Hollywood’s biggest night is upon us, and this year’s Academy Awards promises plenty of glitz, surprises, and drama. With no clear frontrunner for Best Picture, a historic nomination, and a major shake-up in the music lineup, the 97th Oscars, taking place on Sunday, 2 March, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, could be one for the books.
Conan O’Brien takes the mic
After Jimmy Kimmel’s back-to-back hosting duties, the Academy is switching things up with Emmy-winning comedian Conan O’Brien at the helm. Known for his sharp wit, self-deprecating humour, and love of movies, O’Brien is expected to bring fresh energy to the show. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said, “He is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humour, his love of movies, and his live TV expertise.”
A tight race for Best Picture
Unlike last year’s Oppenheimer sweep, this year’s Best Picture race is anyone’s game. Emilia Pérez leads the pack with a record-breaking 13 nominations, making history as the most-nominated non-English-language film. The Brutalist and Wicked follow closely with 10 nods each, while other contenders include Anora, Conclave, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, and The Substance.
Karla Sofía Gascón’s controversial nomination
The Best Actress category is making history—and headlines. Karla Sofía Gascón is the first trans woman to be nominated in the category, but controversy surrounds her nomination after past offensive tweets resurfaced. Netflix dropped her from its ad campaigns promoting the film. Gascón has since apologised, saying, “I know this suffering all too well, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain.” While she skipped other major award shows, her presence at the Oscars will be one of the most-watched moments of the night.
No Best Song performances, but plenty of music
In a shock move, the Academy scrapped the live performances of the Best Original Song nominees, drawing backlash from the music branch. But there will still be some big musical moments—Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are expected to perform together for the first time since filming Wicked, and other acts include Queen Latifah, Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye. There will also be a tribute to Los Angeles featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Fab 5 Format returns—with a twist
The Oscars’ “Fab 5” format – where past winners present awards – is back, but it’s not just for the acting categories this time. Expect unexpected presenter pairings, reunions, and emotional throwbacks designed to tug at the heartstrings.
Where to Watch in SA
For South Africans keen to catch the action:
📍 Live Ceremony – M-Net Movies 1 (DStv 104) on Monday, 3 March, at 02:00 SA time
📍 Prime-time Repeat – M-Net (DStv 101) at 22:00 SA time
📍 Streaming & Catch-Up – Available on DStv Stream and Catch-Up
With a stacked nominee list, unexpected performances, and controversy in the mix, this year’s Oscars will be one of the most talked about in years. Whether it sticks to its three-and-a-half-hour runtime is another story… 🎬✨
Tshego is a writer and law student from Pretoria. A keen follower of social media trends, his interests include high fantasy media, politics, science, talk radio, reading and listening to music.
He is also probably one of the only people left who still play Pokemon Go.
