Oscars 2025 Kickoff: A Global Celebration Begins

Today, March 2, 2025, marks the official kickoff of the 97th Academy Awards. The Oscars, a global cinematic event, promise an exciting night. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the ceremony airs live at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT. Fans worldwide are buzzing with anticipation. This year’s event blends humor, glamour, and cinematic excellence.

The Oscars 2025 kickoff arrives after months of speculation. Nominations were announced earlier this year, stirring debates. Films like Emilia Pérez, with 13 nods, lead the pack. Meanwhile, Anora is a strong contender for Best Picture. International audiences are eager to see who takes home the gold.

Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre is ready to welcome stars. Presenters include Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, and Willem Dafoe. Their presence adds a global appeal to the night. Posts on X highlight fans’ excitement about the lineup. The stage is set for a memorable evening.

Preparations began weeks ago with a flurry of activity. Trailers featuring O’Brien joking with the Oscar statue went viral. These playful promos have boosted anticipation. The Academy has also shared viewing guides for nominated films. Fans can catch up on streaming platforms before the show.

This year’s Oscars coincide with other trending events. March kicks off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month globally. Some stars may use the platform to raise awareness. Meanwhile, entertainment fans celebrate fictional birthdays like Colin Bridgerton’s. The Oscars, however, remain the night’s centerpiece.

Historic Nominations

Leading the nominations is “Emilia Pérez,” a French-Mexican musical directed by Jacques Audiard, with 13 nods. The film tells the story of a drug-running mobster who undergoes a gender transition, blending crime drama with musical elements. Notably, Karla Sofía Gascón’s portrayal in the titular role has made her the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar.

Following closely, “The Brutalist,” directed by Brady Corbet, has secured ten nominations. This film delves into the life of a visionary architect, exploring themes of ambition and personal sacrifice.

Best Picture Contenders

The Best Picture category features a competitive lineup:

• “Anora”: Directed by Sean Baker, this film is favored to win multiple categories, including Best Picture and Best Director.

• “The Brutalist”: A strong contender with its ten nominations, this film explores the complexities of architectural ambition.

• “Dune: Part Two”: Denis Villeneuve’s continuation of the sci-fi epic has garnered critical acclaim and significant box office success, though it is not the frontrunner for Best Picture.

• “Emilia Pérez”: With its groundbreaking narrative and historic nominations, this film stands as a significant contender.

Acting Categories

In the Best Actress category, Demi Moore’s comeback role in “The Substance” positions her as a strong contender. However, she faces competition from Mikey Madison for her performance in “Anora” and Karla Sofía Gascón in “Emilia Pérez.”

For Best Actor, Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” has garnered significant attention. If he wins, Chalamet could become the youngest Best Actor winner, surpassing Adrien Brody’s record.

Supporting Roles

Zoe Saldaña’s performance in “Emilia Pérez” has made her a favorite for Best Supporting Actress. In the Best Supporting Actor category, Kieran Culkin’s role in “A Real Pain” positions him as a leading contender.

Animated Feature

The Best Animated Feature category showcases a diverse range of storytelling:

• “Flow”: Known for its novelty and fantasy elements, this film is a standout in the category.

• “Inside Out 2”: Pixar’s sequel has achieved significant box office success, though it faces stiff competition.

• “The Wild Robot”: This film is considered a strong contender, with some predicting it as the winner.

International Feature

The Best International Feature category includes notable entries:

• “Emilia Pérez” (France): Leading with 13 nominations, this film is a strong contender.

• “I’m Still Here” (Brazil): This film has garnered attention and could be a potential winner.

Directing

Sean Baker is anticipated to win Best Director for “Anora,” reflecting his unique storytelling approach.

Ceremony Highlights

Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony, bringing his signature humor to the event. Musical performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stars of “Wicked,” are expected to be among the evening’s highlights.

Notable Absence

Harrison Ford, initially announced as a presenter, has withdrawn from the event due to a shingles diagnosis.

Viewing Information

The Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, marking the first time the ceremony is available on the streaming platform. The event begins at 8 p.m. ET.

Stars and Fans Gear Up for the Big Night

Celebrities are arriving in Los Angeles today. Red carpet fashion is already trending online. Fans predict bold looks from stars like Zendaya and Lady Gaga. Both are past nominees with strong odds this year. Their presence electrifies the atmosphere.

Social media is abuzz with Oscars chatter. Posts on X speculate about winners and surprises. Some fans highlight Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut. His humor could bring a fresh twist to the show. Others focus on presenter Goldie Hawn’s return.

The Oscars 2025 kickoff isn’t just for Hollywood insiders. Fans worldwide are hosting watch parties. Time zones won’t stop the excitement, from Tokyo to London. Streaming on ABC and Hulu makes it easy to join in. The event feels more connected than ever.

What to Expect from Oscars 2025

Tonight’s ceremony promises unexpected moments. O’Brien’s promos hint at quirky sketches. He might poke fun at Hollywood tropes. The Academy teases “expect the unexpected” in posts. Viewers are ready for laughs and gasps.

Awards season buzz points to tight races. Anora and Emilia Pérez vie for Best Picture glory. Acting categories are equally competitive. Angelina Jolie and Saoirse Ronan are fan favorites. The winners will shape cinema’s narrative for 2025.

The Oscars also reflect current global sentiments. Awareness campaigns may surface during speeches. Technology, like Microsoft’s new Copilot app, ties into production talks. Yet, the focus remains on celebrating film. It’s a night of art, unity, and inspiration.

As the clock ticks to 7 PM ET, excitement builds. The Oscars 2025 kickoff is here. Hollywood and the world are watching together. Who will win? Tune in to find out.