The countdown to the Oscars has officially begun! The 97th Academy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, March 3, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Indian audiences can catch the prestigious ceremony live on Star Movies and JioHotstar starting at 5:30 am IST. The awards show will also be available for streaming on JioHotstar after the live broadcast.
Hosting the 97th Oscars will be Emmy Award-winning television host, writer, producer, and comedian Conan O’Brien. This marks O’Brien’s first time as an Oscars host. Having previously hosted the Emmys in 2002 and 2006, he is expected to bring his trademark wit and humor to the event, ensuring a memorable night for film fans.
A special tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones will be performed by rapper and singer Queen Latifah at this year’s ceremony. Jones, an acclaimed record producer, composer, conductor, and bandleader, has earned numerous accolades, including 28 Grammy Awards. Executive producer Raj Kapoor confirmed the tribute during a press conference.
“One of the most exciting things that we’ve worked on this year is a musical performance that will tribute Quincy Jones,” Kapoor said, revealing that Queen Latifah will be “a part of the performance,” as reported by Variety.
The ceremony will also feature a ‘Wicked’ medley performed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Other musical acts include performances by Blackpink’s Lisa, who currently stars in The White Lotus, as well as Doja Cat and Raye.
This year’s Oscar nominations were announced in January, following voting delays caused by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The fires, which resulted in the loss of at least 28 lives and widespread property damage, led to the Academy extending the voting period twice.
Among the nominees for Best Actor is Timothée Chalamet, recognized for his transformation into Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. “Timothée Chalamet, who has proved his box office drawing power with ‘Dune’ and ‘Wonka,’ was nominated for best actor for his chameleonic performance as Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown.’ He will face off against ‘The Brutalist’ star Adrien Brody, who became the youngest best actor winner in history at 29 for 2003’s ‘The Pianist.'”
Other nominees in the Best Actor category include Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice).
