Film
Emilia Pérez
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The Oscars have had to contend with various challenges in recent years – strikes, pandemics, Seth MacFarlane hosting – and this year’s awards will take place under the shadow of the devastating Los Angeles fires. But rather than cancelling Hollywood’s big day, as was briefly mooted, this year’s ceremony seems like a nice chance to reflect on a brutal year in the life of LA and put on a show and take everyone’s mind off the aftermath for a night. Helping them do that will be the assembled talent from the 13-times nominated Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Wicked, Conclave and Anora – plus a genuinely funny host this time around. And without a set-in-stone frontrunner, there's actually a bit of intrigue as well. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s big awards shindig.
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When are the 2025 Oscars?
The 97th Academy Awards go down Sunday, March 2, 2025 – a week earlier than last year. The Oscars were typically held in late February before Covid (and then the Winter Olympics) pushed the date out, but early March appears to be the new norm. We’d go earlier but it’s not our decision.
Where are the Oscars being held this year?
The ceremony returns to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, which has served as the show’s host venue since 2002.
Who is hosting the 97th Academy Awards?
Taking over from back-to-back host Jimmy Kimmel is Conan O'Brien, our favourite pick since Billy Crystal and before him, Jon Stewart. ‘America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars,’ read his announcement statement.
O’Brien’s maverick energy, razor sharp wit and leftfield comic genius have been ever-present on his talkshows, podcasts and stand-up sets. Time to take it to the Dolby Theater stage and unleash it on unwary movie stars.
What time does the ceremony start?
Good news, Brits: this year, the telecast begins an hour earlier than usual. It airs on ABC starting at 7pm Eastern Time and 4pm Pacific Time in the US, and midnight in the UK. Of course, that probably just means they’ll add an extra hour to the ceremony, so you’ll still be going to bed champagne-drunk at 6am.
How many categories are there?
There are 23 categories total. See all the nominees here.
Who has won the most Oscars?
Are we talking cumulatively? Then that’s still Walt Disney, who holds the record at 22; he even won one posthumously. No one else comes particularly close: his closest living competitor is effects artist Dennis Muren, who has nine. John Ford is the most decorated director, having won four, while Katharine Hepburn remains the top actor, also with four. None of those records are under threat of being broken this year. In terms of movies in a single year, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Titanic and Ben-Hur all won 11. With 13 nominations – the most of any non-English language film in Oscars history, and tied for second-most all-time – Emilia Pérez does have a chance to surpass them, but given the competition this year, we wouldn’t bet on it.
How can I watch the Oscars?
In the US, just find your local ABC station – as has been the case for almost 50 years now – as well as streaming sites like Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV.
In the UK, the Oscars will be broadcast on their new home of ITV and ITVX for the second straight year, after its switch from Sky TV. You can watch it on Seven Network and 7PLUS in Australia. If you live elsewhere, the Academy website has a list of where you can watch in a variety of countries.
