The Oscars 2025 ceremony is almost upon us, and Hollywood is buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be one of the most memorable nights in recent Academy Awards history. The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu. With first-time host Conan O’Brien at the helm, a stacked lineup of best picture contenders, and several historic nominations making headlines, this year’s Oscars are shaping up to be a celebration of cinematic excellence and cultural milestones. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a devoted film buff, here’s everything you need to know about the nominees, the buzz, and exactly how to tune in.
The Road to Oscar Sunday: What You Need to Know
Every year, the Academy Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the film industry, and the 2025 ceremony is no exception. The 97th Academy Awards will feature a star-studded lineup of nominees, presenters, and performers, with red carpet coverage beginning hours before the main event. O’Brien, beloved for his sharp wit and comedic timing, takes over hosting duties from Jimmy Kimmel, bringing his own brand of humor to Hollywood’s biggest night.
This year’s race has been particularly competitive, with multiple films earning momentum across major precursor awards. From the Producers Guild Awards to the Critics Choice Awards, the battle for best picture has been tight, and the final outcome remains anyone’s guess.
The 10 Best Picture Nominees at the Oscars 2025
One of the most exciting aspects of the Oscars 2025 is the incredibly diverse lineup of best picture contenders. The Academy nominated 10 films for the top prize, each offering something unique:
- Anora – A Cinderella story with grit, directed by Sean Baker
- The Brutalist – An ambitious post-war epic starring Adrien Brody
- A Complete Unknown – The Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet
- Conclave – A political thriller set within the Vatican
- Dune: Part Two – Denis Villeneuve’s sweeping sci-fi sequel
- Emilia Pérez – Jacques Audiard’s genre-bending musical drama
- I’m Still Here – Walter Salles’ powerful political drama
- Nickel Boys – RaMell Ross’s adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel
- The Substance – Coralie Fargeat’s bold body-horror satire
- Wicked – Jon M. Chu’s vibrant adaptation of the Broadway smash
Among these contenders, Anora has emerged as the film to beat. The indie sensation swept the Producers Guild Awards, the Directors Guild Awards, and the Critics Choice Awards, marking it as the clear frontrunner. Star Mikey Madison has been candid about her gratitude, calling the experience “very special” and celebrating the film’s continued recognition.
Meanwhile, A Complete Unknown is building late momentum after winning best picture at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards. Director James Mangold also received the Trailblazer Award at the Sundance Film Festival, adding to the film’s growing profile.
Emilia Pérez: A Historic Contender
Few films at the Oscars 2025 have generated as much conversation as Emilia Pérez. With a staggering 13 nominations, it became the most nominated non-English language film in Academy history. The musical drama’s nomination tally reflects its ambitious scope and broad appeal across multiple categories.
Perhaps even more notably, the film earned a historic best actress nomination for Karla Sofía Gascón, making her the first openly transgender actor ever nominated for an Oscar. This milestone has been celebrated as a significant step forward for transgender representation in mainstream cinema.
However, Gascón’s Oscar campaign has not been without controversy. Past social media posts resurfaced in the weeks leading up to the ceremony, prompting her to delete her X account and issue an apology. Despite the turbulence, her nomination remains a landmark moment in Academy history.
Star Power: Standout Performances Worth Watching
Beyond the best picture race, the acting categories at the 2025 Oscars are stacked with powerhouse performances. Timothée Chalamet earned a best actor nomination for his transformative portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, while Ariana Grande continues her remarkable transition from pop star to serious dramatic actress with her supporting role nomination.
Other major nominees generating buzz include:
- Kieran Culkin – A best supporting actor favorite for his work in A Real Pain
- Cynthia Erivo – Recognized for her commanding performance in Wicked
- Sebastian Stan – Nominated for his dual roles in The Apprentice
- Demi Moore – A career-capping best actress nomination for The Substance
These stars have been making the rounds at film festivals and awards shows, building momentum and connecting with audiences as Oscar Sunday approaches.
How to Watch the Oscars 2025
If you’re wondering exactly how and where to catch the Oscars 2025, there are multiple ways to tune in, whether you prefer traditional broadcast television or streaming options.
Red Carpet Coverage
The celebration begins well before the main ceremony. Live red carpet coverage kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT with “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars.” You can watch all the fashion, interviews, and pre-show excitement on ABC, streaming live on OnTheRedCarpet.com, and via the On the Red Carpet Facebook and YouTube pages.
The Main Ceremony
The 97th Oscars officially begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, hosted by Conan O’Brien. The ceremony airs live on ABC and streams simultaneously on Hulu. Following the awards presentation, ABC will broadcast a special preview of “American Idol,” offering viewers a seamless transition into the evening’s entertainment lineup.
For those planning a viewing party, this year’s early start time on the West Coast (4 p.m. PT) makes it more accessible than ever to gather friends and family for an afternoon-to-evening celebration.
Why the Oscars 2025 Matter
The Oscars 2025 represent more than just a glittering awards show; they reflect the evolving landscape of cinema itself. From groundbreaking representation (Gascón’s historic nomination) to bold storytelling choices (the genre-defying The Substance and Emilia Pérez), this year’s nominees showcase the diversity and creativity of contemporary filmmaking.
The competition also highlights the continuing tension between mainstream blockbusters like Dune: Part Two and Wicked and smaller, independent productions like Anora and I’m Still Here. This balance speaks to an industry in flux, where streaming platforms, festival circuits, and traditional theatrical releases all play a role in shaping what reaches audiences.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
While Anora enters Oscar Sunday as the heavy favorite, the race is far from decided. The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, and A Complete Unknown all have compelling narratives that could sway voters. In the acting categories, Demi Moore’s long-awaited recognition and Chalamet’s generational talent make for must-watch moments regardless of the outcome.
No matter which films and stars take home the gold, the 97th Academy Awards promise unforgettable moments, emotional speeches, and perhaps a few surprises. Make sure you’ve got your snacks ready, your ballots filled out, and your streaming login confirmed before tuning in on March 2.
Oscar Sunday is almost here. Don’t miss a single moment of the glamour, the tears, and the triumph. The Oscars 2025 will be a night to remember.