The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed new details about the upcoming 97th Academy Awards ceremony, set for March 2, 2025. In light of the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles, the Academy announced that this year’s Oscars will honor the city for its resilience, beauty, and enduring role as a creative hub for filmmakers.
In a letter to its members, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang shared that the ceremony would celebrate Los Angeles as “the city of dreams,” reflecting on the recent hardships while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that define both the city and the film industry. “We will showcase its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century,” the letter stated.
In addition to honoring the city, the Academy revealed changes to the presentation of the Best Original Song category. This year, the ceremony will “move away” from live performances of nominated songs and instead focus on celebrating the songwriters. The Academy explained that the songwriters will be celebrated through personal reflections, uncovering the stories and inspirations behind the music. This shift aims to highlight the artistry of the songwriters, as in past years, performances often overshadowed their contributions.
The Oscars will also feature “Fab 5” moments, where individual film artists recognize nominees, and powerful musical segments that will connect film’s rich history to its future. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony promises to be a celebration of unity and creativity in the film industry, emphasizing collaboration and the transformative power of filmmaking.
The announcement also touched on the importance of supporting ongoing relief efforts for those affected by the wildfires. For those wishing to contribute, the Academy provided a list of aid resources.
Fans can tune in for the nominations announcement on January 23, 2025, across multiple platforms, including ABC’s Good Morning America, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more. The Oscars are expected to showcase both the challenges and triumphs of the film industry in this unique year, highlighting the resilience of Los Angeles and the global filmmaking community.