Key Sunday Highlights: Notable Moments Featuring 'Anora' And Trump To Anticipate

Getting Ready for the 97th Annual Academy Awards: What to Expect

As the 97th Academy Awards approach, excitement fills the air. The Oscars, known for their glitz and glamour, promise surprises, emotional moments, and perhaps even some record-breaking wins. Scheduled for March 2, the event will be broadcast live at 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET on ABC and Hulu. Here’s a look at what to expect during this flashy three-and-a-half-hour show.

Table of Contents

Highlights of the Night: What to Watch For

Contenders for Best Picture

The competition for Best Picture is always intense. This year, films like Anora, Emilia Perez, and Conclave are gaining traction.

Anora is particularly notable. If it wins, it would be only the third film ever to win both the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or and the Oscar for Best Picture, following in the footsteps of Parasite (2019) and Marty (1955).
Emilia Perez stands out as the film with the most nominations this year—13 in total. Historically, films with that number of nominations have an impressive track record, often winning Best Picture.
Meanwhile, if Conclave snags the top award, it will mark just the seventh time a Best Picture winner lacked a corresponding Best Director nomination. This trend reflects a shift in voter perspectives about what makes a film worthy of the top spot.

Directors in the Spotlight

Expect some directors to make multiple appearances on the Oscar stage:

Sean Baker, director of Anora, is nominated for Best Picture, Directing, Original Screenplay, and Editing. This gives him four chances to take home an Oscar.
On the other hand, Jacques Audiard, director of Emilia Perez, has a similar opportunity but will also be recognized for his contribution to the song “El Mal”. If Emilia Perez wins for Best International Film, the awards will officially go to France as the submitting country.

Acting Awards: Who Will Shine?

The acting categories always create the most buzz, especially with some intriguing rivalries this year.

Best Actor is a battle between Adrien Brody, who is the favorite for his role in The Brutalist, and rising star Timothee Chalamet from A Complete Unknown. Should Chalamet win, he will not only take away Brody’s shot at a second Oscar but also become the youngest Best Actor winner.
In the Best Supporting Actor category, Yura Borisov from Anora could make history as the first Russian actor to win since Lila Kedrova in 1965. Meanwhile, Kieran Culkin is a strong contender to potentially upset Jeremy Strong, creating an engaging narrative for viewers.

Return of the Songwriter

Diane Warren is back in the spotlight with her eighth consecutive nomination for Best Song and overall 16 nominations, hoping to clinch her first win. Her song, performed by H.E.R., is from the film The Six Triple Eight. In contrast, renowned artist Elton John is also in the race, complicating the outcomes.

Moments That Capture Attention

From Prison to the Oscars

One of the most inspiring stories this year is that of Clarence Maclin. After being sentenced to 17 years for robbery, he turned his life around and now plays himself in the film Sing Sing. His nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay makes him a candidate for a groundbreaking win.

Carnival in Brazil

There is also a significant buzz regarding Brazil. As the country celebrates Carnival, it will be keeping a close watch on the Oscars with hopes of winning its first Oscar for Best International Feature Film for I’m Still Here. Fernanda Torres is nominated for Best Actress for her role in the same film, creating a historic double-nomination moment for mother and daughter.

Historic Counts and Potential EGOT Winners

If Cynthia Erivo secures the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Wicked, she would join the prestigious EGOT club, having already won a Tony, an Emmy, and a Grammy for her work in The Color Purple.

Final Thoughts

The 97th Academy Awards promise to be an unforgettable night filled with victories, tears, and perhaps a little drama. With such an extraordinary lineup of films and talents vying for Oscar gold, audiences can look forward to a lively celebration of cinema. From heartfelt acceptance speeches to unexpected surprises, the Oscars will remain a beloved highlight in the film industry calendar. Be sure to tune in and witness the magic unfold!