The 97th Academy Awards are set to captivate audiences worldwide, despite the broader trend of declining television viewership. This year’s ceremony promises a blend of heartfelt tributes and stellar performances, with a special focus on honoring the legendary Quincy Jones and showcasing the talents of Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo.
In a recent virtual press conference, host Conan O’Brien, along with executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, shared insights into the upcoming event. O’Brien, making his debut as the Oscars’ emcee, brings a fresh dynamic to the show. Kapoor remarked, “It’s kind of unbelievable that Conan has never hosted before. He brings a wealth of imagination, creativity, and spontaneity.”
A significant highlight of the evening will be a tribute to Quincy Jones, the esteemed music producer and composer who passed away in November 2024. Queen Latifah is set to lead this homage. Kapoor shared, “One of the most exciting things that we’ve worked on this year is a musical performance that will tribute Quincy Jones.” Jones was posthumously honored with an Academy Honorary Award at the Governors Awards in November 2024.
Adding to the musical grandeur, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, stars of the film adaptation of “Wicked,” will deliver a special performance. Erivo, nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elphaba Thropp, stands on the brink of achieving EGOT status, having already secured an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony. Their performance is highly anticipated, with music director Michael Bearden teasing, “You have to expect something.”
The ceremony will also honor the resilience of Los Angeles, acknowledging those affected by the recent wildfires. A charitable component is integrated into the event, allowing viewers to contribute to related causes. Kapoor emphasized, “The Academy has partnered with charities, and there will be a call to action for people to participate in.”
Production designer Alana Billingsley discussed the immersive nature of this year’s set design, noting, “We instantly wanted to wrap the room with the set and bring the set out into the room. It also nods to movie theater architecture and the screens that are out in the house.”
With a diverse range of nominees and performances, the 2025 Oscars aim to blend nostalgia, surprise, and heartfelt moments. As Kapoor teased, “You’ll just have to watch.”
The 97th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on March 2, 2025, from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
