LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Movie enthusiasts should gear up for an exciting night as the 97th Annual Academy Awards are just around the corner. As the anticipation builds, records are set to be broken, unexpected winners could emerge, and countries like Brazil and Latvia might just steal the show. The three and a half hour Oscar telecast is scheduled to start at 4:00PM PT/7:00PM ET on Sunday, March 2, airing on ABC and HULU.
In the Best Picture category, the film Anora could make history by becoming only the third movie to win both the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or and the Best Picture Oscar, following in the footsteps of Parasite in 2019 and Marty in 1955. Emilia Perez, with a record-breaking 13 nominations, stands on the brink of Oscar glory, as history shows that films with 12 or more nominations often take home the top prize. However, Conclave could also spring a surprise by potentially winning Best Picture without a corresponding Best Director nomination.
During the ceremony, all eyes will be on certain individuals who have multiple opportunities to grace the Dolby stage. For instance, Anora’s Sean Baker and Emilia Perez’s Jacques Audiard are poised to make their mark across various categories, setting the stage for an eventful evening. In the acting realm, the competition for Best Actor is heating up between front runner Adrien Brody and rising star Timothee Chalamet, with the added intrigue of a potential clash reminiscent of a Will Smith/Chris Rock moment.
As the night progresses, the spotlight will also shine on industry veterans such as Sound Mixer/Editor Andy Nelson and songwriter Diane Warren, both of whom are seeking to add to their impressive accolades. Additionally, the Oscars could witness historic wins as actors like Yura Borisov and Cynthia Erivo aim to carve their names in the annals of cinema. Family legacies and international recognition will be on display as the world watches closely to see who takes home the coveted golden statuettes.
Lastly, the Oscars will also feature unique storylines like Brazil’s quest for a historic win in the Best International Feature Film category, and the underdog tale of Latvia’s Gints Zilbalodis making waves with his nomination. From star-studded performances to heartwarming narratives, the 97th Annual Academy Awards promise to be a night filled with surprises, triumphs, and memorable moments that will stay etched in cinema history.