DLNews Entertainment:
Emcee Conan O'Brien wore a big, happy grin spreading across his face. "I have an amazing team of writers," he said, his excitement palpable. "We have been going through tons of ideas, and I'm thrilled because I grew up watching the Oscars. Hollywood’s biggest night is just around the corner, and the 97th Academy Awards, set for March 2, 2025, at the legendary Dolby Theatre, promise a showdown of cinematic excellence. With a lineup of nominees ranging from sweeping epics to intimate character studies, the stage is set for a night of history-making moments and unexpected victories.
The race for Best Picture is as competitive as ever, with Anora, Sean Baker’s gripping drama, standing tall as a frontrunner. But it faces stiff competition from The Brutalist, a visually arresting tale of ambition and survival, and A Complete Unknown, James Mangold’s take on Bob Dylan’s transformation. Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard’s genre-defying musical crime drama, has also emerged as a dark horse, alongside Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated Dune: Part Two, which could sweep technical categories while making a serious play for the top prize.
In the Best Actor category, Colman Domingo’s powerful performance in Sing Sing has cemented him as a strong contender, while Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice is turning heads. Adrien Brody’s return to prestige cinema in The Brutalist and Ralph Fiennes’ commanding presence in Conclave adds further intrigue. Still, Timothée Chalamet’s transformation in A Complete Unknown might be the performance to beat.
For Best Actress, all eyes are on Karla Sofía Gascón, whose performance in Emilia Pérez has already made history. However, Cynthia Erivo’s spellbinding turn in Wicked and Demi Moore’s fearless work in The Substance could shake up the race. Mikey Madison’s breakout role in Anora has also won over critics, while Fernanda Torres’ deeply personal performance in I’m Still Here could make for a sentimental victory.
The supporting categories bring their share of showdowns. Robert Downey Jr. may have won last year, but this time, Kieran Culkin’s nuanced performance in A Real Pain and Edward Norton’s portrayal in A Complete Unknown lead the conversation. Meanwhile, in the Supporting Actress category, Ariana Grande’s unexpected dramatic turn in Wicked has made waves, but Felicity Jones (The Brutalist) and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave) are formidable contenders.
With high-stakes competition, a diverse slate of films, and the potential for some groundbreaking wins, this year’s Oscars are shaping to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. As Hollywood’s elite prepare their speeches and the envelopes are sealed, one thing is sure—March 2 will be a night to remember.
\ 
Comments