With an ever changing society and political landscape, it would make sense for the entertainment industry to change with it. Especially Hollywood’s big night out: The Oscars.
As the 97th Academy Awards is approaching this Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 7:00 P.M ET, and it’s time to look how this years show aims to draw in more viewers.
For the first time ever, the Oscars will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, and announced by Nick Offerman. The 2025 Academy Awards will also include a lineup of A-List celebrities and presenters, like last year’s acting winners Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Robert Downey Jr.
When the comedian was asked how he felt about hosting this year’s show, O’Brien told interviewers: “It’s a tricky show, it’s a tricky time, I’m going to give it my best shot, and if it doesn’t work out, you will never see me again.”
Unlike past years, where artists performed the Best Original Song nominations, the producers this year decided to use that time to “spotlight the songwriters through personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insights from the creative teams behind the music,” reported Variety‘s Clayton Davis. While there will be special performances from BLACKPINK, Queen Latifah, Doja Cat, Raye, and the “Wicked” stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, these aforementioned ‘behind-the-scenes’ videos of the songwriters’ experiences will be more frequent.
Furthermore, this year the Academy implemented a stricter theatrical release requirement for films to be considered for Best Picture. This year, movies must have extended the required ‘theatrical run.’ According to AP News, in addition to the “current one week ‘qualifying run’ in one of six U.S cities,” best picture contenders “must also now play for an additional seven days in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets.”
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang stated, “It is our hope that this expanded theatrical footprint will increase the visibility of films worldwide and encourage audiences to experience our art form in a theatrical setting.”
This gesture has been questioned by the industry, as people now wonder who this change is really helping. While the move was partly for theatres still struggling in the pandemic, it was also a statement to streaming services who will be at a disadvantage with this new rule.
But despite this attempt to hinder popular streaming services, the Oscars will be available to watch on Hulu Live TV, Youtube TV, FuboTV, and AT&T TV at 7:00 P.M ET.
On top of changes to the rules and overall structure of the show, in light of the horrific wildfires in Los Angeles that have significantly influenced many of the people who will be in this ceremony and those watching at home, this year the Oscars has chosen to take time to “honor Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang.
With Hollywood’s biggest night approaches, the 97th Academy Awards is shaping up to be a ceremony unlike any before. With a brand new host, revamped entertainment structure, stricter eligibility requirements, and a profound tribute to the city of Los Angeles, the ceremony continues to balance tradition and innovation in a way that hopefully appeals to the American public. Whether you’re tuned in for the award drama, celebrity lineup and red carpet, or simply to celebrate the cinema, the 2025 Oscars will be an unforgettable evening.