The 97th Academy Awards: A Night to Remember
Imagine a star-studded night where dreams come true and legends are made. On March 2, 2025, the 97th Academy Awards ceremony took place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. This wasn’t just any awards show; it was a celebration of cinematic excellence that left viewers spellbound.
The Nominees and Winners
With 23 categories up for grabs, the AMPAS presented accolades to films released in 2024. Anora stood out as the biggest winner, claiming five awards including Best Picture. But who else made history that night? Emilia Pérez led all nominees with a staggering thirteen nods, and Conan O’Brien hosted the show for the first time, bringing his unique brand of humor to the stage.
Notable Wins
Among the standout winners was Karla Sofía Gascón, who broke barriers as the first openly transgender performer to be nominated in an acting category. Sean Baker’s film Anora won four Oscars, marking a historic moment for both the director and his cast. Zoe Saldaña took home Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez’s film, while No Other Land became the first Palestinian film to win an Academy Award.
Awards and Recognition
Paul Tazewell won Best Costume Design for Wicked, making history as the first Black man to achieve this honor. Flow also made its mark, becoming the first animated feature without dialogue to win in that category, with director Gints Zilbalodis becoming the first Latvian to win an Academy Award.
The Humanitarian Award
Richard Curtis received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his brilliant comedic storytelling and significant charitable efforts. His work has touched countless lives, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Celebrity Presenters and Performers
The 97th Academy Awards featured an array of celebrity presenters and performers who brought their unique talents to the stage. From comedians to actors, each presenter added a special touch to the evening’s festivities.
Presenters and Performers
Comedian Conan O’Brien hosted the show for the first time, with Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan returning as executive producers. The ceremony was directed by Hamish Hamilton, who had previously worked on the event. Other notable presenters included Rob Paine, Taryn Hurd, Sarah Levine Hall, Mandy Moore, Bob Dickinson, Noah Mitz, Jeff Ross, Mike Sweeney, Amberia Allen, José Arroyo, Josh Comers, Dan Cronin, Jessie Gaskell, Skyler Higley, Berkley Johnson, Ian Karmel, Brian Kiley, Laurie Kilmartin, Carol Leifer, Jon Macks, Matt O’Brien, Agathe Panaretos, and Sweeney. Performances were also a highlight of the evening, with Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey presenting an individual tribute to Quincy Jones.
The Impact of the Southern California Wildfires
As the Academy Awards approached, the Southern California wildfires posed a significant challenge. The voting deadline for Oscar nominations was extended from January 12 to January 17 due to the fires. This delay affected not only the nomination process but also the ceremony itself.
The Changes
In response to the wildfires, the Academy made changes to the ceremony. Songwriters’ musical pieces were no longer performed live; instead, they were highlighted through personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insight. The Society of Composers & Lyricists urged the Academy to reconsider this decision, but it was ultimately implemented.
Host Conan O’Brien: A Night to Remember
Comedian Conan O’Brien hosted the 97th Academy Awards for the first time. His performance was met with critical acclaim, and many outlets considered it one of the best Oscars ceremonies in years. O’Brien’s hosting style balanced humor with a deep love for movies, making the night memorable for all.
Viewership
The 97th Academy Awards earned an average rating of 19.7 million viewers on ABC, marking a 1% increase from the previous year’s ceremony. This total, which includes Nielsen’s measurement of linear viewers plus livestreams on Hulu, indicates a five-year viewership increase. The show had the highest rating among adults age 18–49 this awards season with a 4.54 rating, up 19% from last year.
Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of cinema’s greatest achievements and the people who make them possible. From groundbreaking performances to historic wins, this night will be remembered as one of the most memorable in Oscar history.
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This page is based on the article 97th Academy Awards published in Wikipedia (retrieved on March 11, 2025) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
