The 97th Academy Awards are nearly here, and Hollywood is preparing for one of the most anticipated nights in entertainment. Set to take place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, this year’s ceremony promises memorable moments, breakthrough wins, and historic firsts. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a devoted cinephile, here’s your complete guide to the 2025 Oscars , from predictions and favorites to exactly how and where you can watch every glamorous moment unfold.
When and Where the 97th Academy Awards Will Take Place
This Sunday marks Hollywood’s biggest night of the year. The Academy Awards ceremony kicks off at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, airing live on ABC and streaming on Hulu. For the first time, comedian and late-night legend Conan O’Brien will take the stage as host, bringing his signature wit to one of entertainment’s grandest stages.
This is the second consecutive year the ceremony has started earlier in the evening , a change designed to ensure the coveted Best Picture award is announced before audiences head to bed. Red carpet coverage begins earlier at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT with “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars,” available on ABC, OnTheRedCarpet.com, and Facebook and YouTube live streams.
A Ceremony Shaped by Resilience
Beyond the glitz and glamour, this year’s 97th Academy Awards carry a deeper emotional weight. Los Angeles is still recovering from devastating wildfires that ravaged the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods earlier this year. Light rain was even forecast for Sunday morning , a poignant backdrop for a city rebuilding itself.
The fires touched nearly every corner of the film industry and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Some called for the cancellation of awards season entirely. Host Conan O’Brien, whose Pacific Palisades home was fortunately spared, has been living out of a hotel for the past two months. Oscar producers have confirmed the show will celebrate the city’s resilience, weaving themes of community and recovery into the broadcast.
Last-Minute Presenter Changes
The ceremony recently underwent a shakeup when Harrison Ford had to cancel his presenting duties due to a shingles diagnosis. Stepping into his role is none other than Mark Hamill, the beloved “Star Wars” actor. Other confirmed presenters include Ben Stiller, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldaña , ensuring a star-studded lineup throughout the night.
Best Picture Predictions: Who Will Win Oscar Gold?
The race for Best Picture is one of the most fascinating in recent memory. While Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” entered the season as the lead nominee with a staggering 13 nominations, its chances have dramatically declined following controversy surrounding years-old offensive tweets by its star, Karla Sofía Gascón , notably the first openly trans actor nominated for Best Actress.
The current frontrunner? Sean Baker’s “Anora.” This Neon release, which tells the story of a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, captured the Cannes Palme d’Or and swept the Producers, Directors, and Writers Guild Awards. The only film in history with that exact resume that failed to win Best Picture was “Brokeback Mountain” , making “Anora” the safest bet of the night.
The Closest Competitors
- “Conclave” , The papal thriller starring Ralph Fiennes has emerged as “Anora’s” most serious challenger, having won at both the BAFTAs and the SAG Awards. Notably, Oscar voting concluded before Pope Francis was hospitalized with double pneumonia.
- “The Brutalist” , With 10 nominations, this epic drama remains a strong contender.
- “Wicked” , The musical phenomenon also earned 10 nominations and could share several early craft awards with “Dune: Part Two.”
Best Actor Predictions: Will Timothée Chalamet Make History?
The Best Actor race has become one of the most talked-about storylines heading into the 97th Academy Awards. Adrien Brody is favored for his transformative performance in “The Brutalist,” but Timothée Chalamet stands a serious chance of an upset.
Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” earned him the SAG Award, putting him in prime position to potentially become the youngest Best Actor winner ever. At just 29 years old, he would edge out Brody’s record set back in 2003 for “The Pianist.” A win would be a defining moment in Chalamet’s already remarkable career.
Best Actress Predictions: A Three-Way Race
The Best Actress category is equally tight, with three genuine contenders:
- Demi Moore (“The Substance”) , Widely considered the frontrunner for her haunting performance about aging and identity in the entertainment industry.
- Mikey Madison (“Anora”) , A potential spoiler, riding the wave of her film’s Best Picture momentum.
- Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here”) , Capable of a surprise win following her powerful performance in this Brazilian political drama.
Demi Moore winning would mark a stunning career redemption, while Madison or Torres pulling an upset would add another layer of unpredictability to an already thrilling night.
Supporting Categories: The Locks of the Night
Unlike the tight races in the lead acting categories, the supporting categories feature near-certain winners:
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña appears to be a lock for her powerful role in “Emilia Pérez.”
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin is the overwhelming favorite for his performance in “A Real Pain.”
Both performances have dominated the precursor awards circuit, making these two categories among the easiest to call heading into Oscar night.
How to Watch the 97th Academy Awards Live
Catching every moment of Hollywood’s biggest night is easier than ever. Here’s everything you need to know:
Television and Streaming Options
- ABC Broadcast: The ceremony airs live on ABC starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
- Hulu Streaming: Stream the entire ceremony live on Hulu (Disney is the parent company).
- Red Carpet Coverage: Begins at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT via “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars” on ABC, OnTheRedCarpet.com, Facebook, and YouTube.
After the ceremony concludes, viewers can look forward to a special preview of “American Idol” , making for a full night of ABC entertainment.
Why the 97th Academy Awards Matter
This year’s ceremony represents more than just a celebration of cinema. It’s a moment of unity for an industry and a city that have weathered enormous challenges. From the wildfire recovery to historic first-time nominations, the 97th Academy Awards honor resilience, artistry, and the power of storytelling to bring people together.
Whether “Anora” cruises to Best Picture victory, Timothée Chalamet makes Oscar history, or Demi Moore finally claims her golden moment, Sunday night promises to deliver unforgettable television.
Final Thoughts
As the countdown to Hollywood’s biggest night continues, one thing is certain: the 97th Academy Awards will be a ceremony defined by emotion, surprises, and history in the making. With Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut, a tight Best Picture race, and the potential for generational milestones in the acting categories, this is an Oscars night you won’t want to miss.
Set your reminders, prepare your snacks, and tune in Sunday for what promises to be one of the most compelling Oscar broadcasts in recent memory. Hollywood’s biggest night is here , and it’s going to be spectacular.