Relive the Glamour: The 97th Annual Academy Awards, broadcast live on ABC and Hulu, captivated audiences worldwide from Ovation Hollywood. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the Oscars saw Julianne Hough stun on the red carpet while films like “Emilia Pérez,” “Wicked,” and “Anora” competed for coveted statuettes. “Emilia Pérez,” despite controversy surrounding lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón, led nominations, highlighting the Oscars’ celebration of cinematic excellence and the evolving landscape of film.
The 97th Annual Academy Awards, known popularly as the Oscars, took place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. This year’s ceremony was broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, attracting viewers from over 200 territories worldwide. The event was hosted by the charismatic Conan O’Brien, adding a unique flavor to the evening’s proceedings.
Glamour and Elegance on Display ###
The red carpet was a spectacle of fashion and style, with celebrities arriving in stunning outfits that captured the essence of Hollywood glamour. Julianne Hough, a multi-talented dancer, singer, and actress, made a striking impression in an ethereal, asymmetrical gown. Crafted from various shades of nude tulle, her dress flowed gracefully, complemented by minimalistic jewelry choices that included glimmering teardrop earrings. Hough’s ensemble was completed with open-toed platforms, allowing the dress to swirl around her feet, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Her beauty look, masterfully executed by makeup artist Afton Williams and hair stylist Riawna Capri, echoed the elegance of Old Hollywood. Hough’s hair was styled in a perfectly coiffed, wavy updo, and her makeup featured a clean, glowing complexion punctuated by a deep red lip. This ensemble not only showcased her personal style but also set a high bar for the night’s fashion.
The Race for the Statuette ###
The competition for the coveted Oscar statuettes was intense, with films like “Anora,” “Conclave,” “Wicked,” and “Emilia Pérez” leading the nominations. “Emilia Pérez,” a Spanish-language musical, emerged as a frontrunner with 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress. The film’s success at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize and a shared Best Actress award, underscored its strong position in the race.
Other notable contenders included “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” each securing 10 nominations. The diversity of genres and narratives among the nominees highlighted the richness of cinema in 2025, making the outcomes of the awards hard to predict. This unpredictability added an element of excitement and anticipation to the evening’s proceedings.
Controversy Surrounding ‘Emilia Pérez’ ###
Despite its success, “Emilia Pérez” was not without controversy. The film’s lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, faced backlash after resurfaced tweets revealed racist sentiments. Gascón, who became the first openly trans actress to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, apologized for her past statements, expressing regret and a desire to move forward.
The controversy led to a distancing by Netflix and her co-stars, and Gascón’s absence from several pre-Oscars events. However, she was expected to attend the Oscars, marking a significant moment for representation and the ongoing dialogue about accountability in the entertainment industry. The situation highlighted the complex interplay between personal actions and public personas in the age of social media.
The Story Behind ‘Emilia Pérez’ ###
“Emilia Pérez” is described as an “audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations.” The film follows the journey of Emilia, a fearsome cartel leader who enlists the help of Rita, an unappreciated lawyer, to fake her death. This plot allows Emilia to live authentically as her true self, exploring themes of identity and transformation.
The cast of “Emilia Pérez” includes Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez, with the latter two also showcasing their singing talents in the musical numbers. The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, known for his diverse and acclaimed works such as “Read My Lips” and “Dheepan,” brought his unique vision to this narrative. Despite the controversy surrounding Gascón, the film’s bold storytelling and performances continued to captivate audiences and critics alike.
The Oscars Broadcast and Viewing Options ###
For those eager to watch the Oscars, the event was broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu. The official live red-carpet show began at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST, leading into the main ceremony at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST. This accessibility allowed viewers from around the world to join in the celebration of cinema.
The Oscars’ global reach was further emphasized by its availability in over 200 territories, showcasing the universal appeal of the awards. Disney, the parent company of Hulu, ABC News, and “Good Morning America,” played a significant role in ensuring the event’s seamless broadcast and streaming.
Predictions and Expectations ###
Predicting the winners of the Oscars is always a challenging task, and 2025 was no exception. TheWrap’s awards editor, Steve Pond, offered his insights into the potential outcomes, acknowledging the wide-open nature of the race. The unpredictability of the awards added to the excitement, with audiences eagerly awaiting the announcements.
The Oscars also featured a special recognition for Gene Hackman, highlighting the ceremony’s tradition of honoring cinematic legends. This tribute added a nostalgic element to the evening, celebrating the contributions of those who have shaped the industry.
Implications and Conclusion ###
The 97th Annual Academy Awards showcased the dynamic and evolving landscape of cinema. The red carpet’s display of fashion and elegance, led by stars like Julianne Hough, set a glamorous tone for the evening. The fierce competition among films like “Emilia Pérez,” “Anora,” and “Wicked” underscored the diversity and quality of storytelling in 2025.
The controversy surrounding “Emilia Pérez” and Karla Sofía Gascón highlighted the ongoing challenges of navigating personal and public life in the entertainment industry. Despite these challenges, the film’s narrative and performances continued to resonate with audiences, demonstrating the power of storytelling to inspire and provoke thought.
The Oscars’ global broadcast and streaming availability emphasized the universal appeal of cinema, bringing together viewers from around the world to celebrate the art of filmmaking. As the industry continues to evolve, the Academy Awards remain a pivotal event, reflecting the achievements and aspirations of filmmakers and actors alike. The 2025 Oscars not only honored the past year’s cinematic achievements but also set the stage for future innovations and discussions in the world of film.
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