From the hosts, to the anticipated performances and nominations – this is your definitive guide to Hollywood's biggest night
In the midst of the devastating wildfires in LA, it felt like the 2025 Oscars might have to be cancelled – but now, following the Critics’ Choice Awards, Independent Spirit Awards and SAG Awards, awards season is back on track, and the countdown is on for Hollywood’s biggest night. Here’s everything we know so far.
Who is nominated for an Oscar in 2025?
Jacques Audiard’s divisive Emilia Pérez (the campaign for which has been rocked by scandal in recent weeks) leads the pack with 13 nods, closely followed by Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist and Jon M Chu’s Wicked with 10 apiece. See the nominations list in full, as well as our rundown of the most shocking snubs and surprises.
When will the 2025 Oscars take place?
The Oscars are scheduled for Sunday, March 2, from 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Where will the 2025 Oscars be held?
The 97th Academy Awards will be held at its usual venue, the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.
Who will host the 2025 Oscars?
Taking the reins from Jimmy Kimmel, who oversaw proceedings in 2023 and 2024, will be the beloved comedian Conan O’Brien. The Academy confirmed the news on November 15, 2024, releasing a video of the five-time Emmy winner and first-time Academy Award host pretending to accept an Oscar himself.
“We are thrilled and honoured to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year,” the Academy’s CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang said in an accompanying statement. “He is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humour, his love of movies and his live TV expertise. His remarkable ability to connect with audiences will bring viewers together to do what the Oscars do best – honour the spectacular films and filmmakers of this year.” A number of other names had been in the mix before O’Brien officially signed on, though, per The Hollywood Reporter, both Kimmel and previous Governors Awards host John Mulaney had already passed on the opportunity to anchor the 2025 show.
Will the 2025 Oscars feel different from previous shows?
Yes, it inevitably will. In a statement released by Kramer and Yang on January 13, the pair said: “We are devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community. The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship. Our members always share how important it is for us to come together as a community, and we are determined to use this opportunity to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry. We also look forward to honouring our frontline workers who have aided with the fires, recognising those impacted, and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief efforts. We will get through this together and bring a sense of healing to our global film community.” This suggests that, much like the Grammys, which raised $24 million for fire relief efforts, the Oscars could also serve as a telethon of sorts.
The pair released a further statement on January 22, which added that the ceremony will “honor Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century. We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry.”
Who will perform at the 2025 Oscars?
In a break from tradition, those in the running for the best-original-song Oscar – Elton John, Selena Gomez, et al – won’t be performing as usual. In the same January 22 statement, Kramer and Yang confirmed that “this year the Best Original Song category presentation will move away from live performances and will be focused on the songwriters. We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life. All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees.”
There will, however, be “powerful musical moments that connect film’s rich history to its bold and inspiring future.” Per The Hollywood Reporter, said moments will include an opening performance from Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who haven’t publically performed together since last year’s Met Gala; as well as appearances from Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink (and The White Lotus), Queen Latifah, and Raye. Additional performers will likely be announced in the coming days.
Who will be presenting at the 2025 Oscars?
Expect the full list of presenters to be revealed in due course, but the Academy has confirmed that last year’s four acting winners – Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr.,and Da’Vine Joy Randolph – will be back to present the acting statuettes.
Also joining them will be Joe Alwyn, Halle Berry, Sterling K. Brown, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Ana de Armas, Lily-Rose Depp, Bowen Yang, Elle Fanning, Selena Gomez, Whoopi Goldberg, Goldie Hawn, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Connie Nielsen, Amy Poehler, June Squibb, Ben Stiller, and Oprah Winfrey.
Additionally, on February 19, the Academy announced that Nick Offerman would serve as the announcer for this year’s ceremony.