After a topsy-turvy Oscar season filled with unexpected twists, the 97th Academy Awards are set to commence on Sunday. This year’s ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien for the first time, will take place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marking the end of one of the most unpredictable Oscar races in recent memory. The awards show kicks off at 7 p.m. EST, with a live broadcast available on ABC and streaming on Hulu. The official red carpet preshow will begin at 6:30 p.m. EST, while the unofficial red carpet coverage by E! starts at 4 p.m. EST. The Associated Press will also provide a livestream of arrivals starting at 3 p.m. EST.
In Los Angeles, the weather forecast predicts light rain on Sunday morning, a reminder of the devastating wildfires that impacted the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods earlier this year. The film industry, including many members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, felt the effects of these wildfires, leading some to call for the cancellation of Hollywood's awards season. Although O'Brien's home in Pacific Palisades was spared, he has been living in a hotel for the past two months. Oscar producers have indicated that this year’s show will celebrate the resilience of the city.
This year's Oscars are generating buzz around potential favorites. The lead nominee, Netflix's Emilia Pérez, secured an impressive 13 nominations. However, the film's chances have diminished due to controversies surrounding offensive tweets from its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, who is notably the first openly trans actor nominated for best actress. Currently, the favorite for the best picture award is Sean Baker's Anora, a compelling narrative about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. This Neon release has already won accolades at major events, including the Cannes Palme d'Or.
Closely trailing Anora is Conclave, a gripping papal thriller featuring Ralph Fiennes, which recently took home awards at the BAFTAs and SAG Awards. Interestingly, these wins occurred just as Pope Francis was hospitalized for double pneumonia, although Oscar voting had concluded prior to his health scare. Other significant contenders include The Brutalist, with 10 nominations, and the highly anticipated musical Wicked, also boasting 10 nods. Expect several early craft Oscars to be shared between Wicked and Dune: Part Two.
This year's ceremony may also see a reflection of the current political climate, with actor Sebastian Stan nominated for his portrayal of a young Donald Trump in the film The Apprentice. His co-star, Jeremy Strong, who plays Roy Cohn, is also nominated. Trump has publicly criticized those involved in the film, adding a layer of political tension to the event. The Oscars are taking place amidst a second Trump administration, just two days after a significant fallout between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. O'Brien has expressed his intent to strike a balance during the ceremony, acknowledging the need for positivity amidst the turbulent moment.
In the acting categories, predictions indicate strong contenders. Demi Moore is favored to win best actress for her role in The Substance, with potential upsets from Mikey Madison in Anora and Fernanda Torres for I'm Still Here. In the best actor category, Adrien Brody is leading with his performance in The Brutalist, but Timothée Chalamet has a solid chance for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. If Chalamet wins, he would become the youngest best actor winner, surpassing Brody's record from 2003.
The Oscars this year occur in the aftermath of a challenging period for the film industry. Ticket sales have declined by 3% compared to last year, and even more significantly compared to pre-pandemic figures. The strikes of 2023 disrupted release schedules, leaving many industry professionals without work. The wildfires in January only exacerbated the situation. Last year's ceremony, boosted by blockbusters like Oppenheimer and Barbie, reached a four-year viewership high with 19.5 million viewers. This year, however, with smaller independent films dominating the awards, the Academy faces the challenge of attracting a large audience.
Notably, the Academy has opted to forego live performances of the original songs nominated this year, although music will still feature, including a performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande from Wicked, along with a tribute to the late Quincy Jones performed by Queen Latifah. Last year's acting winners, including Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, will also make appearances during the ceremony. Despite initial plans to revive the “fab five” style of presenting acting awards, those have reportedly been scrapped.
The ceremony is also taking place just days after the passing of Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, whose loss is felt deeply in the industry. As the 97th Academy Awards unfold, the event promises to be a blend of celebration, reflection, and resilience amidst a backdrop of both artistic achievement and social commentary.
