Stars, filmmakers, and fashion enthusiasts are gearing up for one of the most glamorous nights in Hollywood—the 97th Academy Awards. This year’s ceremony highlights the Spanish-language musical "Emilia Pérez," which leads the nominations with an impressive 13 nods. However, the film's chances have faced scrutiny after historic tweets from its star resurfaced, momentarily dampening its awards momentum.
US comedian Conan O'Brien is set to host the ceremony live from Los Angeles, kicking off at 16:00 (PT), 19:00 (ET), and midnight (GMT). Attendees can expect poignant acknowledgments of the wildfires that devastated parts of LA, which left many residents homeless and altered the preparatory atmosphere for the awards.
Aside from "Emilia Pérez," notable films in the mix include "The Brutalist," "Wicked," "Conclave," and "Anora." “The Brutalist,” featuring Adrien Brody, and “Wicked” with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both hold ten nominations each. The fierce competition for best picture also includes "A Complete Unknown," "Dune: Part Two," and other notable contenders.
Resilience and unpredictability characterize this awards season, with up-and-coming talents such as Mikey Madison from "Anora" and Timothée Chalamet, who is being watched closely for his role in "A Complete Unknown." Demi Moore makes her Oscar debut this year for her performance in "The Substance," facing stiff competition along with fellow nominees.
Diversity remains a crucial topic, as it's been ten years since the #OscarsSoWhite movement highlighted representation issues. This year sees multiple people of color nominated in both best actor and actress categories, yet significant progress is still awaited in various facets of representation within the Academy.
The event will be graced by previous Oscar winners like Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Stone, among others, as well as a noteworthy lineup of performances featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, interpretations of songs from "Wicked."
Streaming options abound, with the Oscars airing live on ABC in the US and making its way to audiences globally. In the UK, viewers can tune in via ITV and ITVX starting at 22:30.
As the ceremony looms, anticipation builds for both recognition of outstanding cinematic achievements and the recognition of the challenges faced within the broader community, ensuring that the evening remains a meaningful celebration of film and art in the face of adversity.
