performance as Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown" has earned him a Best Actor nomination. His recent win at the Screen Actors Guild Awards has intensified the competition in this category, making it one of the most anticipated races of the night.
Demi Moore’s First Nomination: Demi Moore has already collected a lot of hardware this awards season for her role in The Substance. It could be a first nomination and first win for the actress who made her biggest screen splashes in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
3. Diverse and Star-Studded Performances
This year's ceremony is said to feature an array of performances that celebrate both cinematic achievements and musical artistry.
"Wicked" Musical Number: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are set to deliver a highly anticipated performance from the film adaptation of "Wicked." No word on which song they will perform, but the number is rumored to be the kickoff to the evening’s ceremony.
Special Musical Guests: The lineup includes performances by Doja Cat, LISA of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and RAYE, showcasing a blend of genres and international talent. These artists will bring their unique styles to the Oscars stage, setting us up for what is hopefully a diverse and entertaining show.
4. Competitive Best Picture Race
The Best Picture category is particularly competitive this year, with films spanning various genres and narratives:
"Emilia Pérez": Leading with 13 nominations, this film has garnered critical acclaim and stands as a strong contender for the coveted award. According to TUDUM, “Emilia Pérez” tells the story of high-powered lawyer Rita (Zoe Saldaña) who takes on an unexpected assignment: helping a Mexican cartel leader (Gascón) fake their death and undergo gender-affirming procedures.
"The Brutalist" and "Wicked": Each securing 10 nominations, these films have also made significant impressions in the industry. "The Brutalist" features notable performances, including Adrien Brody’s Best Actor nomination and Guy Pearce's Best Supporting Actor nomination. According to IMDB, the movie centers on a visionary architect and his wife who flee post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern United States, and their lives are changed forever by a mysterious, wealthy client. "Wicked" brings a beloved musical to the big screen. The film adaptation garnered acting award nominations for its two central characters for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The unique approaches in storytelling and production styles among the nominees reflects the dynamic landscape of contemporary cinema.
5. Innovations in Ceremony Format
The Academy has introduced several changes to the ceremony's format to enhance viewer engagement:
Reflection Segments for Best Original Song: Departing from tradition, the ceremony will not feature live performances of the Best Original Song nominees. Instead, the show will include reflection segments where the songwriters and performers discuss the creative process and significance of their work. This approach aims to provide deeper insight into the artistry behind the music. It remains to be seen how this will be received by the broader audience.
Scientific and Technical Awards Recognition: The ceremony will honor 14 achievements in areas such as fire stunt safety, stabilized hand-held camera operation, and animation. These industry advancements are said to have significantly impacted film production, and their recognition underscores the Academy's commitment to acknowledging technical contributions to cinema.
These are just of a few of the ways this year’s ceremony will be unique, but bet on there being even more surprises throughout the night – there almost always are!
The 2025 Oscars are poised to deliver a ceremony rich with historic milestones, diverse performances, and innovative changes. From Conan O'Brien's hosting debut to groundbreaking nominations and a reimagined ceremony format, this year's Academy Awards looks to provide several compelling reasons for audiences to tune in and celebrate the pinnacle of cinematic artistry.
I’ll be on my comfy couch texting my fellow cinephiles thoughts and opinions throughout the evening (and, yes, that will include rating the gowns and tuxes!). How about you – will you be watching and where from?
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~ Heather M. and Jodi B.