Get Ready for Hollywood’s Biggest Night: A Deep Dive into the 97th Academy Awards
The air is buzzing with anticipation. The red carpet is being meticulously prepped. Speeches are being nervously practiced. It’s almost time for the 97th Academy Awards! Sunday night marks the culmination of a uniquely unpredictable awards season, and we’re bringing you comprehensive coverage from every angle.
Forget the formal attire – unless, of course, that’s your jam. I’ll be rocking my favorite wrestling tee and comfy pants as I live blog the event from afar. But whether you’re decked out in a designer gown or cozy in your pajamas, the Oscars are a cultural event worth celebrating.
Our team is ready to deliver the goods. We’ll have boots on the ground in Hollywood, capturing the glitz and glamour of the red carpet and providing insider access to the Dolby Theatre. Meanwhile, I’ll be keeping a watchful eye from the East Coast, offering real-time commentary, witty observations, and hopefully, a few moments of shared joy (or collective head-scratching) as the awards unfold.
But before the golden envelopes are opened, there’s preparation to be done. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up on those Oscar-nominated films you’ve been meaning to see. Revisit past winners and rediscover cinematic masterpieces. We’ve got a treasure trove of recommendations to suit every mood and preference, whether you’re nostalgic for the classics or eager to explore the latest cinematic offerings.
If you need a break from the Oscar frenzy, and perhaps a palate cleanser before the main course, Netflix has unveiled a new basketball comedy starring none other than Kate Hudson, herself an Oscar nominee. It’s a lighthearted distraction that might just be what you need to recharge before diving back into the drama and suspense of the awards show.
Now, let’s get to the real heart of the matter: the awards themselves. Last year, I delved into the best actor and actress performances of the past 25 years. It was such a blast that we decided to revisit the concept, this time focusing on the supporting categories.
Prepare for a captivating exploration of unforgettable performances. Our best supporting actor list is populated with a colorful cast of villains, each more memorable than the last (yes, Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker is definitely on there). And the best supporting actress category is overflowing with portrayals of mothers and maternal figures, some nurturing and righteous, others…not so much. These are the characters that elevate films, adding depth, nuance, and often, a touch of delightful wickedness.
Predicting the future is always a risky endeavor, but I’m going to venture a guess and say that Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña might just be part of the Oscar Class of ’25. The real question is, will any of them deliver an acceptance speech that rivals the legendary moments compiled by my colleague, Patrick Ryan? (Drunk Olivia Colman set an incredibly high bar, folks.)
And speaking of long-awaited recognition, our pal Marco della Cava has compiled a list of A-listers who are still waiting patiently for their first Academy Award. It’s a reminder that even the biggest names in Hollywood aren’t immune to the unpredictable whims of the Academy.
The Best Picture race this year is particularly intriguing. Will "Anora" complete its Cinderella story and snag the top prize? Or will "Conclave" pull off a divine upset? Unlike last year, when "Oppenheimer" seemed destined for victory, this year’s competition feels much more open.
Our movie team has meticulously dissected each of the 10 nominated films, highlighting the reasons why they deserve to be crowned Best Picture. And if you’re still confused about the intricacies of the preferential ballot system, Patrick has a fantastic explainer that will demystify the process.
But the Oscars aren’t just about expert opinions. We want to hear from you! Head over to the USA TODAY Movie Meter and cast your votes for your favorite flicks. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve weighed in on the cinematic masterpieces of the year.
Still haven’t seen all the nominees? Don’t panic! We’ve put together a comprehensive streaming guide that will help you catch up on all the main contenders from the comfort of your own home. No excuses!
Whatever film ultimately wins Best Picture on Sunday, it will join a storied canon of cinematic achievements. And speaking of the Best Picture winners, I’ve even taken on the Herculean task of ranking all 96 of them! Prepare for some controversial opinions and heated debates.
For those of you who are fascinated by Oscar history, we’ve also delved into the worst films to ever win the big prize, highlighted 15 films that were unjustly denied victory, and celebrated the most unforgettable music performances in Academy Awards history. There’s something for every movie buff to sink their teeth into.
Beyond the Oscars, Kate Hudson is experiencing a career renaissance. Last year, she released her debut album (which, by the way, isn’t half bad!). And now, she’s landed her first lead role in a TV show, the Netflix basketball comedy "Running Point."
The show centers on a sibling-run NBA team, where the sister is unexpectedly thrust into the role of general manager. It’s essentially a "what if" scenario where Kate Hudson takes the reins of the Lakers (creator Mindy Kaling drew inspiration from Jeanie Buss’s life).
I’m personally digging the show’s "Draft Day" vibes, and Tom Hanks’ son, Chet, delivers a scene-stealing performance as a wild-child player. Our TV critic, Kelly Lawler, also gave it a thumbs up, writing in her ★★★ review that the series "mixes the NBA front office with workplace comedy escapades, leaning so much to the latter that a working knowledge of the sport is hardly required."
Fresh off her Valentine’s Day date, my colleague Erin Jensen interviewed Hudson about the show. Hudson admitted to feeling "very timid" about doing comedy initially, but now she wants to "make people laugh and feel good." She added, "When I was younger, I felt like, ‘Oh, if I only do that, then you’re not going to be taken as this serious actress,’ and I just think all of that’s been sort of thrown out the window, for everybody."
So, there you have it. A comprehensive rundown of everything you need to know to prepare for the 97th Academy Awards. Get ready for a night of glamour, suspense, and unforgettable moments.
Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments, or even some recommendations for me? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Email me at [email protected] and follow me on the socials: I’m @briantruitt on Bluesky, Instagram, and Threads. Let’s celebrate the Oscars together!
