The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is poised to dazzle audiences on Sunday, with a lineup of films and performances that have generated significant buzz in Hollywood. Leading the charge is “Emilia Pérez,” a groundbreaking film that has garnered an impressive 13 nominations, including the coveted Best Picture. This achievement places it among the most-nominated films in Oscar history, trailing only behind classics like “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land.” However, the film’s star, Karla Sofía Gascón, has found herself embroiled in controversy following the resurfacing of old social media posts that have cast a shadow over her nomination.
Conan O’Brien will take the stage as the host for the evening, marking his debut in this prestigious role. The ceremony will unfold at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with live broadcasts available on ABC and Hulu. The pre-show festivities will kick off with the “Oscars Red Carpet Show,” hosted by Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer, providing fans with a glimpse of the glamour and excitement that precedes the main event.
“Emilia Pérez” is not only a frontrunner for Best Picture but also holds the distinction of being the most-nominated non-English-language film in Oscar history, surpassing notable films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Roma.” The film tells the compelling story of a drug cartel leader, played by Gascón, who hires a lawyer to orchestrate her transition into a woman by faking her death. Gascón’s nomination as the first openly transgender woman in the Best Actress category has been a significant milestone for representation in Hollywood. However, the recent scandal surrounding her past comments has complicated her chances for victory.
In the Best Picture race, “Emilia Pérez” will face stiff competition from films like “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part Two,” “I’m Still Here,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance,” and “Wicked.” “Anora,” a comedy-drama that explores the tumultuous marriage of a sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch, has emerged as a strong contender, having recently won the Producers Guild Award, a reliable predictor of Oscar success. The film has also received accolades at the Critics Choice and Film Independent Spirit Awards, further solidifying its status as a favorite.
Meanwhile, “Conclave,” a papal thriller, has gained momentum following its unexpected win for Best Cast at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Best Picture victory at the British BAFTA Awards. “The Brutalist,” which follows a Holocaust survivor’s pursuit of the American dream, and “Emilia Pérez” have each claimed Golden Globe awards in their respective categories, adding to the competitive landscape.
In the Best Actor category, Adrien Brody appears to be the frontrunner for his role in “The Brutalist,” having secured wins at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and BAFTA awards. However, Timothée Chalamet’s performance in “A Complete Unknown,” a biopic about Bob Dylan, has garnered attention after his surprise win at the SAG Awards, making him a potential upset candidate. Other nominees include Colman Domingo for “Sing Sing,” Ralph Fiennes for “Conclave,” and Sebastian Stan for “The Apprentice.”
The Best Actress race is equally competitive, with Demi Moore riding a wave of momentum from her wins at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics Choice for her role in “The Substance.” Her portrayal of a fading actress who discovers a youth-restoring black-market drug has captivated audiences. Mikey Madison’s performance in “Anora” positions her as a strong competitor, alongside Gascón, Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked,” and Fernanda Torres for “I’m Still Here.”
In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain” and Zoe Saldaña for “Emilia Pérez” are seen as the frontrunners, both having received accolades at major awards shows. The Best Director category features Jacques Audiard for “Emilia Pérez,” Sean Baker for “Anora,” Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist,” James Mangold for “A Complete Unknown,” and Coralie Fargeat for “The Substance.” Baker’s recent win from the Directors Guild adds to his chances for an Oscar.
The ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, with a lineup of A-list presenters including Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson, Penélope Cruz, and Robert Downey Jr. Additionally, performances from “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with other musical acts, will add to the evening’s entertainment.
As the Oscars approach, the anticipation builds not only for the winners but also for the moments that will unfold on stage, including the potential for unexpected surprises and heartfelt speeches. The 97th Academy Awards are set to be a night to remember, celebrating the best in film while navigating the complexities of representation and controversy in the industry.
