The 97th Academy Awards are set to take place on Sunday evening at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marking the conclusion of one of the most unpredictable Oscar seasons in recent memory. The ceremony, starting at 7 p.m. EST, will be aired on ABC and available for streaming on Hulu, with Conan O’Brien hosting for the first time. The Oscars bring an end to a season filled with unexpected twists in the race for the coveted awards.
Rain is anticipated in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, adding a touch of drama to the unfolding events in a city still recovering from the recent wildfires that devastated areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The fires heavily impacted the film industry and various members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, prompting some to suggest canceling the awards season. Despite the challenges, the ceremony aims to celebrate the resilience of the city, with O’Brien being a testimony to the personal impact of the fires, having lived out of a hotel for two months after his home was spared.
This year’s frontrunner is Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez,” with 13 nominations; however, the film’s chances were damaged due to backlash over old controversial tweets made by its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans actor nominated for best actress. The favorite to win best picture appears to be Sean Baker’s “Anora,” following its success at the Cannes Film Festival and various guild awards. Its main competition is “Conclave,” a thriller with performance by Ralph Fiennes, which claimed victories at the BAFTAs and SAG Awards before Oscar voting concluded.
In a political twist, the Oscars have nominated an actor, Sebastian Stan, for playing a current U.S. president, Donald Trump, in “The Apprentice.” The political undertone of this year’s ceremony could be significant, considering the timing within the second term of the Trump administration and recent tumultuous events involving Ukraine. O’Brien has emphasized the challenge of balancing politics with the Academy’s celebratory spirit.
The acting categories present a tight race, with overwhelming favorites in the supporting roles, but both best actor and best actress remain open. Demi Moore appears to have the edge in the best actress category for “The Substance,” though surprise wins from Mikey Madison or Fernanda Torres are possible. In the best actor race, Adrien Brody is the favorite for “The Brutalist,” but Timothée Chalamet could emerge victorious with his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” potentially becoming the youngest winner in this category.
This year’s Oscars come amidst a tumultuous period for Hollywood, with box office sales down from the previous year and challenges from both production strikes and natural disasters. The Academy faces the challenge of maintaining high viewership without the big blockbuster films that boosted last year’s viewership. Despite not featuring live performances of the original song nominees, the ceremony will celebrate with musical acts, including a performance from “Wicked” stars and a tribute to Quincy Jones.
The Oscars this year will also remember the late Gene Hackman, the two-time Oscar winner. Though the previous plan to adopt a “fab five” presentation style has been dropped, the evening will feature appearances from last year’s acting winners, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the awarded talents.
