The 97th Academy Awards: A Night of Celebration and Fresh Energy

Setting the Scene: The Oscars Return with Conan O’Brien at the Helm

The 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on Sunday, March 2, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinematic excellence. For the first time, the ceremony will be streamed live on Hulu, in addition to its traditional broadcast on ABC. This year, the Oscars welcomes a new face to its hosting duties: comedian and former late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien. Known for his quick wit, sharp humor, and improvisational prowess, O’Brien is expected to bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the event. His hosting debut marks a departure from recent years, which saw repeat hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and even no-host formats. The decision to bring in O’Brien reflects the Academy’s desire to infuse the ceremony with new comedic voices and perspectives.

The timing of this year’s Oscars is particularly significant, as Los Angeles continues to recover from the devastating wildfires that impacted the region. The ceremony will acknowledge the resilience of affected communities and pay tribute to the first responders who played a crucial role in combating the fires. The event will strike a balance between celebrating the artistry of 2024’s best films and addressing the real-world challenges faced by the city and its people.

Conan O’Brien’s Debut: Bringing Fresh Energy to the Oscars Stage

Conan O’Brien, a veteran of late-night television with a career spanning over three decades, is stepping into the high-pressure role of Oscars host for the first time. While he has hosted his own late-night shows, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Conan, this gig is arguably the most prestigious of his career. O’Brien has been open about the nervousness that comes with such a high-profile job, telling People magazine, "There’s no such thing as getting to a point professionally where there are no nerves if you’re working in comedy. I am very aware that it’s an iconic show and can be tricky…. I like to meet a challenge."

To prepare for the big night, O’Brien has been working closely with a team of experienced comedy writers and drawing inspiration from past Oscars hosts like Billy Crystal, Johnny Carson, and Jimmy Kimmel. He has also sought advice from Kimmel himself, who has hosted the ceremony multiple times. O’Brien’s selection as host signals a shift toward embracing new comedic voices, following several years of repeat hosts. His unique style, which blends clever writing, improvisation, and a lighthearted approach, is expected to bring a refreshing vibe to the ceremony.

In recent years, O’Brien has embraced a "year of yes," taking on new challenges and pursuing opportunities outside his comfort zone. From starring in an independent film at Sundance to headlining at the Newport Folk Festival, O’Brien has been exploring new passions, even becoming a black belt in karate. Hosting the Oscars is the latest chapter in this exciting phase of his career.

A Stellar Lineup: The 2025 Best Picture Nominees

The 97th Academy Awards will honor the best films of 2024, with a diverse and impressive lineup of Best Picture nominees. Leading the pack is Emilia Pérez, which has earned an impressive 13 nominations, making it the most-nominated film of the year. Directed by a visionary filmmaker, Emilia Pérez has captivated audiences and critics alike with its powerful storytelling and stellar performances. Close behind are The Brutalist and Wicked, each receiving 10 nominations. These films, along with Anora, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, and Wicked, represent the best of 2024’s cinematic achievements.

The nominations highlight the creativity and innovation that define this year’s films. From epic blockbusters like Dune: Part Two to intimate dramas like A Complete Unknown, the Best Picture category showcases a wide range of genres and storytelling styles. Each film has resonated with audiences in unique ways, and the competition is expected to be fierce. With Emilia Pérez leading the way, the ceremony will undoubtedly be a celebration of artistic excellence and the power of cinema to inspire and entertain.

Voices of the Stars: Reactions and Reflections

As the Oscars approach, the excitement is palpable, with nominees and presenters alike sharing their thoughts on the ceremony and its significance. Conan O’Brien, for instance, has been reflecting on the challenges of hosting during a time of national tension and the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. "L.A. has just been through this traumatic experience," he remarked. "There’s a lot that’s happening nationally that people are very tense about, and it changes day to day. And so my job right now with my writers is to create possibilities." O’Brien’s comments underscore the delicate balance the ceremony will strike between celebration and somber reflection.

Meanwhile, nominees are expressing their gratitude and excitement on social media. Zoe Saldana, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, took to Instagram to share her joy, writing, "Ohh what a journey it’s been! A huge thank you to all the support, nominations, and wins for @emiliaperezfilm thus far." Cynthia Erivo, nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in Wicked, also shared her gratitude, posting, "Oscar nominee class of 2025. Grateful." These heartfelt messages highlight the personal and professional significance of the Oscars for the nominees.

What to Watch For: Ceremony Details and Key Moments

The 97th Academy Awards will kick off at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Sunday, March 2, with the official preshow, The Oscars Red Carpet Show, beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET. Hosted by Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer, the preshow will feature interviews with stars as they arrive at the Dolby Theatre, showcasing their glamorous looks and sharing their excitement for the night ahead. For the first time in Oscars history, the ceremony will be streamed live on Hulu, making it more accessible to viewers who may not have access to traditional television.

This year’s ceremony will also break with tradition in some notable ways. For the first time, there will be no live performances of all the Best Original Song nominees. Instead, the show will highlight the songwriters behind the music through personal reflections, offering a unique glimpse into the creative process behind the songs. However, music lovers still have plenty to look forward to, with performances by Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, as well as Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, and Lisa from BLACKPINK. These musical moments promise to be some of the most unforgettable parts of the evening.

A Night to Remember: Looking Ahead to the 97th Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards are shaping up to be a memorable event, blending tradition with innovation and solemnity with celebration. Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut, the diverse lineup of nominees, and the ceremony’s response to current events all contribute to a unique and impactful experience. As the film industry comes together to honor its finest achievements, the Oscars will once again serve as a reminder of the power of cinema to inspire, unite, and challenge us.

Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff, a fan of live performances, or simply someone who enjoys a good celebration, the 97th Academy Awards have something for everyone. With fresh energy, heartfelt moments, and a star-studded lineup, this year’s ceremony promises to be one for the books. So mark your calendars, grab some popcorn, and get ready to enjoy the magic of the Oscars!