The 97th Academy Awards promises a dazzling night of performances and accolades as it unfolds on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The ceremony, aired on ABC and streaming on Hulu, will celebrate not only the cinematic achievements of the past year but also spotlight the resilience and creativity of Los Angeles, following the recent wildfires that impacted the city. The event will feature a star-studded lineup of performers, including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Raye, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and the renowned Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The Los Angeles Master Chorale, a resident company of The Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall, will perform under the direction of music director Grant Gershon. Their participation at this prestigious event underscores their status as a leading professional chorus. Alongside them, the entertainment roster boasts Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who are both stars of the highly anticipated film adaptation of Broadway's Wicked. These two powerhouses are expected to deliver memorable performances.
"Any time you see those two together, you have to expect something," – Michael Bearden
Queen Latifah will pay homage to the late Quincy Jones, a legendary music producer who passed away in November. Her tribute is expected to be one of the highlights of the evening. Meanwhile, Doja Cat will perform after a year filled with touring and promoting her 2023 album Scarlet. She will be joined by British soul and R&B artist Raye, who recently released her debut album My 21st Century Blues, marking her as a promising newcomer in the music industry.
Lisa of Blackpink, fresh from her solo acting debut in the current season of The White Lotus, will also grace the stage. Together with Doja Cat and Raye, she will perform "Born Again," promising an electrifying collaborative performance that attendees and viewers alike won't want to miss.
Despite the array of musical talent scheduled to perform, this year's Oscars has taken a different approach by not featuring artists behind the Oscar-nominated songs from films such as Emilia Pérez, The Six Triple Eight, Sing Sing, and Elton John: Never Too Late. Instead, the focus appears to be on delivering engaging performances from a diverse group of artists.
Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba Thropp in Wicked has earned her a nomination for Best Actress. Her performance is noted for its intensity and depth, adding another layer of excitement to the evening's events. Additionally, Wicked received multiple nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Score, affirming its impact in both cinema and music.
Ariana Grande is set to celebrate her first Academy Award nomination this Sunday. She competes for Best Supporting Actress against notable talents like Monica Barbaro, Felicity Jones, Isabella Rossellini, and frontrunner Zoe Saldaña. Grande's nomination adds a sense of anticipation as fans eagerly await the outcome.
The ceremony not only aims to award excellence in film but also to highlight "the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry." This theme resonates deeply given the recovery efforts following recent wildfires that devastated parts of the city. The Oscars intends to reflect on these challenges while celebrating the unwavering spirit that characterizes Los Angeles.
