Get ready Austin because South by Southwest aka SXSW is back. This huge festival and conference is kicking off and everyone is wondering what's in store for SXSW 2025. We are talking movies music tech talks and a whole lot of exciting stuff happening in Austin Texas. If you are heading to SXSW or just want to know what's going on we have got you covered. Let's dive into the must-see films celeb spotting livestream details and how Austin is making sure everyone stays safe.

SXSW: Launchpad to Hollywood Gold? Movies We Are Already Hyped About for 2025

SXSW is not just a fun festival it is a place where movies can really take off. Remember Everything Everywhere All at Once? That Oscar-winning film had its big premiere at South by Southwest a few years back. Last year Alex Garland's Civil War also debuted at SXSW before becoming a box office hit. So yeah SXSW can be a pretty big deal for filmmakers.

This year's lineup looks stacked. There are tons of films getting early buzz but here are a few we are especially excited to check out:

  1. The Accountant 2: Ben Affleck is back as the accountant who is also a deadly mercenary. Fans have been waiting for this sequel for ages and it is finally happening. This time he is teaming up with Jon Bernthal to find out who killed a federal agent. Expect action thriller vibes.
  2. Death of a Unicorn: Okay this one sounds wild. Richard E Grant Paul Rudd Jenna Ortega and Will Poulter are in a dark comedy fantasy about a killer unicorn. Yes you read that right. Imagine Jurassic Park meets Triangle of Sadness. What if unicorns were real had healing powers and a group of not-so-great people found one? Chaos and dark humor are likely to ensue.
  3. Another Simple Favor: The sequel to the stylish and funny A Simple Favor is premiering at SXSW and people are ready for it. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are back. This time Emily (Lively) is getting married in Italy and invites Stephanie (Kendrick) to be her maid of honor. Drama and likely some killer outfits are guaranteed. Plus Michele Morrone is playing Emily's fiancé which is definitely adding to the anticipation.
  4. Drop: This horror film starring Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar has a super intriguing premise. A single mom goes on her first date in years and gets a mysterious Airdrop message: kill your date or your family is in danger. Directed by Christopher Landon who did the Happy Death Day movies this one sounds like it will be a thrilling and maybe even funny ride.
  5. The Studio (TV Series): Seth Rogen Kathryn Hahn and Catherine O'Hara star in this new series that takes a peek behind the scenes of Hollywood. Rogen plays a studio head dealing with all the crazy stuff that comes with the job egos politics release dates and a never-ending stream of movies. Think Entourage meets Curb Your Enthusiasm but set in a movie studio. With Rogen and Evan Goldberg involved expect some sharp and funny takes on the industry.
  6. Holland: Nicole Kidman is starring in this thriller as a teacher who starts to suspect her husband. Sounds like another intense and exciting role for Kidman. If it is anything like her film Babygirl expect some suspense and maybe some steamy moments.
  7. Fucktoys: Okay the title alone grabs your attention right? This grindhouse adventure is set in a place called Trash Town USA and follows a wild group on a journey through filth psychedelics and who knows what else. With legendary New Orleans performer Big Freedia in the cast this one is bound to be unique and out there.
  8. The Dutchman: André Holland Kate Mara Zazie Beetz and Aldis Hodge star in this drama based on a 1964 play. It is about a Black businessman in New York City whose marriage and identity get shaken up when he meets a mysterious white woman on the subway. This one sounds like it will be a more serious and thought-provoking film.

Celeb Spotting in Austin: Big Names Heading to SXSW 2025

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SXSW always brings out the stars and 2025 is no different. Get ready for some potential celeb sightings around Austin. Here are some of the big names expected to be at SXSW this year:

  • Ben Affleck: He is promoting The Accountant 2 and is no stranger to Austin. He filmed a movie here before and was at SXSW for the Air premiere in 2023.
  • Blake Lively & Anna Kendrick: These two will be in town for Another Simple Favor sequel premiere. Blake Lively is in the middle of some legal stuff but is still coming to SXSW.
  • Nicole Kidman: The superstar is expected to attend for her film Holland. This is a rare Austin sighting for her so keep an eye out.
  • Nicolas Cage: Nic Cage is a SXSW regular and will be back this year for The Surfer. Co-star Julian McMahon might also be around.
  • Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey: The Last of Us stars are coming for a featured session. Austin native Gabriel Luna and other cast members Isabela Merced and Kaitlyn Dever will also be there.
  • Seth Rogen: Seth Rogen is going to be busy promoting his new series The Studio and also his company Houseplant. You might even be able to meet him at a Total Wine event.
  • Matthew McConaughey: Hometown hero Matthew McConaughey will be at SXSW for his movie The Rivals of Amziah King. Expect to see him on the red carpet and maybe popping up at other events.
  • Kevin Bacon: The actor is having a career retrospective session at SXSW. From Footloose to The Bondsman he will be looking back at his impressive career.
  • Lance Bass: The NSYNC member is participating in a panel about chronic disease. He has been to SXSW before and is back this year for a different cause.
  • Conan O'Brien: Comedian and talk show host Conan O'Brien is also listed as a speaker at SXSW. Expect some laughs and maybe some witty takes on current events.
  • Issa Rae: Actor writer producer and director Issa Rae is a keynote speaker at SXSW. She will be sharing her insights and experiences in the entertainment industry.
  • John Fogerty & Tom Morello: Music legends John Fogerty and Tom Morello are also keynotes for SXSW Music. Music fans will not want to miss their sessions.
  • NASA's Artemis II Astronauts: For something completely different NASA's Artemis II astronauts are having a conversation at SXSW. Talk about star power of a different kind.

SXSW Goes Livestream: Watch Keynotes Sessions and Music Online

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Can't make it to Austin for SXSW? No problem. SXSW is bringing a lot of the action to you online. They are livestreaming daily keynote presentations select featured sessions and even some Music Festival performances from March 7-15.

You can watch keynotes each day at 1pm CT from big names. Some highlights include Meredith Whittaker President of Signal on Online Security and Confidentiality Issa Rae actor writer producer and director Ben Lamm and Joe Manganiello of Colossal and IBM CEO Arvind Krishna on AI and Quantum Computing. Music fans can tune in for keynotes from John Fogerty and Tom Morello.

Other anticipated conversations being livestreamed include NASA's Artemis II astronauts Conan O'Brien comedian and talk show host food critic Keith Lee Representative Ayanna Pressley and a panel for HBO's The Last of Us with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Amy Webb will also be presenting her 2025 Tech Trends Report.

If you miss a session or want to rewatch you can check out the SXSW YouTube channel for select VOD sessions after each livestream. You can also catch live music performances from the Radio Day Stage online from March 10-15.

Safety First: Downtown Austin Upping Security for SXSW 2025

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Safety is always a priority especially with big events like SXSW. Austin is taking extra precautions this year to make sure everyone stays safe downtown. After a deadly hit-and-run during SXSW last year and a similar tragic incident in 2014 the city is implementing new safety measures.

You will see increased police presence and new kinds of barriers downtown that were not there last year. Flex posts have already been installed at intersections like East Seventh and Red River Street where last year's fatal crash happened. These are meant to redirect traffic and slow drivers down.

Road closures are also planned during SXSW just like in previous years. Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that areas will be clearly marked with orange and white barricades and meridian barriers are also on standby. These heavier barriers can actually stop or even flip a car which is a serious safety measure.

The city is also trying to discourage drunk driving. Tickets given to cars parked overnight might be dismissed if people left their cars to take a safe ride home. It's all about making sure SXSW is fun and safe for everyone attending.

SXSW 2025: Get Ready for an Epic Week in Austin

So SXSW 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable year. From buzzy movie premieres and celebrity sightings to online livestreams and enhanced safety measures there is a lot to take in. Whether you are in Austin or watching from home get ready for a week of movies music talks and the unique energy that only SXSW can bring. It is going to be a wild ride so buckle up and enjoy the South by Southwest experience.