The 97th Academy Awards are going forward, promising to be a night filled with entertainment and reflection. Set against the backdrop of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the ceremony will be a testament to resilience and the spirit of the film community. Scheduled for Sunday, March 2, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the event will begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live via ABC. This year, the Oscars will also be available to stream on Hulu, Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV, marking the first time such global accessibility is provided.
In a captivating twist, comedian and television host Conan O'Brien is set to host the Oscars for the first time. Known for his clever humor and unique style, O'Brien has taken this opportunity in stride, underscoring it with humor when he quipped, “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.” His presence is expected to bring a distinct vibe to the ceremony.
The wildfires that engulfed Los Angeles earlier this year have left an indelible mark on the awards season. Despite calls for cancellation, organizers insisted on proceeding, emphasizing the economic and symbolic significance of the event. The Oscars 2024 will honor the bravery of those who fought against the fires and celebrate the unified global film community. However, to reflect the somber mood, the academy canceled its traditional nominees luncheon.
The fires significantly affected several people associated with the Oscars. Although Conan O'Brien's Pacific Palisades residence survived, his family temporarily evacuated. His assistant, Sona Movsesian, wasn't as fortunate - she lost her home. “I know so many people who lost their homes, and I just feel incredibly lucky,” O'Brien commented.
This year's presenters include last year's acting winners Emma Stone and Cillian Murphy, who will grace the stage, adding star power to the evening. While initially planning for a group of five previous winners per category, the academy opted for a different path for the presentations this year. Moreover, the usual performances of original song nominees will not take place, although music from notable productions like 'Wicked' is anticipated to entertain the audience, despite its ineligibility for original song awards.
In the best picture race, the competition is fierce and unpredictable. Leading contenders include 'Anora', 'The Brutalist', 'A Complete Unknown', 'Conclave', and 'Emilia Pérez'. The acting categories present an equally competitive landscape with Demi Moore ('The Substance'), Adrien Brody ('The Brutalist'), and Zoe Saldaña ('Emilia Pérez') each eyeing the top prizes in their categories.
'Emilia Pérez', a narco-musical with 13 nominations, offers an intriguing narrative that has sparked significant discussion. The film, which features Karla Sofía Gascón, made history by introducing the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar. Despite this milestone, the film faced challenges due to controversial revelations regarding the actress, compelling Netflix to recalibrate its promotional strategies significantly.
This year's Oscars, infused with a sense of resilience and innovation, promise to be memorable. Stay tuned as the Academy Awards celebrate the art of film and highlight stories of perseverance and creativity. For more insights into this year's Oscars, visit the official Academy Awards site.
