The 98th Academy Awards, honoring the cinematic achievements of 2025, are set to illuminate the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15th, marking Hollywood’s most anticipated night. This year’s ceremony arrives against a backdrop of significant global events, with the ongoing conflict in Iran casting a somber shadow over the industry’s glittering celebration. Host Conan O’Brien acknowledged this delicate balance during a recent press conference, stating, "My job is always to try to walk a very thin line between entertaining people and also acknowledging some of the realities."
The prestigious event will commence at 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (23:00 GMT), with pre-show festivities including red carpet coverage kicking off at 3:30 p.m. (22:30 GMT). This year’s telecast will continue its long-standing tradition of being broadcast on ABC in the United States. Viewers can also access the ceremony online via the ABC app or ABC.com, requiring a cable subscription. For cord-cutters, live streaming options are available through Hulu, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV. However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a significant shift in its broadcast future, with a landmark decision to move exclusively to YouTube for streaming beginning in 2029, ending a broadcast partnership that began in 1976.
Conan O’Brien Returns to Host the 98th Academy Awards
Comedian Conan O’Brien is set to return as the master of ceremonies for the 98th Academy Awards, his second consecutive year at the helm. O’Brien expressed his increased comfort and familiarity with the role, quipping, "This year, I know where the doughnuts are. I know my way around a little bit, and so, I think that’s going to be fun." He emphasized the importance of staying present and enjoying the experience on the Oscar stage. O’Brien and his writing team are reportedly working to ensure the show remains current and reflective of the world’s events. "What’s happening in the world will be reflected in the show," he stated.
Red Carpet Glamour and Social Media Buzz
The iconic Oscars red carpet will once again serve as a prelude to the main event, offering a glimpse into the fashion choices and pre-show interviews of nominees and presenters. British comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg returns for her third year as the official Oscars social media correspondent, providing live updates and behind-the-scenes content for a global audience.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Presenters
Following tradition, last year’s acting winners will return to present awards. This esteemed group includes Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist," Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain," Mikey Madison for "Anora," and Zoe Saldana for "Emilia Perez." They will be joined by a constellation of Hollywood’s brightest stars, including Javier Bardem, Chris Evans, Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, Maya Rudolph, Will Arnett, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Paul Mescal, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rose Byrne, Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Kimmel, Delroy Lindo, Ewan McGregor, Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman, Channing Tatum, and Sigourney Weaver.
Musical Performances Celebrate Original Song Nominees
This year’s ceremony will feature two captivating musical performances, each tied to the Best Original Song nominations. Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna are scheduled to perform the hit single "Golden" from the animated film "KPop Demon Hunters." Actor Miles Caton will also take the stage to perform "I Lied to You" from the movie "Sinners," accompanied by songwriter Raphael Saadiq. The performance of "I Lied to You" is envisioned as a powerful tribute to Black artistry, spanning various generations and genres, and will include a diverse array of artists such as ballerina Misty Copeland, rocker Brittany Howard, and blues and jazz musicians like Eric Gales, Bobby Rush, and Alice Smith.
"Sinners" Shatters Oscar Nomination Records
The film "Sinners" has made history by securing a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing the previous record of 14 held by "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016). Directed by Ryan Coogler, "Sinners" is a genre-bending feature that blends supernatural horror, romance, and blues culture. Set in 1932 Clarksdale, Mississippi, the narrative unfolds as a community’s newly opened juke joint becomes the target of a vampire siege. Coogler shared that the script was a personal tribute to his uncle, stating, "I wrote this script for my uncle who passed away 11 years ago. I got to imagine that he’s listening to some blues music right now to celebrate."
Following closely with 13 nominations is "One Battle After Another." "Frankenstein," "Marty Supreme," and "Sentimental Value" each garnered nine nominations. The Academy’s continued embrace of international cinema is evident, with every major acting category featuring at least one international nominee.
Arab Cinema Shines Bright at the Oscars
Arab cinema has demonstrated a significant presence during this awards season, with several films from the region reaching the shortlist for Best International Feature Film. Among these, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" has secured an Oscar nomination, marking a pivotal moment for Arab filmmakers.
"The Voice of Hind Rajab": A Poignant Nomination
Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" is a 2025 docudrama that poignantly dramatizes the final hours of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who tragically died in Gaza in 2024. The film masterfully weaves together real-life recordings of Rajab’s desperate calls to emergency services from the Red Crescent. Gaza-based filmmaker Mohammed al-Sawwaf highlighted the profound significance of the film’s nomination, telling Al Jazeera, "The arrival of Hind Rajab’s voice to these platforms – and its ability to break through the indifference that exists there – is in itself something extremely valuable."
Al-Sawwaf believes the film elevates Rajab’s death from a fleeting news item to a significant cultural event, compelling viewers to confront the devastating realities faced by children in Gaza. "A story of a human being from Gaza has been presented as the story of a person with a life and meaning, rather than the image of a Palestinian appearing as a number on news screens," he stated. He further emphasized the long-standing struggle for visibility for Palestinian stories, often met with rejection or barriers. Al-Sawwaf sees Hind Rajab’s narrative as a powerful symbol for thousands of other Palestinians whose lives, dreams, and humanity are often overlooked.
"It Was Just an Accident": A French Submission with Iranian Roots
The critically acclaimed "It Was Just an Accident," directed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, is nominated in two categories: Best International Film and Best Original Screenplay. Although a co-production involving multiple countries, France ultimately submitted the film for the Best International Feature competition. Panahi’s work has frequently challenged the Iranian government, leading to past imprisonment and filmmaking bans. France’s decision to champion the film positions it as a testament to the country’s support for "singular and courageous cinema." Panahi, speaking from New York following the U.S. and Israeli offensive against Iran, expressed his enduring thoughts for those back home, having shot the film clandestinely in Iran without government approval.
Best Picture Nominees Vie for Top Honors
Ten films are in contention for the coveted Best Picture award:
- "One Battle After Another"
- "Sinners"
- "Frankenstein"
- "Marty Supreme"
- "Sentimental Value"
- "Hamnet"
- "The Brutalist"
- "A Real Pain"
- "Anora"
- "Emilia Perez"
- "F1"
- "Song Sung Blue"
- "Train Dreams": A portrait of a railroad worker on the Idaho frontier at the start of the 20th century, questioning whether his past decisions may have doomed him to a life of heartbreak.
Director Nominees Showcase Diverse Vision
The nominees for Best Director represent a range of directorial styles and storytelling approaches:
- Joachim Trier for "A Real Pain"
- Josh Safdie for "One Battle After Another"
- Chloe Zhao for "Hamnet"
- Ryan Coogler for "Sinners"
- Paul Thomas Anderson for "One Battle After Another"
Race for Best Actor Intensifies
The Best Actor category features a formidable lineup of talent:
- Ethan Hawke for "The Brutalist"
- Leonardo DiCaprio for "Frankenstein"
- Michael B. Jordan for "Sinners"
- Wagner Moura for "One Battle After Another"
- Timothée Chalamet for "Marty Supreme"
Best Actress Nominees Deliver Powerful Performances
The nominees for Best Actress have been lauded for their compelling portrayals:
- Rose Byrne for "Emilia Perez"
- Emma Stone for "Anora"
- Jessie Buckley for "Hamnet"
- Renate Reinsve for "A Real Pain"
- Kate Hudson for "Song Sung Blue"
Surprises and Snubs Shape the Nomination Landscape
This year’s nominations have generated considerable discussion, with both unexpected inclusions and notable omissions. The first-ever Oscar nomination for veteran actor Delroy Lindo in a supporting role in "Sinners" was a significant surprise, a recognition many felt was long overdue. "The best part of this process has been that people are so genuinely happy for me," Lindo, 73, commented to The New York Times. "It’s not an ego thing. It’s nothing to do with that. It has everything to do with affirmation."
Another unexpected nod came in the Best Picture category for the action-packed racing drama "F1." Director Joseph Kosinski detailed the innovative filmmaking techniques employed, stating, "We had to develop a new camera system, taking everything we learned on Top Gun: Maverick and pushing it much further."
Actress Kate Hudson’s surprise nomination in the highly competitive Best Actress category marks her first Oscar nod in 25 years for her role in the musical drama "Song Sung Blue." She described the film as a rare opportunity to portray a complex, mature female character.
Among the most significant snubs was the sequel "Wicked: For Good," which received no nominations despite its predecessor’s success. Actor Paul Mescal was notably overlooked for his performance as William Shakespeare in "Hamnet," and director Guillermo del Toro’s "Frankenstein" failed to secure a Best Director nomination. Other notable omissions include Chase Infiniti for "One Battle After Another" and Jesse Plemons for "Bugonia."
Predictions for the Oscar Night Winners
Heading into Oscar night, "One Battle After Another" had been considered the frontrunner for Best Picture and Best Director. However, "Sinners" has gained considerable momentum in the latter stages of the awards season, tightening the competition.
Jessie Buckley is widely anticipated to take home the Best Actress award for her role in "Hamnet." In the Best Actor category, Michael B. Jordan is the predicted winner for his performance in "Sinners," fending off strong competition from Timothée Chalamet of "Marty Supreme." For the supporting categories, Teyana Taylor ("One Battle After Another") is a strong contender for Best Supporting Actress, while Sean Penn ("One Battle After Another") is favored for Best Supporting Actor.
