This year’s Oscars feature notable nominations and performances, along with a backdrop of social commentary stemming from recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
**The 2025 Oscars: Nominees, Highlights, and Viewing Guide**
**The 2025 Oscars: Nominees, Highlights, and Viewing Guide**
The 97th Academy Awards promises an action-packed night of glitz, glamour, and a look at pressing issues.
As the highly-anticipated 2025 Academy Awards approaches, film enthusiasts everywhere are gearing up for the celebration of cinematic achievements. The awards ceremony will be held on March 2 at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with US comedian Conan O'Brien taking the helm as the host.
Leading the pack with a record-breaking 13 nominations is the Spanish-language musical "Emilia Pérez," a story about a drug lord who transitions genders. However, its nominations face controversy due to unpleasant tweets from the lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón. The film is not only in contention for Best Picture, but Gascón is also recognized as the first trans actor nominated for an Oscar.
Closely following is the gripping drama "The Brutalist," which holds 10 nominations, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody. Meanwhile, "Wicked," another standout, is spotlighted for its performance by British actress Cynthia Erivo and the pop sensation Ariana Grande, as both vie for acting accolades. Other notable films include "Conclave" with Ralph Fiennes and "Anora," which examines the life of a New York stripper in love with a wealthy heir.
As excitement mounts, viewers can catch the live broadcast of the Oscars on ABC and streaming platforms like Hulu. UK audiences can follow the ceremony via ITV and ITVX at 22:30 GMT.
This year, while the awards celebrate cinematic brilliance, they will not shy away from addressing the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that impacted Los Angeles. Ceremony organizers have promised to recognize the city's struggles, though the focus remains on honoring the year’s finest films, despite the prevailing sadness. Notable presenters and performers at the event will include celebs like Halle Berry and Robert Downey Jr., who will add to the star-studded affair.
In an awards season marked by surprises, the competition for the most prestigious accolades is as fierce as ever. As the nominees prepare to take the stage, only time will tell who will leave with the coveted Oscar statue in hand.
