The 97th Academy Awards, filled with surprises and emotional narratives, promises both star power and poignant themes reflective of recent societal issues.
**The 97th Oscars: A Night to Celebrate Cinema Amidst Controversies and Hope**

**The 97th Oscars: A Night to Celebrate Cinema Amidst Controversies and Hope**
As Hollywood gears up for the glamorous spectacle, details about the nominees and event proceedings emerge.
The grand celebration of cinema, the 97th Oscars, is finally here, capturing the anticipation of film lovers and fashion aficionados alike. This year's leading contender for the coveted awards is the Spanish-language musical *Emilia Pérez*, which has racked up an impressive 13 nominations, including a nod for Best Picture. However, the buzz around the film has been marred due to resurfacing of inappropriate past tweets from its lead star, Karla Sofía Gascón.
The evening will be hosted by renowned comedian Conan O'Brien, while the ceremony is set to commence at 16:00 (PT), 19:00 (ET), and 00:00 (GMT). The show promises to include tributes to the wildfires that have inflicted devastating loss on Los Angeles, further amplifying the emotional atmosphere of the night.
Among the top films vying for awards is *The Brutalist*, which follows closely behind with 10 nominations. Other notable mentions include *Wicked*, featuring British actress Cynthia Erivo, and *Conclave*, recognized for its powerful narrative and a nod for Ralph Fiennes as Best Actor. This year's Oscar race is tight, particularly in the Best Actor and Actress categories, sparking great speculation about the final outcomes.
The conversation around the Oscars has not been without its criticisms, particularly regarding representation. It has been ten years since the viral hashtag #OscarsSoWhite called attention to racial inequities in the nominations. While there is slight improvement this year, with nominees such as Colman Domingo and the inclusion of women among directors remaining scarce, sentiments still reflect that much work lies ahead in achieving diversity and equality in Hollywood.
Attendees this year include previous acting award winners like Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Stone, as well as a lineup of presenters and performers that promise to keep viewers engaged. Musical performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will surely be a highlight, offering a medley from *Wicked*.
The ceremony will air live on Sunday, 2 March 2025, from the historic Dolby Theatre, providing global access through ABC and streaming platforms like Hulu, as well as international broadcasts across 200 territories. As the stars walk the red carpet and the audience delves into the highlights of the films showcased, this year's Oscars not only celebrates cinematic achievement but also offers a platform to confront ongoing societal challenges.
The evening will be hosted by renowned comedian Conan O'Brien, while the ceremony is set to commence at 16:00 (PT), 19:00 (ET), and 00:00 (GMT). The show promises to include tributes to the wildfires that have inflicted devastating loss on Los Angeles, further amplifying the emotional atmosphere of the night.
Among the top films vying for awards is *The Brutalist*, which follows closely behind with 10 nominations. Other notable mentions include *Wicked*, featuring British actress Cynthia Erivo, and *Conclave*, recognized for its powerful narrative and a nod for Ralph Fiennes as Best Actor. This year's Oscar race is tight, particularly in the Best Actor and Actress categories, sparking great speculation about the final outcomes.
The conversation around the Oscars has not been without its criticisms, particularly regarding representation. It has been ten years since the viral hashtag #OscarsSoWhite called attention to racial inequities in the nominations. While there is slight improvement this year, with nominees such as Colman Domingo and the inclusion of women among directors remaining scarce, sentiments still reflect that much work lies ahead in achieving diversity and equality in Hollywood.
Attendees this year include previous acting award winners like Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Stone, as well as a lineup of presenters and performers that promise to keep viewers engaged. Musical performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will surely be a highlight, offering a medley from *Wicked*.
The ceremony will air live on Sunday, 2 March 2025, from the historic Dolby Theatre, providing global access through ABC and streaming platforms like Hulu, as well as international broadcasts across 200 territories. As the stars walk the red carpet and the audience delves into the highlights of the films showcased, this year's Oscars not only celebrates cinematic achievement but also offers a platform to confront ongoing societal challenges.