Oscars 2025: Conan O’Brien to Host as Hollywood faces Unpredictable Awards Season

The 97th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place this Sunday at the Dolby theater in Los Angeles, marking the culmination of what many are calling one of the most unpredictable Oscar seasons in recent memory. Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony for the first time, promising a blend of festivity and reflection, acknowledging both the achievements in film and the challenges faced by the industry. The event follows a year marked by shifting frontrunners, controversies, and the lingering impact of wildfires that affected many within the film community.

The ceremony will commence at 7 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ABC and streamed on Hulu, offering viewers multiple avenues to tune in. For those eager to catch the pre-show glamour, ABC and Hulu will begin their official red carpet coverage at 6:30 p.m. EST. E! will provide unofficial coverage starting at 4 p.m.EST, and The Associated Press will livestream arrivals beginning at 3 p.m. EST, ensuring thorough coverage of the stars as they arrive.

A Season of Uncertainty

This year’s Academy Awards arrive after a period of significant upheaval in Hollywood. The Oscar race itself has been characterized by constant shifts in predictions and unexpected turns. Adding to the complexity, old tweets resurfaced, impacting the chances of at least one top contender. The shadow of “Wicked,” with it’s 10 nominations, looms large, promising a potential shakeup in the musical categories.

Adding to the challenges,Los Angeles is still recovering from wildfires that devastated the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods earlier this year. These fires deeply affected many within the film industry and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, prompting some to even suggest canceling Hollywood’s awards season. While Conan O’Brien’s house in the Pacific Palisades was spared, he has been living out of a hotel for the past two months. Oscar producers have stated that the show will celebrate the city’s resilience in the face of these challenges.

The Frontrunners and Dark Horses

Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” leads the pack with 13 nominations. Though, its chances have been considerably impacted by the controversy surrounding years-old offensive tweets by its star, Karla sofía Gascón, who is also the first openly trans actor nominated for best actress. This controversy has cast a shadow over the film’s prospects,making the race for best Picture even more unpredictable.

Sean Baker’s “Anora,” a Neon release about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, has emerged as a strong contender. Having already secured the Cannes Palme d’Or and wins from the producers, directors, and writers guilds, “Anora” boasts an notable resume.The only movie with the same resume to not win best picture is “Brokeback Mountain.”

“Conclave,” the papal thriller starring Ralph Fiennes, is also in contention. Its wins at the BAFTAs and the SAG Awards coincided with Pope Francis’s hospitalization for double pneumonia, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to its campaign. However, Oscar voting concluded before the pope fell ill.

“the Brutalist,” with 10 nominations, and the musical hit “Wicked,” also with 10 nominations, are also in the mix.Several of the early craft Oscars could be shared between “Wicked” and “dune: Part Two.”

Politics on the Red Carpet

This year’s ceremony could also be marked by political undertones. Sebastian stan is nominated for best actor for his portrayal of a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice,” and his co-star, Jeremy Strong, is nominated for playing Roy Cohn. Trump has publicly criticized those involved with the film, labeling them “human scum.”

The political climate surrounding the Oscars is especially charged, occurring just weeks into the second Trump governance and days after the president’s dramatic rupture with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Conan O’Brien acknowledged the delicate balance he must strike as host.

“I cannot ignore the moment we’re in,”

Conan O’Brien

O’Brien added,

“But I also have to remember it’s threading a needle. I also have to remember what we’re here to celebrate and infuse the show with positivity.”

Conan O’Brien

Acting Categories: A Tight Race

While Zoe Saldana (“Emilia Pérez”) and kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”) are considered overwhelming favorites in the supporting acting categories, the best actor and best actress races are much closer. In the best actress category, Demi Moore (“The Substance”) is seen as the most likely winner, but Mikey Madison (“Anora”) or Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here”) could possibly pull off an upset.

Adrien Brody is favored in best actor for his performance in “The Brutalist.” However, Timothée Chalamet stands a decent chance of winning for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.” If Chalamet, 29, wins, he would become the youngest best actor winner ever, surpassing Brody’s record set in 2003 for “The Pianist.” Chalamet previously won at the Screen Actors Guild.

Can the Oscars Lift a Battered hollywood?

This year’s Oscars arrive after a challenging year for the film industry. Ticket sales were down 3% from the previous year and substantially lower than pre-pandemic levels. The 2023 strikes disrupted release schedules in 2024, leading many studios to scale back production and leaving many in the industry out of work.The january wildfires further compounded these difficulties.

last year’s telecast, boosted by the success of “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” achieved a four-year viewership high with 19.5 million viewers. This year, with smaller autonomous films favored in the most prominent awards, the academy faces the challenge of attracting a similarly large audience.

The academy has opted to forgo performances of original songs this year due to a less starry array of best song nominees. Though, there will be musical performances, including a performance by “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana grande, and a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, featuring Queen Latifah.

Last year’s acting winners — Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr.,Cillian Murphy,and Da’Vine Joy Randolph — will participate in the ceremony. While the academy initially planned to bring back the “fab five” style of presenting the acting awards, with five previous winners per category, these plans have reportedly been abandoned.

The ceremony will also take place days after the death of Gene Hackman

Oscars 2025: Hollywood’s Uncertain Future Under the Spotlight – An Exclusive Interview

Did you know that the 97th Academy Awards arrive amidst a perfect storm of Hollywood uncertainty, from shifting Oscar frontrunners to the lingering impact of wildfires? This interview delves into the complexities surrounding the Oscars 2025, exploring the challenges and triumphs within the film industry.

Interviewer: Dr. Eleanor vance, esteemed film critic and industry analyst, welcome. This year’s Oscars seem particularly fraught with uncertainty. Can you paint a picture of the unique atmosphere surrounding this awards season?

Dr. Vance: Absolutely. The 2025 Academy Awards are unlike any we’ve seen recently. The unpredictable nature of this awards season, as you mentioned, stems from multiple factors. Firstly, we’ve witnessed important shifts in the predicted winners throughout the season. Secondly, controversies surrounding nominated films and individuals added an unexpected layer of complexity, influencing public perception and, potentially, the final outcomes. Thirdly, the devastating impact of recent wildfires in Los Angeles has cast a long shadow over the entire event, forcing a reevaluation of Hollywood’s priorities and resilience. Therefore, the overarching feeling is one of a blend of eager anticipation and palpable uncertainty regarding the ceremony’s outcome and its impact on the film industry’s overall trajectory.

Interviewer: The controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez, with its star’s past tweets, is particularly revealing. How does this impact the broader conversation about accountability and portrayal in Hollywood?

Dr. Vance: The Emilia Pérez controversy highlights the arduous balance Hollywood constantly navigates between celebrating artistic achievements and holding individuals accountable for past actions. The nomination of Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans actor nominated for Best Actress, represents a significant milestone.However, her past tweets, resurfaced during the awards season, sparked widespread debate regarding the ethical implications of celebrating talent while acknowledging past offensive behavior. This case presents a critical moment for the industry, forcing a larger conversation about the need for responsible representation and the importance of fostering an inclusive and accountable surroundings.This case demonstrates a growing awareness of accountability extending beyond just the creative process; it is transforming into a demand for personal and professional accountability, which is reshaping how audiences approach both creative works and the personal conducts of involved individuals.

Interviewer: Several films are vying for Best Picture: Emilia Pérez, Anora, Conclave, The Brutalist, and Wicked. What makes this year’s race for Best Picture so compelling?

Dr. Vance: This year’s Best Picture race features remarkable diversity in subject matter and style, making it exceptionally compelling. Emilia Pérez,despite controversy,holds immense importance for its representation. Anora, with its prestigious award wins, presents a strong challenge. Conclave, drawing attention through its political intrigue against the backdrop of papal illness, adds another level of interest. having mentioned that, we have the creative counterpoint of the musical prowess of Wicked combined with the visually extraordinary The Brutalist. The variety of themes,genres,and storylines makes choosing the ultimate winner an engaging task,emphasizing the cinematic spectrum’s rich diversity. This diverse range of films, representing different production companies and budgets, showcases the evolution and depth of artistic expression within the movie industry, signifying a vibrant cinematic climate.

Interviewer: conan O’Brien’s hosting duties amidst this charged atmosphere adds another layer of interest. What challenges and opportunities does this present for the Oscars telecast?

dr. Vance: Conan O’brien’s role as host presents both challenges and opportunities.He must deftly navigate sensitive issues—political undertones, industry controversies, and the impact of recent wildfires—while maintaining the celebratory spirit of the Oscars.The key is balancing the acknowledgment of difficult topics with the party of artistic achievements. Balancing humor with sensitivity in the context of the current climate will be a delicate act but will showcase the Oscars’ ability to address sensitive situations and provide a platform for cultural conversations.His comedic talent can be a powerful tool for making meaningful observations about the broader cultural context, providing social commentary while celebrating cinema. This will be a test of balance, with the goal being to create an engaging, memorable experience while addressing crucial societal issues.

Interviewer: Beyond the awards themselves, what larger industry challenges are reflected in this year’s Oscars?

Dr. Vance: Several systemic issues within the film industry are reflected in this year’s ceremony. The decrease in ticket sales compared to pre-pandemic levels underscores the ongoing impact of streaming services and changing audience consumption habits. The 2023 strikes highlight the critical need for fair contracts and worker protections. The January wildfires illuminate the vulnerability of the industry to external forces beyond creative control, along with the industry’s social duty in helping affected individuals within its community. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between studios, unions, and artists to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the industry. These issues, impacting everything from production to distribution, will require collective efforts across the industry to provide fair compensation, protect workers, and to effectively and efficiently respond to such unfortunate circumstances as that of the californian wildfires.

Interviewer: what will ultimately define the lasting legacy of the Oscars 2025?

Dr. Vance: The legacy of the Oscars 2025 will be multifaceted. Ultimately,it will be defined by how effectively the ceremony navigated the complexities of the year while still capturing the magic of celebrating cinematic achievements. The conversations sparked by the controversies,the resilience displayed in the face of adversity,and the way the event addressed significant industry challenges will all contribute to its lasting impact. Its success will be judged not solely on viewership numbers, but on its ability to engage in thoughtful discourse, elevate critically important conversations, and ultimately, to reflect and celebrate the enduring power of film. Moreover, its ability to address social responsibility and show cultural sensitivity will leave long-lasting impressions.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. vance, for your insightful viewpoint on the Oscars 2025.This has been incredibly illuminating.

Call to Action: What are your predictions for the Oscars 2025? share your thoughts and analyses in the comments below! Let’s discuss!