Oscars 2025: Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey Among Star-Studded Presenter Lineup/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The 97th Academy Awards will proceed on March 2 despite Los Angeles wildfires, with Conan O’Brien hosting for the first time. Presenters include Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, and Halle Berry, though performances of best song nominees are canceled. “Anora” leads the best picture race, while “Emilia Pérez” garners 13 nominations amid campaign controversy.
Oscars 2025 Highlights – Quick Looks:
- When & Where: March 2 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
- Host: Conan O’Brien takes the Oscars stage with humor and heartfelt tributes to wildfire victims.
- Streaming Options: Available live on ABC, Hulu, Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV.
- Presenter Lineup: Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, Joe Alwyn, Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, and more.
- Wildfire Impact: Ceremony honors firefighters and those affected, with subdued celebrations.
- Best Picture Contenders: “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Dune: Part 2,” among the top 10 nominees.
- Performance Changes: No best song performances; “Wicked” may feature in the ceremony.
- Oscar Favorites: “Anora” leads with recent guild wins; Demi Moore and Adrien Brody favored in acting categories.
- Controversy: “Emilia Pérez” leads with 13 nominations but faces backlash over star’s past tweets.
Oscars 2025: Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey Among Star-Studded Presenter Lineup
Deep Look:
Oscars 2025: Star Power, Resilience, and Surprises Amid Los Angeles Wildfires
LOS ANGELES, CA – Despite the recent wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards will press on as planned on Sunday, March 2, at the iconic Dolby Theatre. Organizers have positioned this year’s show as a tribute to resilience and unity, acknowledging the hardships many in the film community have faced.
For the first time, Conan O’Brien will host Hollywood’s biggest night. Known for his quick wit, O’Brien struck a balance between humor and sincerity.
“America demanded it… and I’m hosting the Oscars,” he joked, later reflecting on the fires that displaced many, including his family. “We want to shine a light on those who fought bravely during the wildfires,” O’Brien said.
When and How to Watch:
The Oscars air live on ABC at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will stream for the first time on Hulu. Viewers can also tune in via Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, FuboTV, ABC.com, and the ABC app with proper credentials.
Who’s Presenting at the Oscars?
The 2025 presenter lineup is packed with A-list stars:
- Selena Gomez
- Oprah Winfrey
- Joe Alwyn (restored to the lineup after previous removal)
- Goldie Hawn
- Ben Stiller
- Ana de Armas
- Sterling K. Brown
- Willem Dafoe
- Lily-Rose Depp
- Connie Nielsen
They join returning names like Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, and last year’s acting winners Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Nick Offerman will lend his voice as the ceremony announcer.
Organizers had initially planned to revive the “fab five” format, where five past winners present each acting category. However, those plans have been scrapped in favor of a streamlined approach.
Performances and Ceremony Adjustments:
In a significant departure from tradition, best original song nominees will not perform this year. Still, music fans may see a nod to “Wicked”, one of 2024’s biggest box-office hits, though its songs aren’t eligible for the category.
Impact of the Los Angeles Wildfires:
Calls to cancel the Oscars arose after wildfires swept through Los Angeles in early January. Though the Academy twice delayed nomination announcements, it insisted the show proceed.
“The Oscars are vital to the city’s economy and stand as a symbol of recovery,” said Academy leaders.
Conan O’Brien, whose home was affected, acknowledged the widespread devastation. His co-host and assistant, Sona Movsesian, tragically lost her home. “So many people lost everything. We want to reflect that reality while celebrating the work that brings us together,” O’Brien said.
The fires prompted the cancellation of Hollywood’s traditional pre-Oscars events, including the nominees’ luncheon.
Best Picture Race and Nominees:
This year’s best picture nominees include:
- Anora
- The Brutalist
- A Complete Unknown
- Conclave
- Dune: Part 2
- Emilia Pérez
- I’m Still Here
- Nickel Boys
- The Substance
- Wicked
While early predictions varied, “Anora” surged ahead after sweeping the Producers and Directors Guild Awards. Films like https://www.nbcnews.com/remain contenders, making this year’s race unpredictable.
Acting Category Favorites:
- Best Actress: Demi Moore (The Substance) leads, though Mikey Madison’s BAFTA win for Anora adds intrigue.
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) emerges as the front-runner.
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) holds a strong lead.
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) is widely favored.
Despite clear favorites, no category feels like a guaranteed win.
Spotlight on “Emilia Pérez”: Accolades and Controversy
French director Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, a narco-musical with 13 nominations, was once seen as Netflix’s best shot at a best picture win. The film’s star, Karla Sofía Gascón, made history as the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar.
However, the campaign faced turbulence after Gascón’s past offensive tweets resurfaced, prompting an apology. Netflix quickly shifted its strategy, but the damage lingers, casting a shadow over the film’s once-promising awards prospects.
How to Watch the Nominated Films:
Many nominees are still in theaters, but streaming options abound. Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime carry several contenders, allowing viewers to catch up before March 2.
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