Oscars 2025: Anticipation Builds Ahead of Hollywood’s Biggest Night

LOS ANGELES — With just days to go until the 97th Academy Awards, excitement is building as the ceremony is set to air live on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC. This year, Netflix’s crime musical ‘Emilia Pérez’ leads the nominations with a historic 13 nods, including best picture, marking the most ever for a non-English-language film.

Following in the rankings, several films are in contention with 10 nominations each — the titles of which remain undisclosed. Both ‘The Brutalist‘ and ‘Wicked‘ received eight nominations each. The nominees for all 23 categories were announced on January 23 from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater, having been delayed from their original January 17 date due to the devastating Southern California wildfires.

According to a letter from the academy sent to its members, this year’s Oscars will also honor Los Angeles’s resilience following the recent tragedies. Participating in the festivities will be comedian Conan O'Brien, who is set to host the event.

Notably, the nominations ceremony was broadcast via global live streams on Oscar.com and other digital platforms, including ‘Good Morning America’ and Disney+. The decision to postpone the announcement was a response to the wildfires that affected many communities in the region.

As for the ceremony details, it will take place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. This year also marks a significant milestone as the Oscars will include a new ceremony format that remains undisclosed.

In the lead-up to the awards night, industry observers have turned their attention to the competition for best picture. Initial predictions indicated a strong race, but as developments unfolded, the nominees identified include ‘Anora,’ ‘The Brutalist,’ and ‘Conclave.’ Each of these films presents unique narratives that have captured the interest of audiences and critics alike.

‘Emilia Pérez,’ once considered a frontrunner for best picture, faces challenges after controversial resurfaced tweets from its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, which risk dimming its chances for Oscar glory. However, the film may still secure wins for supporting actress Zoe Saldaña and original song ‘El Mal.’

As the 97th Academy Awards fast approach, analysts are also reviewing projected wins. For instance, ‘The Brutalist’ could potentially earn anywhere between zero and five awards, underscoring the unpredictability of the results that night.

The academy’s choices often reflect broader cultural conversations and industry trends, making this year’s awards a noteworthy event in light of recent turmoil surrounding Hollywood. With its intriguing lineup of films, bold narratives, and the unpredictability of Oscar night, the 2025 Oscars promise to be an unforgettable show.