The Oscars, which annually captivate millions of film fans, will once again take place at the Dolby Theatre this year and will be hosted for the first time by US comedian Conan O'Brien. There is another first for the live broadcast: In addition to broadcasts on ORF1 and Pro7, the awarding of the most important film prizes will also be available on the streaming service Disney+ this year.

We will keep you updated from midnight in the live ticker on the happenings on the Red Carpet and the show.

LIVE from the 2025 Oscar Ceremony: Red Carpet and All Winners

"Emilia Pérez", "The Brutalist" and "Wicked" as Favorites at the 97th Oscars

After the parade of stars on the Red Carpet, the award ceremony in 23 categories is set to begin at 4:00 PM local time (1:00 AM CET on the night of Monday, March 3rd). In the race for the coveted Oscar statuette, Hollywood's dream factory team is no longer alone, as numerous renowned European filmmakers are also in the running for the most prestigious film award.

In terms of numbers, the musical thriller "Emilia Pérez", the drama "The Brutalist", and the musical "Wicked" lead the Oscar nominations. The French production "Emilia Pérez" received 13 nominations, while "The Brutalist" and "Wicked" each received 10. Following with eight chances to win are the Vatican thriller "Conclave" and the Bob Dylan biopic "Like A Complete Unknown". Among the other contenders with multiple nominations are the tragicomedy "Anora", the body horror film "The Substance", and the science fiction epic "Dune: Part Two".

In the acting categories, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, Cynthia Erivo, Demi Moore, Ariana Grande, Felicity Jones, Isabella Rossellini, and Zoe Saldaña are among the nominees.

Star Line-Up at the Oscar Ceremony

The Oscar presenters are setting the stage with big names for the show. As presenters and helpers, Zoe Saldaña, Rachel Zegler, Selena Gomez, Lily-Rose Depp, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, and Willem Dafoe are expected to be on stage. Also distributing trophies are the winners of the Oscars for Best Leading and Supporting Actors of 2024 - Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

Just a few days ago, "Star Wars" actor Harrison Ford was announced as a prominent helper at the Oscar gala. But that will not happen. Due to a shingles illness, the Hollywood star had to cancel his planned appearance at short notice. Shortly after the news of Ford's illness, the Oscar presenters announced on X that "Star Wars" star Mark Hamill would be on stage as a "presenter".

No Live Performances of Nominated Songs

The organizers want to break with a tradition this time: There will be no live performances of the nominated songs. Instead, the songwriters are expected to share their stories and inspirations through "personal reflections," as was announced in advance.

An Oscar show without song numbers would be unthinkable - and it will not be the case this time either: The Film Academy has announced high-profile musicians, including US rapper Doja Cat, British R&B singer Raye, and K-Pop icon Lalisa "Lisa" Manoban from the South Korean girl band Blackpink. Additionally, there will be a "fascinating moment" with the "Wicked" stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande - and a performance by US rapper Queen Latifah.

Oscar Show Likely to Be Used for Donations After Devastating Fires

The devastating wildfires in January have severely affected the film metropolis. At the Grammy Awards in early February, artists remembered the victims and called for donations. The Oscar show is also intended to be used to support the film community and to pay tribute to the firefighters, helpers, and those affected, the Academy announced. They wanted to honor Los Angeles as "the city of dreams" and highlight its beauty and resilience.

(APA/Red)

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