The 97th annual Academy Awards are set to take place this Sunday night, promising a dazzling evening filled with glitz, glamour, and the celebration of cinematic achievements. With films like “Emilia Pérez” and “Wicked” vying for top honors, anticipation is building as fans and industry insiders alike prepare for one of the most prestigious nights in Hollywood.
### Who is Hosting the Oscars?
This year, the iconic Conan O’Brien will take the helm as the host of the Oscars for the first time. Known for his sharp wit and engaging presence, O’Brien has a rich history in late-night television, having previously hosted the Primetime Emmys in 2002 and 2006. His transition to the Oscars stage is highly anticipated, as fans are eager to see how he will bring his unique brand of humor to the ceremony. O’Brien takes over hosting duties from Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted the Oscars multiple times in recent years.
### What Time Does the Oscars Telecast Start?
For those eager to catch all the action, the Oscars red carpet show will kick off at 3 p.m. Central Time on E!, providing viewers with a glimpse of the stars as they arrive in their stunning outfits. ABC will begin its red carpet coverage at 5:30 p.m., which will also be available for streaming on Hulu. The main event, the Oscars telecast, is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and will air live on ABC. For those who prefer streaming, the ceremony will also be accessible via Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV, ensuring that fans can tune in from anywhere.
### What Films Are Nominated?
Leading the pack this year is “Emilia Pérez,” which has made history by securing 13 nominations, the most ever for a foreign language film. This includes prestigious categories such as Best Picture, Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film’s impressive recognition highlights its impact and resonance within the industry.
Following closely behind are “Wicked” and “The Brutalist,” each garnering 10 nominations. “Wicked” features standout performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both of whom have received acting nominations and are expected to grace the stage with live performances during the ceremony. “The Brutalist” has also made waves, with nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor for Adrien Brody, and Best Supporting Actress for Felicity Jones, among others.
Other notable films in contention include “Conclave,” “A Complete Unknown,” and “Anora,” each contributing to a diverse and competitive field this year. For a complete list of nominees, fans can check out the detailed coverage available online.
### Who Are Some of the Presenters?
The Academy Awards are not just about the nominees; they also feature a star-studded lineup of presenters who add to the excitement of the evening. This year, viewers can expect to see beloved figures such as Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, Willem Dafoe, Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg, and Scarlett Johansson taking the stage to present awards.
Additionally, all four of last year’s acting award winners will return to present, including Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr., who won Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for their roles in “Oppenheimer,” respectively. Emma Stone, who captured Best Actress for “Poor Things,” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who won Best Supporting Actress for “The Holdovers,” will also be among the presenters, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
As the countdown to the 97th Academy Awards continues, the buzz surrounding the nominated films, the host, and the presenters only heightens the anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable night in Hollywood. Whether you’re a die-hard film buff or a casual viewer, the Oscars are sure to deliver a memorable experience filled with celebration, recognition, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
