Movie fans the most exciting night in Hollywood is here the 97th Academy Awards! After a crazy awards season with lots of twists and turns it all comes down to this. Who will win? What are the biggest surprises in store? And most importantly how can you watch all the action? Grab your popcorn because we are diving into everything you need to know about the 2025 Oscars .

Best Picture Showdown: Is 'Anora' the Frontrunner or Could 'Conclave' Pull Off an Upset? Decoding the Top Race

This year's Best Picture race is seriously interesting. Netflix's Emilia Pérez snagged a massive 13 nominations making it the lead nominee. However some past tweets from its star caused some controversy shaking things up. So who is the actual favorite to take home the top prize?

Right now many are saying Anora is the movie to beat. This film already won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and also scored wins from the producers directors and writers guilds. That is a pretty strong track record. In fact only one movie with the same award sweep did not win Best Picture before and that was Brokeback Mountain. So history is on Anora's side.

But do not count out Conclave. This papal thriller has some serious buzz too. It won big at the BAFTAs and SAG Awards and those wins came right as Pope Francis was hospitalized. Timing is everything in awards season. The Brutalist and Wicked are also in the mix with 10 nominations each so anything can happen on Oscars night.

Chalamet vs Brody Moore vs Madison: The紧est Races for Best Actor and Actress You Need to Watch

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While Supporting Actor and Actress categories seem to have clear favorites Zoe Saldana and Kieran Culkin the lead acting races are nail-bitingly close. Best Actress and Best Actor could go any way.

For Best Actress Demi Moore for The Substance is considered by many to be in the lead but Mikey Madison in Anora and Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here could surprise everyone. It is really anyone's game in this category.

Best Actor is equally exciting. Adrien Brody is favored for The Brutalist for his performance. However Timothée Chalamet is right on his heels for A Complete Unknown his Bob Dylan role. If Chalamet wins he would make history as the youngest ever Best Actor winner beating Brody's own record. Keep an eye on these categories they are going to be intense.

Conan O'Brien Hosts the Oscars for the First Time: Will Politics and Hollywood's Bumpy Year Take Center Stage?

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Get ready for a fresh face hosting the Oscars this year. Comedian Conan O'Brien is taking the stage for the first time. He is known for his late-night humor so expect some laughs. But this year's Oscars are happening during a pretty turbulent time both in the world and in Hollywood itself.

The ceremony is weeks into a new presidential administration and comes right after some major political tensions. Plus Hollywood has had a tough year with lower ticket sales strikes and even wildfires. The Oscars are happening in a Los Angeles still recovering from those fires.

Conan has said he wants to acknowledge the moment but also keep the show positive and celebrate movies. It will be a balance. Will he make political jokes? Probably. Will he keep it fun and lighthearted? Hopefully. Either way Conan hosting is sure to add a unique energy to the night.

How to Watch the 2025 Oscars: Red Carpet Start Time Ceremony Details and Streaming Options

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Do not miss a minute of the Oscars action. Here is your guide on how to watch :

  • Date: Sunday March 2 2025
  • Time: Ceremony starts at 7 p.m. EST / 4 p.m. PST
  • Host: Conan O'Brien
  • TV Channel: ABC
  • Streaming: Hulu Live TV YouTube TV ABC app ABC.com (with provider login)
  • Red Carpet Pre-shows:
    • ABC & Hulu Official Pre-show: 6:30 p.m. EST / 3:30 p.m. PST
    • E! Red Carpet Coverage: Countdown starts at 2 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. PST Main show at 4 p.m. EST / 1 p.m. PST
    • AP Livestream Arrivals: 3 p.m. EST / 12 p.m. PST
  • Post-Oscars Stream: Vanity Fair Oscar Party Livestream on YouTube at 12 a.m. EST / 9 p.m. PST

Set your reminders get your snacks ready and prepare for a night of movies glamour and maybe a few surprises at the 2025 Oscars!