The 97th Academy Awards: Everything You Need to Know

The 97th Academy Awards are poised to offer a much-needed escape for Hollywood, following a period of devastating wildfires that impacted the Los Angeles community deeply. Scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd, the ceremony promises a glamorous and star-studded evening, offering a moment of celebration for a city still recovering from significant loss, including the destruction of numerous homes, some belonging to prominent figures in the entertainment industry.

While specific details surrounding the ceremony are being kept tightly under wraps, industry observers anticipate that organizers will draw inspiration from the recent Grammy Awards, which thoughtfully acknowledged the heroic efforts of firefighters and incorporated fundraising initiatives into the broadcast. This approach would allow the Oscars to strike a balance between acknowledging the recent tragedy and providing a celebratory spectacle.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to the 97th Academy Awards:

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Location and Time:

The Academy Awards will once again be held at the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, conveniently located near the legendary intersection of Hollywood and Vine.

The main show will air live on Sunday, March 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (4:00 p.m. Pacific Time) on ABC.

How to Watch:

In addition to ABC, you can stream the awards ceremony live through various platforms, including Hulu, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV.

Red Carpet Coverage:

The official red carpet show, featuring hosts Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer, will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on ABC. E!’s "Live From the Red Carpet" special will precede this, starting at 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT.

The Host:

Comedian and talk show icon Conan O’Brien will be taking the reins as host this year, succeeding four-time host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel reportedly declined the opportunity this year, citing the challenges of balancing the show with his existing late-night commitments during an interview on the "Politickin’" podcast.

O’Brien, a seasoned host with two Emmy Awards under his belt, injected his signature humor into the announcement, stating: "America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars."

Best Picture Nominees:

This year’s Best Picture race features a diverse and compelling collection of ten films, ranging from thought-provoking dramas to fantastical adventures. The nominated films include:

• Conclave: A story centered around a fictional papal election, exploring themes of faith, power, and political maneuvering within the Catholic Church.
• A Complete Unknown: A slightly fictionalized account of Bob Dylan’s early years, delving into the formative experiences that shaped the iconic musician.
• Emilia Pérez: A musical that centers around a trans drug lord, blending elements of crime drama, social commentary, and musical performance.
• The Brutalist: A sprawling epic that chronicles the life and career of an immigrant architect, showcasing themes of ambition, artistic vision, and the challenges of cultural assimilation.
• The Substance: A horror story that satirizes contemporary society’s obsession with superficiality and youth, pushing boundaries with its provocative themes and visuals.
• Wicked: A populist retelling of "The Wizard of Oz," reimagining the classic tale from the perspective of the witches, offering a fresh and engaging take on familiar characters and storylines.
• Dune: Part Two: The highly anticipated sequel to the epic science fiction adaptation, continuing the story of Paul Atreides as he navigates the complex political landscape of Arrakis and embraces his destiny.
• Im Still Here: A Brazilian political tragedy that explores themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring impact of historical events.
• Nickel Boys: A reform school abuse drama that sheds light on the injustices faced by marginalized youth within the American penal system.
• Anora: A Cinderella story that takes a dark turn, exploring themes of class, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

The Frontrunners:

While the Best Picture race remains unpredictable, Conclave, Anora, and The Brutalist are currently considered the leading contenders. Anora gained significant momentum by winning the top prize at both the Producers Guild of America and Directors Guild of America awards. The Brutalist has also received critical acclaim, earning top honors at the Golden Globes, the New York Film Festival Critics Circle, and the AFI Awards. Conclave is coming off of ensemble wins at the Screen Actors Guild awards and the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).

The Acting Categories:

The acting categories are also generating significant buzz and speculation.

• Best Actor: Adrien Brody (for The Brutalist), Ralph Fiennes (for Conclave), and Timothée Chalamet (for A Complete Unknown) appear to be the frontrunners. Colman Domingo (for Sing Sing) and Sebastian Stan (for The Apprentice) are also in contention.
• Best Actress: The early favorite, Karla Sofía Gascón (for Emilia Pérez) has faced controversy due to past social media activity. Now the race has a new front with Demi Moore (for The Substance) and Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres (for Im Not Here). Others turning in stellar performances were Cynthia Erivo (for Wicked) and Mikey Madison (for Anora).

Presenters:

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a star-studded lineup of presenters, including:

Last year’s winners in the four acting categories – Robert Downey Jr., Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Cillian Murphy and Emma Stone

Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb, Bowen Yang, Joe Alwyn, Sterling K. Brown, Willem Dafoe, Ana de Armas, Lily-Rose Depp, Selena Gomez, Goldie Hawn, Connie Nielsen, Ben Stiller, Oprah Winfrey, Dave Bautista, Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Margaret Qualley, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldaña and Rachel Zegler.

Musical Performances:

While the Oscars will not feature traditional performances of the Best Original Song nominees, the ceremony promises an exciting lineup of musical performances from Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye. These performances are designed to celebrate the filmmaking community and honor some of its legends. Speculation is high that the performers will showcase popular songs from Wicked, including "Popular" and "Defying Gravity."

The Announcer:

The deep, rich, and resonant voice of Nick Offerman will grace the Oscar broadcast.

This comprehensive guide provides you with everything you need to know before tuning in to the 97th Academy Awards. Enjoy the show!