The 97th Academy Awards are set to take place tonight, Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony will be televised live, with coverage beginning at 4 p.m. Pacific Time.
As Oscar night approaches, all eyes will be on the red carpet, the performances, and the potential upsets in the race for the coveted Best Picture award. With powerful performances, stunning visuals, and plenty of controversy, the 97th Academy Awards are sure to be an unforgettable night filled with both celebration and debate.
Controversies and Challenges
AI in Filmmaking: The use of AI in films like “The Brutalist” has sparked a lively debate over the future of visual effects and storytelling. Some industry insiders worry about the ethical implications of AI-generated art, while others argue that AI is simply a tool that can enhance creativity.
Intimacy Coordinator Debates: The presence of intimacy coordinators on set for films like “Emilia Pérez” has generated conversations about the safety and professionalism of intimate scenes in Hollywood. While their role is largely seen as positive, some question whether their influence can stifle artistic expression.
Casting Backlash in “Wicked”: The casting of Ariana Grande as Glinda has been met with some fan dissatisfaction, with many questioning whether she is the right fit for the role. Similarly, some fans feel that the film’s adaptation strays too far from the source material, leading to mixed reactions from long-time fans of the original Broadway production.
Racial Representation: Fernanda Torres, a nominated actress for her role in “Wicked”, recently came under fire for a past incident involving blackface. The backlash has reignited discussions on race and representation within the industry, though Torres has since apologized.
Major Nominees:
- Best Picture:
- “Anora”
- “The Brutalist”
- “A Complete Unknown”
- “Conclave”
- “Dune: Part Two”
- “Emilia Pérez”
- “I’m Still Here”
- “Nickel Boys”
- Best Director:
- Jacques Audiard for “Emilia Pérez”
- James Mangold for “A Complete Unknown”
- Christopher Nolan for “Dune: Part Two”
- Greta Gerwig for “I’m Still Here”
- Martin Scorsese for “The Brutalist”
- Best Actor:
- Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist”
- Timothée Chalamet for “A Complete Unknown”
- Paul Mescal for “Emilia Pérez”
- Cillian Murphy for “Oppenheimer”
- Pedro Pascal for “Emilia Pérez”
- Best Actress:
- Karla Sofía Gascón for “Emilia Pérez”
- Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked”
- Demi Moore for “The Substance”
- Florence Pugh for “A Complete Unknown”
- Michelle Williams for “The Brutalist”
- Best Supporting Actor:
- Paul Dano for “The Brutalist”
- Robert Pattinson for “Emilia Pérez”
- Tom Hanks for “A Complete Unknown”
- Ke Huy Quan for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
- Barry Keoghan for “The Brutalist”
- Best Supporting Actress:
- Janelle Monáe for “Emilia Pérez”
- Angela Bassett for “Wicked”
- Hong Chau for “The Whale”
- Kerry Condon for “The Banshees of Inisherin”
- Stephanie Hsu for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
- Best Original Screenplay:
- “Emilia Pérez” by Juan José Campanella
- “A Complete Unknown” by Greta Gerwig
- “The Brutalist” by Steven Knight
- “I’m Still Here” by Barry Jenkins
- “Nickel Boys” by Barry Jenkins
- Best Adapted Screenplay:
- “Wicked” by Winnie Holzman
- “The Substance” by Aaron Sorkin
- “Conclave” by Peter Morgan
- “Dune: Part Two” by Jon Spaihts and Denis Villeneuve
- “Oppenheimer” by Christopher Nolan
- Best Cinematography:
- Lol Crawley for “The Brutalist”
- Greig Fraser for “Dune: Part Two”
- Paul Guilhaume for “Emilia Pérez”
- Ed Lachman for “Maria”
- Jarin Blaschke for “Nosferatu”
- Best Costume Design:
- Arianne Phillips for “A Complete Unknown”
- Lisy Christl for “Conclave”
- Janty Yates and Dave Crossman for “Gladiator II”
- Linda Muir for “Nosferatu”
- Paul Tazewell for “Wicked”
Controversies Leading Up to the Ceremony:
- Artificial Intelligence Concerns: The use of AI in filmmaking has sparked debate, particularly regarding “The Brutalist.” Questions have arisen about the extent of AI’s role in the film’s production.
- Intimacy Coordinator Discussions: The role of intimacy coordinators has come under scrutiny, with debates about their necessity and influence on film productions.
- Blackface Allegations: Several nominees have faced criticism over past incidents involving blackface. Actress Fernanda Torres apologized for past actions, highlighting ongoing conversations about race and representation in Hollywood.
- Performance of Nominated Songs: In a departure from tradition, the Academy announced that the five musical pieces nominated for Best Original Song would not be performed live during the telecast. Instead, songwriters will be honored through personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insights. This decision has faced backlash from industry professionals.
Best Picture:
- “Anora” – A sci-fi epic that blends visual innovation with philosophical themes. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, the film explores humanity’s relationship with artificial intelligence as society grapples with the rise of autonomous machines. Critics have hailed it as a visual masterpiece, with stunning cinematography and a thought-provoking narrative.
- “The Brutalist” – Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film tells the story of an architect who becomes embroiled in a brutal political conspiracy in post-WWII New York. With its dark, atmospheric tone and Scorsese’s trademark style, it has received critical acclaim, especially for its direction and powerful performances from Adrien Brody and Paul Dano. Some controversy arose surrounding the film’s AI-assisted visual effects, which has sparked an ongoing debate about the future of filmmaking.
- “A Complete Unknown” – Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated follow-up to Little Women, this film is a genre-bending drama about a woman who discovers her true identity while navigating complex relationships. The film’s stunning performances and rich character study have garnered massive praise, with many predicting Florence Pugh as a strong contender for Best Actress.
- “Dune: Part Two” – The continuation of Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel. With its mesmerizing world-building, deep political intrigue, and larger-than-life action sequences, “Dune: Part Two” continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Villeneuve’s meticulous direction and Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Paul Atreides are at the heart of the film’s success. It’s expected to dominate in several technical categories like Cinematography, Production Design, and Visual Effects.
- “Emilia Pérez” – This film has become one of the most talked-about movies of the year. Directed by Juan José Campanella, it tells the story of a passionate young woman navigating the complexities of family dynamics and social expectations in contemporary Argentina. With breakout performances from Karla Sofía Gascón and Pedro Pascal, this film has captivated international audiences and is a strong contender for Best Picture and multiple acting awards.
Other Major Films:
- “Wicked” – This long-awaited adaptation of the hit Broadway musical has garnered both excitement and controversy. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande playing Elphaba and Glinda, the film has wowed audiences with its spectacular visuals and powerful performances. However, the film has also faced backlash over casting choices and creative liberties taken in adapting the source material.
- “Oppenheimer” – Christopher Nolan’s latest historical drama centers on the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Oppenheimer has been hailed as one of the best performances of his career. The film is expected to do well in several categories, including Best Director and Best Cinematography.
- “Nosferatu” – A haunting remake of the classic silent horror film, this eerie, gothic reinvention directed by Robert Eggers has earned rave reviews for its atmosphere, art direction, and Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of the infamous vampire. The film’s striking visuals and unsettling tone make it a strong contender in Best Cinematography and Best Production Design.
