97th Academy Awards: Predictions and Highlights of the Biggest Night in Hollywood
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The 97th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable. This year's ceremony promises to be an unforgettable night, with a plethora of talented nominees vying for the coveted Oscars. Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez is leading the pack with 13 nominations, including best picture, best actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, and best supporting actress for Zoe Saldaña. However, the film's chances have been marred by controversy surrounding historic tweets from its star, which has damaged its awards prospects.
Other top contenders for the best picture prize include The Brutalist, Wicked, Conclave, and Anora. The race is too close to call, with each film having its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The ceremony, hosted by US comedian Conan O'Brien, will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu. UK viewers can watch the ceremony on ITV and ITVX from 22:30 GMT. The show will feature performances by Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, as well as Doja Cat, Lisa from Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye.
The best actress category is also highly competitive, with Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, and Cynthia Erivo all in the running. Moore, 62, has received her first Oscar nomination for her role in The Substance, while Madison's surprise win at the Baftas has thrown a spanner in the works. The best actor category is equally unpredictable, with Adrian Brody and Timothée Chalamet going head-to-head for the top prize. Brody is the frontrunner for his role in The Brutalist, but Chalamet's surprise SAG win has shaken up the race. The best supporting actor and actress categories are also filled with talented nominees, including Kieran Culkin, Edward Norton, and Zoe Saldaña.
The ceremony will also feature a tribute to the victims of the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles. The nominations themselves were postponed twice due to the fires, and the Academy has confirmed that there will be a recognition of the city's struggles during the ceremony. The show will also include a performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who will sing a medley of songs from Wicked. Other performers include Doja Cat, Lisa from Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye. The Academy has also announced that it will be doing away with the traditional original song performances, instead opting for a special performance by the Wicked stars.
Here is a list of some of the notable nominees:
- Best Picture: Anora, The Brutalist, Conclave, Emilia Pérez, Wicked
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, Sebastian Stan
- Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón, Mikey Madison, Demi Moore, Fernanda Torres
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin, Edward Norton, Guy Pearce, Jeremy Strong, Yura Borisov
- Best Supporting Actress: Monica Barbaro, Ariana Grande, Felicity Jones, Isabella Rossellini, Zoe Saldaña
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