The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, with comedian and former late-night host Conan O’Brien making his debut as Oscars host.
The ceremony, broadcast live on ABC and streaming for the first time on Hulu, will celebrate the best films of 2024 and feature a star-studded lineup of presenters and performances.
Why It Matters
Hosting the Oscars is one of the most high-profile gigs in entertainment, and O’Brien, known for his quick wit and improvisational skills, is expected to bring a fresh energy to the event. His selection follows several years of the Academy opting for repeat hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, marking a shift toward new comedic voices.
O’Brien himself acknowledged the challenge, saying, “There’s no such thing as getting to a point professionally where there are no nerves if you’re working in comedy,” he recently told People. “I am very aware that it’s an iconic show and can be tricky…. I like to meet a challenge.”
This year’s Oscars also stand out due to the impact of recent Los Angeles wildfires, which have influenced the event’s preparation and overall tone. According to ABC News, the Academy has pledged to acknowledge the hardships faced by affected communities and honor first responders during the ceremony.
Chris Pizzello/AP Photos
What To Know
O’Brien is preparing for his first time as Oscars host by working closely with a team of experienced comedy writers and drawing inspiration from past hosts like Billy Crystal, Johnny Carson, and Kimmel. O’Brien has consulted with previous hosts, including Kimmel, who provided advice on managing the high-pressure gig.
O’Brien was chosen to bring a fresh comedic energy to the ceremony, following several years of repeat hosts like Kimmel (2017-18, 2023-24) and no-host formats in 2019-2021.
O’Brien previously hosted his own late night talk shows, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Conan. After the shows ended, O’Brien told ABC News that he’s welcoming every opportunity that comes his way.
“It’s been three years since I stopped doing my late night show and I’ve been saying yes to things. It’s been this time of yes,” he told ABC News. “So I did an independent film at Sundance. I headlined at the Newport Folk Festival. I’m just saying yes to things that I wouldn’t have done before. I’m a black belt in karate now. I’m a licensed neurosurgeon. I mean, there are all these things I’m doing now that I didn’t think I would ever do before.”
When Does the Oscars Start?
The awards ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and, for the first time, will stream live on Hulu. The official preshow, The Oscars Red Carpet Show, hosted by Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer, will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET.
What Films Are Nominated for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars?
This year’s Best Picture nominees include:
- Anora
- The Brutalist
- A Complete Unknown
- Conclave
- Dune: Part Two
- Emilia Pérez
- I’m Still Here
- Nickel Boys
- The Substance
- Wicked
Emilia Pérez leads with 13 nominations, followed by The Brutalist and Wicked with 10 each.
What People Are Saying
Conan O’Brien told ABC News of hosting the wildfires in Los Angeles and of hosting the Oscars: “L.A. has just been through this traumatic experience,” he said. “There’s a lot that’s happening nationally that people are very tense about and it changes day to day. And so my job right now with my writers is to create possibilities.”
Zoe Saldaña, nominee for Best Supporting Actress for the Oscars for her role in Emilia Pérez, posted to Instagram on January 30: “Ohh what a journey it’s been!
A huge thank you to all the support, nominations, and wins for @emiliaperezfilm thus far.”
Cynthia Erivo, nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the Oscars for her role in Wicked posted to Instagram on February 26: “Oscar nominee class of 2025. Grateful.”
What Happens Next?
This year’s Oscars will break tradition by not featuring live performances of all the Best Original Song nominees. Instead, the show will highlight songwriters through personal reflections.
According to the Los Angeles Times, audiences can expect musical performances from Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, and Lisa from BLACKPINK.