The 97th Academy Awards: A Night of Celebration and Uncertainty

A Year of Surprises and Challenges

The 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, mark the culmination of one of the most unpredictable Oscar seasons in recent memory. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien for the first time, will begin at 7 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ABC, with live streaming available on Hulu. The official red carpet preshow will kick off at 6:30 p.m., while E! will start its unofficial coverage at 4 p.m. EST. The Associated Press will also livestream arrivals beginning at 3 p.m.

This year’s Oscars come against a backdrop of unpredictability, with frontrunners consistently shifting and external factors, such as old tweets derailing a top contender, adding to the drama. Despite the challenges, the ceremony will celebrate the resilience of Los Angeles, a city still recovering from devastating wildfires that affected many in the film industry. Light rain is forecasted for Sunday morning, but the show will go on, with producers promising to highlight the city’s strength and determination.

Contenders and Controversies

The race for Best Picture is fiercely competitive, with Netflix’s Emilia Pérez leading the nominations with 13 nods. However, the film’s chances have been derailed by controversy surrounding offensive tweets from its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans actor to be nominated for Best Actress. The favorite to win is now Sean Baker’s Anora, a Neon release that has swept the guild awards and won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Its closest competitor is Conclave, a papal thriller starring Ralph Fiennes, which won at the BAFTAs and SAG Awards.

Other notable contenders include The Brutalist and Wicked, both nominated for 10 awards. Wicked is particularly significant, as it has brought a touch of musical magic to the race, despite the academy’s decision to forgo performances of the original song nominees this year. Anora and Wicked are also expected to split some of the early craft awards, adding to the unpredictability of the night.

Real-Life Dramas Impacting Hollywood

The Oscars this year are not just about the films but also about the real-life events that have shaped the industry. The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have had a profound impact, with many in the film community affected, including host Conan O’Brien, who has been living in a hotel for the past two months after his Pacific Palisades home was spared. Some even called for the cancellation of Hollywood’s awards season, but the show will go on, celebrating the city’s resilience.

The political climate is also palpable, with the ceremony taking place weeks into the second Trump administration and just two days after President Trump’s dramatic confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. O’Brien has promised to strike a delicate balance, acknowledging the moment without letting it overshadow the celebration of cinema.

The State of the Film Industry

This year’s Oscars come at a challenging time for the film industry, with ticket sales down 3% from the previous year and significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. The 2023 strikes also disrupted release schedules, leading to a slower year for many studios and leaving many industry professionals out of work. These challenges have been exacerbated by the recent wildfires, which added to the pain for many in the industry.

Despite these struggles, last year’s telecast, buoyed by blockbusters like Oppenheimer and Barbie, saw a four-year viewership high of 19.5 million. This year, with smaller independent films dominating the major categories, the academy faces a test in drawing a similarly large audience.

A Night of Tributes and Changes

The ceremony will also feature several tributes and changes to the traditional format. For the first time, the academy has decided to forgo performances of the original song nominees, though music will still be a part of the evening. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will perform songs from Wicked, and there will be a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, featuring Queen Latifah. Last year’s acting winners, including Emma Stone and Cillian Murphy, will also participate in the ceremony.

In a departure from last year’s plans, the academy has reportedly abandoned its “fab five” style of presenting acting awards, with five previous winners per category. Instead, the ceremony will stick to a more traditional format, with a focus on celebrating the films and performances that have made this year’s race so memorable.

A Bittersweet Celebration

This year’s Oscars are a bittersweet celebration, marked by the death of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, who passed away just days before the ceremony. The 95-year-old two-time Oscar winner, known for his iconic roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, will be remembered for his incredible contributions to cinema.

As the academy honors the best of the past year, it also looks to the future, with a new generation of actors and filmmakers making their mark. The ceremony will be a night of celebration, reflection, and resilience, as Hollywood comes together to toast its achievements and face its challenges head-on.

Support the News That Matters

This year’s Oscars are more than just a celebration of films; they are a testament to the strength and resilience of the industry and its people. For full coverage of the 97th Academy Awards, including live updates, analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights, visit AP News.

If you enjoy this kind of content, consider supporting independent journalism by subscribing to ad-free experiences or contributing to platforms like HuffPost, which work tirelessly to bring you the latest news, scoops, and hot takes. Your support helps us continue our mission of providing free, fair, and fearless journalism during these critical times.

This summary captures the essence of the 97th Academy Awards, blending the excitement of the ceremony with the challenges and controversies that have shaped this year’s race. From the unpredictable contenders to the real-life dramas impacting Hollywood, this year’s Oscars promise to be a memorable event.