A Star-Studded Night at the Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Monday, March 3, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This year, the ceremony brings a fresh twist as Conan O’Brien steps in as host for the first time. Known for his quick wit and comedic brilliance, O’Brien is ready to bring his unique charm to the stage. “I only hosted so that I could be invited,” he joked, setting the tone for an exciting evening.
A Ceremony with a Deeper Meaning
The devastating wildfires that hit Los Angeles earlier this year raised questions about whether the Oscars should proceed. However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided to move forward, recognizing the event’s cultural and economic significance. Executive producer Raj Kapoor emphasized that the ceremony will reflect the city’s resilience, saying, “We wanted to create beautiful moments that celebrate this amazing city.”
Hollywood’s Biggest Stars Take the Stage
This year’s presenter lineup is filled with some of the industry’s biggest names. Dave Bautista, Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Margaret Qualley, Zoe Saldana, and Rachel Zegler will take the stage to announce winners. They join Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, Ana de Armas, Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, and Sterling K. Brown, among others.
Last year’s acting winners—Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph—will also return to present awards, continuing the Oscars tradition.
A Musical Celebration Instead of Performances
In a surprising move, this year’s ceremony will not feature live performances of the original song nominees. However, music still plays a key role in the night’s festivities. Queen Latifah will lead a heartfelt tribute to the late Quincy Jones, who received a Governor’s Award just weeks before his passing.
Other major performances will feature Doja Cat, LISA (Blackpink), RAYE, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande. While the songs from Wicked weren’t eligible for an Oscar due to their Broadway origins, Erivo and Grande will still deliver a powerful performance of the musical’s iconic tracks. The Los Angeles Master Chorale will also take the stage, adding to the night’s grandeur.
Who Are the Favorites to Win?
The Best Picture race remains unpredictable, with Anora gaining momentum after major wins at the Producers Guild, Directors Guild, and Independent Spirit Awards. Other strong contenders include Conclave, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, and Emilia Perez.
In the acting categories, Demi Moore is the favorite for Best Actress for her role in The Substance, though Mikey Madison (Anora) is a serious contender after winning the BAFTA and Independent Spirit Awards. Adrien Brody leads the race for Best Actor, but Timothée Chalamet, fresh off a SAG Award win, could still cause an upset.
For the supporting categories, Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez) is the frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress, while Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) is heavily favored for Best Supporting Actor.
Who Will Take Home the Gold?
With an exciting mix of nominees, unexpected twists, and a fresh new host, the 97th Academy Awards promise an unforgettable night. Who is your pick to win big? Stay tuned to find out as we bring you the latest updates on the winners!
