A Night of Intrigue: What to Expect at the 97th Oscars Ceremony
This coming Sunday night, the 97th Academy Awards will shine a spotlight on the best in American cinema, taking place live from 1 AM to 4 AM at the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. With approximately ten thousand members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voting on the winners, anticipation is high, especially for the coveted Best Picture award. Unlike recent years, this year's ceremony is expected to bring surprises as front-runners face unexpected challenges.
For the first time, the evening will be hosted by Conan O'Brien, a beloved American television presenter known for his comedic flair. The ceremony will award winners in 23 categories, featuring five nominees in each category except for the Best Picture, which boasts ten nominees. Notably, the event can be watched live on Rai 1 from 11:40 PM on Sunday, featuring commentary from Alberto Matano, alongside various film journalists and experts. Viewers can also access the ceremony via the streaming platform RaiPlay.
Until recently, many industry insiders expected the Best Picture award to go to "Emilia Pérez," a musical that has garnered 13 nominations and centers around a cartel boss navigating a transition. Despite being the frontrunner with significant accolades from the Golden Globes, the film has come under scrutiny for its portrayal of Mexico and backlash due to negative historical comments made by its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón. Consequently, predictions indicate that votes are shifting, making way for a possible upset with two competing films: "Anora" by Sean Baker and "The Brutalist" by Brady Corbet.
"Anora," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, follows a young sex worker in New York and explores a compelling cross-cultural relationship with a Russian millennial. Meanwhile, "The Brutalist" tells the story of a Hungarian Jewish architect navigating life in post-World War II America. Many see Sean Baker as the likely Best Director winner, as his earlier recognition at the Directors Guild of America Awards suggests strong support among voters.
As for individual performances, the race for Best Actor is heated between Adrien Brody in "The Brutalist" and Timothée Chalamet in his role as Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown." The predictions for Best Actress are less straightforward, with Demi Moore for "The Substance" and Mikey Madison for "Anora" as the prime contenders. In terms of supporting roles, Zoe Saldaña is favored for Best Supporting Actress for "Emilia Pérez," while Kieran Culkin is expected to take home the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "A Real Pain." Peter Straughan is presumed to win for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Conclave."
Concert performances will mark the evening's entertainment, with pop stars like Lisa from Blackpink, Raye, and Doja Cat gracing the stage, alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both nominated for their roles in the acclaimed musical "Wicked."
This year's Oscars promise to be a captivating evening, especially with O'Brien at the helm. Historically, the ceremony has evolved, with the audience figures seeing a decline; while over 40 million people tuned in ten years ago, last year's numbers suggested fewer than half that viewership. The ceremony remains a hallmark of cinematic culture, showcasing not only winners and nominees but also the diverse array of talent present in the industry.
Notably, last year, "Oppenheimer" won Best Picture, alongside several major awards, including Best Actor for Cillian Murphy and Best Director for Christopher Nolan. With the 97th Oscars just around the corner, both excitement and speculation fill the air as we await the unfolding of a night steeped in glamour, talent, and perhaps a few surprises.
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