The 2025 Oscars are poised to take center stage on Sunday, March 2, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood. This year’s ceremony promises a blend of glitz, recognition, and heartfelt tributes, as it prepares to honor the brightest talents in the film industry. For the first time, Conan O’Brien will take on the role of host, bringing his unique comedic flair to an event that has captivated audiences for decades.
With a record-setting 13 nominations, Jacques Audiard's "Emilia Pérez" leads the pack this year. The film's critical acclaim and audience appeal have solidified its status as a favorite among industry insiders. Following closely are "A Complete Unknown," directed by James Mangold, and Edward Berger's "Conclave," both of which have garnered eight nominations each.
Among the films vying for the prestigious Best Picture award are a diverse array of titles that reflect the year's cinematic innovations and storytelling prowess. The nominees include "Anora," "The Brutalist," "A Complete Unknown," "Conclave," "Dune: Part Two," "Emilia Pérez," "I'm Still Here," "Nickel Boys," "The Substance," and "Wicked." Each film represents a unique voice in filmmaking, showcasing both established and emerging talent.
The ceremony will feature a special performance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, with additional talent expected to be announced in the days leading up to the event. This promises to enhance the evening's atmosphere with powerful musical contributions.
In a poignant moment during the ceremony, the Oscars will pay tribute to the late music producer Quincy Jones, honoring his significant impact on the music and film industries. Such tributes are a staple of the Oscars, reminding viewers of the profound connections between music and cinema.
This year, the Academy will introduce an exciting new feature as the Oscars are streamed live on Hulu for the first time. This allows a broader audience to experience the glamour of Hollywood’s biggest night. The event will also be broadcast live on ABC at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, reaching over 200 territories worldwide.
Before the main event, fans can tune into a 30-minute pre-show titled "The Oscars Red Carpet Show," hosted by Jesse Palmer. This pre-show will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ABC, providing viewers with exclusive insights and a behind-the-scenes look at the stars as they arrive.
For those who cannot access traditional broadcasting, the ceremony will also be available for viewing on ABC.com, provided viewers authenticate with their service providers.
The pre-show will be complemented by a separate segment hosted by Linsey Davis and Whit Johnson, streamed on ABC and ABC News Live. This extensive coverage underscores the Academy’s commitment to engaging with audiences across various platforms.
As anticipation builds for this year's event, Conan O'Brien has expressed his excitement about hosting. He remarked on his approach to new experiences:
"I'm just saying yes to things that I wouldn't have done before. I'm a black belt in karate now. I'm a licensed neurosurgeon. I mean, there are all these things I'm doing now that I didn't think I would ever do before."
His humor is expected to shine through as he navigates the evening's festivities.
Michael Bearden, a noted musician and collaborator of O'Brien's, hinted at the unpredictable nature of their partnership:
"Anytime you see those two together, you have to expect something, so that's what I'll say."
As the curtain rises on this star-studded evening, Conan O'Brien is ready to embrace his hosting duties with characteristic wit and charm. His fearless attitude towards embracing challenges was also evident when he stated:
"People don't want it, which means they'll probably try and do it. I like to be an irritant."
