The 2025 Oscars: A Night of Resilience and Revelry
March 2, 2025, 3:54 am
The 2025 Oscars are set to be a spectacle like no other. This year, the Academy Awards will stream live on Hulu, marking a shift in how audiences can engage with Hollywood's biggest night. Gone are the days when viewers needed cable subscriptions to catch the glitz and glamour. Now, anyone with a Hulu account can tune in, making the Oscars more accessible than ever.
The red carpet will roll out at 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time, with the official preshow hosted by Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer. But for those eager to soak in the pre-Oscar buzz, there are earlier offerings. E! Countdown to the Red Carpet kicks off at 11 a.m., followed by “On the Red Carpet at the Oscars” at 12:30 p.m. and “E! Live From the Red Carpet” at 1 p.m. The excitement builds as stars arrive, dressed to the nines, ready to dazzle.
This year, the iconic Conan O’Brien takes the helm as host. It’s his first time at the Oscars, and he’s no stranger to the pressure. O’Brien, known for his sharp wit, has reached out to past hosts for advice. He understands the weight of the moment. Hosting the Oscars is like taking the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time—thrilling yet daunting. He aims to balance humor with sensitivity, especially given the current political climate.
The nominations this year are as diverse as they are competitive. Leading the pack is “Emilia Pérez,” a film that has stirred controversy throughout its awards run, boasting 13 nominations. It’s followed closely by “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” each with 10 nods. The best picture contenders are a mix of genres and themes, reflecting the evolving landscape of cinema. Films like “Anora,” “Dune: Part Two,” and “I’m Still Here” round out the list, each vying for the coveted top prize.
However, the road to the Oscars has not been without its bumps. The wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles earlier this year cast a shadow over the ceremony. Some called for cancellation, but the Academy chose to press on. They see the event as a beacon of resilience for the city. The show will address the fires, honoring those affected and encouraging donations to support recovery efforts. It’s a poignant reminder that even in celebration, the community’s struggles are acknowledged.
As for performances, this year’s Oscars will break from tradition. The Academy has decided not to feature live renditions of all original song nominees. Instead, a select group of artists will perform, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande from “Wicked,” along with Doja Cat and Queen Latifah. The Los Angeles Master Chorale will also make a special appearance, adding a layer of musical depth to the evening.
The presenters list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. Last year’s acting winners, including Emma Stone and Robert Downey Jr., will take the stage alongside a host of stars like Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, and Oprah Winfrey. Each presenter brings their own flair, adding to the evening’s electric atmosphere.
As the ceremony approaches, predictions swirl. “Anora” has emerged as a front-runner, having swept several major awards leading up to the Oscars. But the competition is fierce. In the acting categories, Demi Moore is favored for best actress, while Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet are neck and neck for best actor. The stakes are high, and surprises are always possible.
“Emilia Pérez” stands out not just for its nominations but for its groundbreaking representation. Karla Sofía Gascón, the film’s star, made history as the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar. Yet, the film’s journey has been rocky. Controversial tweets from Gascón resurfaced, leading to a public apology and a shift in Netflix’s campaign strategy. The fallout has complicated what was once seen as a strong contender.
The Oscars are more than just awards; they are a celebration of storytelling. They reflect the triumphs and tribulations of the film industry. This year, the Academy Awards will shine a light on resilience in the face of adversity. The show promises to be a blend of laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments.
As viewers prepare to tune in, they can expect a night filled with surprises. The Oscars are a reminder that while the spotlight shines on the stars, the stories behind the films are what truly matter. The 2025 ceremony will be a testament to the power of cinema to inspire, uplift, and unite.
In a world that often feels divided, the Oscars serve as a reminder of our shared humanity. They celebrate the art of storytelling, the magic of film, and the resilience of a community that refuses to be silenced. As the stars gather, the world will watch, eager to see who will take home the coveted golden statuette. The 2025 Oscars promise to be a night to remember, a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Hollywood.
The red carpet will roll out at 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time, with the official preshow hosted by Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer. But for those eager to soak in the pre-Oscar buzz, there are earlier offerings. E! Countdown to the Red Carpet kicks off at 11 a.m., followed by “On the Red Carpet at the Oscars” at 12:30 p.m. and “E! Live From the Red Carpet” at 1 p.m. The excitement builds as stars arrive, dressed to the nines, ready to dazzle.
This year, the iconic Conan O’Brien takes the helm as host. It’s his first time at the Oscars, and he’s no stranger to the pressure. O’Brien, known for his sharp wit, has reached out to past hosts for advice. He understands the weight of the moment. Hosting the Oscars is like taking the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time—thrilling yet daunting. He aims to balance humor with sensitivity, especially given the current political climate.
The nominations this year are as diverse as they are competitive. Leading the pack is “Emilia Pérez,” a film that has stirred controversy throughout its awards run, boasting 13 nominations. It’s followed closely by “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” each with 10 nods. The best picture contenders are a mix of genres and themes, reflecting the evolving landscape of cinema. Films like “Anora,” “Dune: Part Two,” and “I’m Still Here” round out the list, each vying for the coveted top prize.
However, the road to the Oscars has not been without its bumps. The wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles earlier this year cast a shadow over the ceremony. Some called for cancellation, but the Academy chose to press on. They see the event as a beacon of resilience for the city. The show will address the fires, honoring those affected and encouraging donations to support recovery efforts. It’s a poignant reminder that even in celebration, the community’s struggles are acknowledged.
As for performances, this year’s Oscars will break from tradition. The Academy has decided not to feature live renditions of all original song nominees. Instead, a select group of artists will perform, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande from “Wicked,” along with Doja Cat and Queen Latifah. The Los Angeles Master Chorale will also make a special appearance, adding a layer of musical depth to the evening.
The presenters list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. Last year’s acting winners, including Emma Stone and Robert Downey Jr., will take the stage alongside a host of stars like Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, and Oprah Winfrey. Each presenter brings their own flair, adding to the evening’s electric atmosphere.
As the ceremony approaches, predictions swirl. “Anora” has emerged as a front-runner, having swept several major awards leading up to the Oscars. But the competition is fierce. In the acting categories, Demi Moore is favored for best actress, while Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet are neck and neck for best actor. The stakes are high, and surprises are always possible.
“Emilia Pérez” stands out not just for its nominations but for its groundbreaking representation. Karla Sofía Gascón, the film’s star, made history as the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar. Yet, the film’s journey has been rocky. Controversial tweets from Gascón resurfaced, leading to a public apology and a shift in Netflix’s campaign strategy. The fallout has complicated what was once seen as a strong contender.
The Oscars are more than just awards; they are a celebration of storytelling. They reflect the triumphs and tribulations of the film industry. This year, the Academy Awards will shine a light on resilience in the face of adversity. The show promises to be a blend of laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments.
As viewers prepare to tune in, they can expect a night filled with surprises. The Oscars are a reminder that while the spotlight shines on the stars, the stories behind the films are what truly matter. The 2025 ceremony will be a testament to the power of cinema to inspire, uplift, and unite.
In a world that often feels divided, the Oscars serve as a reminder of our shared humanity. They celebrate the art of storytelling, the magic of film, and the resilience of a community that refuses to be silenced. As the stars gather, the world will watch, eager to see who will take home the coveted golden statuette. The 2025 Oscars promise to be a night to remember, a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Hollywood.