The 2025 Oscars: A Comprehensive Preview
The glitz, glamour, and golden statuettes are nearly upon us! The 2025 Academy Awards are poised to be an unforgettable night in Hollywood, filled with potential upsets, heartwarming moments, and dazzling performances. With former late-night icon Conan O’Brien at the helm, expect a blend of witty commentary and genuine appreciation for the art of filmmaking. This year’s ceremony promises a fresh feel, with numerous first-time nominees vying for the industry’s highest honors.
The Ceremony Details
Mark your calendars for Sunday, when the Oscars will air live on ABC at the earlier time of 7 p.m. ET. For the first time, viewers can also stream the event live on Hulu. Hulu will also offer the full ceremony on demand the following day, ensuring no one misses out on the evening’s highlights.
A Year of Firsts
This year’s nominations are particularly notable for the abundance of newcomers across various categories. Many of these first-time nominees have emerged as strong contenders, adding an element of unpredictability to the awards race.
Leading Ladies in the Spotlight
Demi Moore has already generated significant buzz, having secured both the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award for her compelling performance in "The Substance," a film also nominated for Best Picture. Moore’s nomination marks a potential career high after she nearly quit Hollywood.
She’s joined in the Lead Actress race by fellow first-time nominees Fernanda Torres for "I’m Still Here," Mikey Madison for "Anora," and Karla Sofía Gascón for "Emilia Perez." Rounding out the category is Cynthia Erivo, a previous two-time nominee, for her role in "Wicked."
Best Picture Contenders
The Best Picture category is a diverse mix of dramas, comedies, and sequels. "Emilia Perez" leads the pack with an impressive 13 nominations, followed by "Nickel Boys," "The Brutalist," "Conclave," "A Complete Unknown," "The Substance," "I’m Still Here," "Anora," "Wicked," and "Dune Part Two."
New Faces in Acting Categories
Beyond the Lead Actress category, numerous other actors are experiencing their first taste of Oscar glory. These include Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain," Zoe Saldaña for "Emilia Perez," Ariana Grande for "Wicked," Guy Pearce for "The Brutalist," and Isabella Rossellini for "Conclave," among others.
Experienced actors are also in the mix, with previous nominees Cynthia Erivo ("Wicked"), Edward Norton ("A Complete Unknown"), and Felicity Jones ("The Brutalist") adding to the competition.
Snubs and Surprises
As always, the nominations process sparked debate and disappointment over perceived snubs. Many expected Angelina Jolie to receive a nomination for her portrayal of Maria Callas in "Maria," but she was ultimately overlooked. Pamela Anderson’s performance in "The Last Showgirl" and Nicole Kidman’s role in "Babygirl" were also notably absent from the list of nominees.
Adding to the surprises, Selena Gomez was not nominated for "Emilia Perez" despite the film’s 13 nominations. Denzel Washington also missed out on a nomination for "Gladiator II" despite a Golden Globe nomination.
Returning Royalty: Presenters Galore
The Oscars will welcome back a host of past winners as presenters, including Goldie Hawn, Halle Berry, and Penélope Cruz. In keeping with tradition, last year’s acting winners – Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and DaVine Joy Randolph – will present the awards for their respective categories this year.
Other presenters include past nominees like Oprah Winfrey, Scarlett Johansson, and Ana de Armas. Actors from this year’s Best Picture nominees will also take the stage, including Elle Fanning, Selena Gomez, Lily-Rose Depp, and Bowen Yang.
A Change in Musical Format
The show’s musical segment will deviate from past years. Instead of having artists perform the nominated songs, the focus will be on honoring the songwriters behind the music. The nominees for Best Original Song include "Like a Bird" from "Sing Sing," "Mi Camino" and "El Mal" from "Emilia Perez," "Never Too Late" from "Elton John: Never Too Late," and "The Journey" from "The Six Triple Eight."
Despite the absence of nominated song performances, the show will feature other musical acts, including Lisa from Blackpink, Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, and Raye. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will also perform a song from "Wicked," a musical that wasn’t eligible for Best Original Song.
"The Brutalist" Director Speaks Out
Adding a layer of complexity to the awards season is the revelation that the Oscar-nominated director of "The Brutalist" claims he earned zero dollars from the film. This highlights the economic realities and challenges faced by many filmmakers, even those achieving critical acclaim. This statement adds intrigue to the film’s chances.
Overall Impression
The 2025 Oscars promise to be a dynamic and engaging event, blending tradition with fresh talent and innovative formats. With a charismatic host, a diverse range of nominees, and a revamped musical segment, this year’s ceremony is poised to be a memorable night for the film industry and audiences worldwide.
