The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, are among the biggest nights in entertainment. The 97th annual Academy Awards were held on Sunday, Mar. 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
This year’s ceremony stood out for its impressive roster of nominees, dazzling performances, and much-discussed red carpet-looks.
Oscars 2025: Date and Time
The 2025 Oscars occurred on March 2, with the main ceremony beginning at 7 PM. Eastern Time (ET). The event lasted for about three and a half hours, ending around 10:30 PM. ET. The ceremony started at 4 PM. Pacific Time (PT).
Red Carpet Coverage: Schedule and Highlights
This is a despising segment before the actual event, where it shows the glitzy arrivals of nominees and stars. The official red carpet coverage this year started at 6:30 PM. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) on ABC and Hulu, with Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer as hosts.
Before this! Provided hours of red carpet coverage starting at 2 p.m. ET, giving fans an early look into the evening’s fashion and interviews.
Hosting Duties: Conan O’Brien’s Debut
Appearing for the first time as the Oscars host, Conan O’Brien made quick work of the 97th Academy Awards, bringing his signature comic stylings and showmanship to the stage.
Arguably better known for his success on late-night television, O’Brien’s first-ever hosting gig on primetime television was greeted with delight and anticipation.
Nominees and Major Contenders
The 2025 Oscars offered a wide range of films and performances. Dominating the nominations were “Emilia Pérez” with 13, followed by “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” with 10 other members.
And in Best Actor, Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”) and Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”) weren’t far behind. In the Best Actress category, Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, and Fernanda Torres also delivered career-best performances. Aspirants included “Emilia Pérez” “Conclave” “Wicked” “The Brutalist” and “A Complete Unknown.”
Where and How to Watch the Oscars 2025
The ceremony aired live on ABC for anyone wishing to view the Oscars. Also, the event was live-streamed on Hulu (for the first time), widening the reach for those without traditional cable subscriptions.
Other streaming services with live coverage included Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV, most of which offered free trials for new subscribers. Viewers could also watch the event on ABC and the ABC app, using a participating TV provider.
The live broadcast also screened on several networks and streaming outlets around the world for international coverage. As for international streaming options, the Oscars had detailed information.
Performances and Presenters
The 2025 Oscars also included a which featured performances from respected artists. The stage was graced with musical performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Other performers included Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
An assortment of esteemed presenters was on hand to announce winners in various categories. This group included past Oscar winners like Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, and Whoopi Goldberg, as well as other notables like Scarlett Johansson, June Squibb, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, Elle Fanning, and Bowen Yang.
Red Carpet Fashion: Trends and Highlights
The Oscars red carpet is all about high fashion, and 2025 was no different. Celebrities wore a mix of classic elegance and modern shapes, with hints of what will be trending in the upcoming seasons to come.
The trends included bold colors, elaborate embellishments, and sustainable fashion selections. “It’s a choice that reflects a growing trend, both in the fashion world and in the general world, toward sustainability,” said Elizabeth Paton, a fashion critic for The New York Times.
Among them were Demi Moore in her classic gown, Timothée Chalamet in his suit avant-garde, and Ariana Grande in her dress ethereal, all referenced with much media coverage and congratulations from fashion experts.
Memorable Moments from the Ceremony
Many of the Most Memorable 97th Academy Awards Moments Conan O’Brien opened the speech with jokes, but they were paired with some genuinely sobering reminders of the year.
Ariana Grande delivered VMA’s most famous performance, giving a thrilling spoken tribute to her hits with her singer-songwriter stage presence. Winners at the Oscars reflected on global challenges, reminded the world of past struggles, and offered gratitude to family, friends, and colleagues.
Post-Oscars Coverage and Highlights
After the ceremony, multiple outlets detailed the highlights of the event. ABC was behind “On The Red Carpet After the Awards,” which featured live interviews from the Governors Ball, Vanity Fair party, and Elton John’s annual viewing party.
Fashion analysts and entertainment reporters weighed in on the evening’s best-dressed celebrities, a few memorable moments and some surprise wins.
