After the catastrophic wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles, the prestigious 97th Academy Awards are still set to proceed. Similar to the Grammys and other award ceremonies this year, the Oscars will reflect the impact of these fires. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has committed to aiding its members and the wider film community in their recovery efforts.
Here’s all the essential information regarding this year’s ceremony:
**When are the Oscars?**
The Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The event is set to air live on ABC starting at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific.
**Are the Oscars streaming?**
This year marks the first time that the Oscars will be available for live streaming on Hulu. Additionally, viewers can catch the ceremony through Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV. Those with authentication from their providers can also watch the Oscars on ABC.com and via the ABC app.
**Who’s hosting the Oscars?**
Conan O’Brien will be hosting the Academy Awards for the first time. The well-known late-night host and podcaster humorously remarked upon his selection: “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”
**How have the wildfires altered the show?**
The devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles in early January sparked discussions about potentially canceling the Academy Awards. Although the Academy delayed the announcement of nominations twice, they have maintained the March 2 date for the ceremony. Academy leaders believe that the show must continue, both for its economic significance in Los Angeles and as a message of resilience. Organizers have pledged that this year’s awards will “celebrate the work that unites us as a global film community and acknowledge those who bravely fought against the wildfires.” Nevertheless, the usual glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s awards season has been diminished, as the Academy cancelled its annual nominees luncheon.
The effects of the fires have been profoundly felt within the community. While O’Brien’s Pacific Palisades home survived, his family has yet to return, and his assistant, Sona Movsesian, lost her home entirely. O’Brien shared, “I know so many people who lost their homes and I’m just, was ridiculously lucky. So we want to make sure that that show reflects what’s happening and that we put a light on the right people in the right way.”
**Who’s presenting at the Oscars?**
The Academy recently announced a notable list of presenters, which includes Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb, and Bowen Yang. They will be joined on stage by the previous year’s acting winners, Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Although the Academy had initially planned to revive the “fab five” format for presenting acting awards, it appears those plans have been scrapped for this year’s ceremony.
**Will there be any performances?**
Unlike previous years, the Academy has confirmed that original song nominees will not be performed during the ceremony. However, there will still be musical elements, as “Wicked,” one of the standout box-office hits of 2024, might play a role in the Oscar plans, although its songs, originating from the Broadway show, are not eligible for the best song award.
**What’s nominated for best picture?**
The ten films nominated for best picture this year are: “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part 2,” “Emilia Pérez,” “I’m Still Here,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance,” and “Wicked.”
**How can I watch the Oscar-nominated films?**
While some of this year’s nominees are still in theaters, many have become accessible for streaming across various platforms. A comprehensive guide is available to assist viewers in catching up on Oscar-nominated films.
**Who are the favorites?**
Determining favorites has proven challenging this year, but a leading contender has emerged with “Anora” securing top honors at both the Producers Guild and Directors Guild events. The race for best picture appears unusually competitive, with films like “Anora,” “Conclave,” “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” and “Emilia Pérez” all in the running for victory. In acting categories, Demi Moore, Adrien Brody, Zoe Saldaña, and Kieran Culkin are being considered strong contenders, though none of these categories is seen as having a clear winner.
**What’s the deal with ‘Emilia Pérez’?**
Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez,” which depicts a narco-musical storyline about a drug lord undergoing gender-affirming surgery, leads with a remarkable 13 nominations. This film was poised to provide Netflix its best chance for a best picture nomination, with star Karla Sofía Gascón making history as the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar. However, Gascón faced controversies after old offensive tweets resurfaced, which has adversely affected the film’s campaign and compelled Netflix to reassess their strategy.
