The 2024-25 film awards season is reaching its grand finale this Sunday, March 2, with the highly anticipated 97th Academy Awards gala taking place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This prestigious event is often regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in the film industry, celebrating the artistic and technical achievements across 23 Oscar categories, including the coveted Best Directing and Best Picture awards.
This year’s nominees showcase a diverse array of talent and storytelling, with the Best Actress in a Leading Role category standing out for its remarkable contenders. Among the nominees is Cynthia Erivo, known for her powerful performance in the film adaptation of Wicked. She faces stiff competition from Mikey Madison, Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here, Golden Globe winner Demi Moore, and Karla Sofía Gascón. Each actress brings a unique perspective and depth to their roles, making this category one of the most exciting to watch.
On the male side, the race for Best Actor is equally thrilling. Colman Domingo is a strong contender for his portrayal of John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield in Sing Sing. He is joined by Ralph Fiennes, Sebastian Stan, Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, and Timothée Chalamet, who recently won a SAG Award for his performance. The competition is fierce, and each actor’s performance has left a significant mark on audiences and critics alike.
As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) gears up for the ceremony, it’s important to note the strict regulations that govern the event. With nearly a century of experience under its belt, the Academy has established a comprehensive set of rules to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly. These include the employment of seat fillers who are instructed not to engage with celebrities, stringent criteria that films must meet to qualify for nominations, and a list of banned attendees.
One notable regulation that has garnered attention over the years is the prohibition of smoking and vaping during the ceremony. California was the first state to implement a smoking ban in public buildings, which was later expanded to include e-cigarettes in 2016. This legislation was partly influenced by incidents like the one involving Leonardo DiCaprio, who was photographed vaping at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards in 2016. His actions sparked criticism from health organizations, leading to the establishment of a strict no-smoking policy at the Oscars.
The American Lung Association responded to the incident by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a smoke-free environment, particularly at high-profile events like the Academy Awards. They even released a guide to help attendees navigate the ceremony without succumbing to the urge to smoke, encouraging deep breathing techniques and suggesting alternatives like seltzer water and snacks to keep hands busy.
As the Oscars approach, the anticipation builds not only for the winners but also for the spectacle of the event itself. Celebrities will don their finest attire, and the red carpet will be abuzz with excitement and glamour. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, the Academy remains committed to upholding its regulations, ensuring that the focus remains on the remarkable achievements in film.
With the 97th Academy Awards just around the corner, the film community and fans alike are eager to see who will take home the coveted golden statuettes. The night promises to be a celebration of creativity, talent, and the enduring power of storytelling in cinema.
