The most turbulent – are we okay to use the word ‘deranged’? – Oscars race in modern memory will be drawing to a close this Sunday when host Conan O’Brien gets the 97th Academy Awards underway.
Hot favourites have waned, outsiders have shot up the betting odds and extraordinary controversies have blown up in an awards season that’s lasted long enough for Conclave to have gone from hot favourite to rank outsider and then back to hot favourite and still left time for the fate of the actual Pope to become a factor in it all.
If by now you’re just wildly confused by it all, well, join the club honestly. But also join the nearest viewing party, because this will be one Oscars worth staying up for. Surprises are guaranteed in race that’s too close to be called and on a night that will put heavy pressure on O’Brien to turn bitter recrimination in solid LOLs. Which he will somehow manage in that nervy-genius way of his.
Here’s what you need to know.
When are the Oscars 2025?
The 97th Academy Awards take place at LA’s Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2 – a full week earlier than last year.
What time will the Oscars air in the UK?
In excellent news for movie-loving night owls in the UK, this year’s Academy Awards will again start an hour earlier than its traditional LA start time. The ceremony itself kicks off at midnight.
How to watch the Oscars in the UK
After a run of years of Sky broadcasting ended in 2024, the Oscars will continue on free to view this year. The whole ceremony, and red carpet bits, will be airing on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK. Hosted by Jonathan Ross, the shindig gets underway at 10.30pm. If you don’t fancy staying up that late, it’ll be available for catch up on ITVX too.
Tune in to find out who will be winning and maybe even finding their way onto our pantheon of Academy Awards all-timers.
Who is hosting 2025’s ceremony?
Conan O’Brien is taking on his first presenter gig – and what a year to do it. The podcaster, comedian, actor and ex-talkshow host is a much-loved figured in showbiz circles and his self-effacing, offbeat wit and keen eye for absurdity are sure to turn the potentially awkward moments into meme-able content. He’s taken some tips from last year’s host Jimmy Kimmel, and as a lifelong movie stan, he should deliver a killer intro and fresh energy to the show. And Matt Damon will get a night off the beefing.
Everything you need to know about the 97th Academy Awards.
Next year’s Oscar race starts here: the best movies of 2025 (so far).