Everything You Need to Know About the 97th Academy Awards Ceremony

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, one of the most prestigious events in US cinema and followed worldwide, is set to take place on the night between Sunday and Monday between 1 AM and around 4 AM. Hosted by the well-known American television host Conan O'Brien for the second consecutive year, this year's ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The awards will recognize excellence across 24 categories, marking an increase from last year with the introduction of a new award for Best Casting. While most categories feature five nominees, the Best Picture award has ten nominations, showcasing a diverse range of films. Fans can follow the event live starting at 11:30 PM on Sunday on Rai 1, as well as through streaming on RaiPlay. Commentary will be provided by Alberto Matano alongside journalists and film experts, with critic Mattia Carzaniga covering the ceremony live from Los Angeles. In terms of predictions, the contest for the coveted Best Picture award is expected to be fierce, particularly between Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners', which leads with an impressive 16 nominations, and Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another', which garnered 13 nominations. 'Sinners' is noted as an experimental horror film featuring Michael B. Jordan, set in the African American community of a small Mississippi town in the 1930s, while 'One Battle After Another' offers a mixture of thriller, comedy, and action, depicting the life of Bob Ferguson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who steps away from activism to focus on raising his daughter. Industry insiders believe 'One Battle After Another', which has already achieved accolades at the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, might have the edge, especially given its esteemed director, Paul Thomas Anderson. Despite never winning an Oscar before, his potential this year is generating significant buzz. On the other hand, Michael B. Jordan's performance in 'Sinners' has also drawn considerable praise, including winning the Best Actor award at the Actor Awards—an indicator that he may have a strong shot at the Oscars. His motivational acceptance speech, emphasizing themes of redemption and overcoming obstacles, resonated with many voters. Timothée Chalamet is another strong contender for Best Actor for his role in 'Marty Supreme,' a film about an early 1950s ping pong player. Despite recent awards under his belt, his chances may have fluctuated following Michael B. Jordan's impactful speech. For Best Actress, Irish actress Jessie Buckley is currently the front-runner for her role in 'Hamnet'. With critical acclaim on her side, Buckley is expected to secure the award barring any last-minute surprises. In the Best Supporting Actor category, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård is favored for his role in 'Sentimental Value', though he faces competition from Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro. Meanwhile, predictions suggest a shift in favor of Amy Madigan for Best Supporting Actress, following her recent wins at major awards. O'Brien's hosting this year follows a decline in viewership for the Oscars over the past decade, as last year’s ceremony garnered only about 18 million viewers worldwide—less than half of what it attracted a decade ago. Other celebrities will also present awards, including notable names like Anne Hathaway, Robert Downey Jr., and Maya Rudolph. Musical performances will add vibrancy to the evening, with contributions from artists associated with the nominated films, including Miles Caton, EJAE, and others. As anticipation builds for the ceremony, the excitement surrounding potential winners and memorable moments continues to grow. With past surprises and historical significance, the 97th Academy Awards is poised to deliver an unforgettable night in cinema. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2