
New Vision for Oscars
The Academy Awards are introducing significant changes to this year’s ceremony, set to take place on March 2, 2025. Among the updates is the decision to forego live performances in the Best Original Song category, a tradition that has brought memorable moments like last year’s Barbie showcase.
In a letter to members, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed solidarity with those affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires, calling the city "a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century."
Explaining the shift in focus, Kramer and Yang revealed that the Best Original Song segment will spotlight the creative forces behind the music. “We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life,” they wrote. Instead of live renditions, the ceremony will delve into the stories and inspirations behind the nominated works.
However, fans of music in film need not worry — the Academy has promised “powerful musical moments” connecting cinema’s storied past with its innovative future.
In addition to these changes, the Oscars will honor Los Angeles as “the city of dreams,” emphasizing its resilience, beauty, and enduring influence in the creative world following the devastating wildfires.
Conan O’Brien is slated to host the event, with films such as Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, Anora, Conclave, and Wicked among the likely nominees. UK viewers can tune into ITV1 and ITVX to catch Jonathan Ross presenting the coverage live.
The 97th Academy Awards promise to blend reflection, creativity, and a fresh perspective on Hollywood’s most celebrated night.