Los Angeles – The 2025 Oscars is shaping up to be a night to remember, with a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and a new host who promises to bring a fresh energy to the stage. Following the success of last year’s show, which featured memorable performances and unscripted moments, the team behind this year’s Oscars is aiming to surpass expectations once again.

Pressure and Expectations

“We’re feeling the pressure,” said Oscars executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor. “But we’re not ones to rest on our laurels. We always want to push the envelope.”

With just days to go until the three-and-a-half-hour live broadcast airing on ABC and streaming live on Hulu Sunday, March 2, the team behind the show gave insights into what to expect. The goal is to inspire viewers not just with the films but also with the broadcast itself, creating a show that feels like a family event where everyone can debate and enjoy the experience together.

Conan O’Brien: The New Host

One of the major highlights of this year’s Oscars is the first-time host, Conan O’Brien. Kapoor described O’Brien as a “wealth of ideas and imagination,” noting that his experience in live television will bring a dynamic energy to the show. “He is going to be this great, exciting, warm hug and guide us through the night,” said Oscars executive producer Katy Mullan. “He’s got some surprises up his sleeve, which is fantastic because we love to keep people guessing.”

O’Brien’s presence is expected to bring a fresh, invigorated energy to the Oscars, a sentiment echoed by Mullan. “That alone brings this fresh, invigorated energy,” Kapoor said. O’Brien, known for his quick wit and improvisational skills, is sure to keep the audience engaged and entertained.

Musical Performances and Special Moments

This year, the Oscars decided to nix performances of the original songs, but there will still be some big names gracing the stage. Stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo from the musical “Wicked” are set to perform, though the producers are keeping details about their performance under wraps. “We’ve been talking for months,” Kapoor said. “And it’s a moment that’s been very special.”

Lisa of Blackpink and Doja Cat will also be part of the broadcast, promising a musical moment that will honor Los Angeles and filmmaking in Hollywood. The producers have hinted at a performance that will pay tribute to the city and the art of cinema, adding a layer of cultural significance to the night.

Acknowledging the Wildfires

The wildfires that have affected Los Angeles will be acknowledged during the show. Mullan noted, “The Grammys did an incredible job with their show and how it was treated.” She added, “Our show being a month after that and Conan having been affected himself, we’re just looking at the right way to calibrate it so that it feels like the right show for March 2 — that we do acknowledge it and reflect on it but also allow people the chance to step on that stage and have their moment and celebrate their talent.”

The decision to acknowledge the wildfires reflects a broader trend in Hollywood to address real-world issues during major events. The Grammys, for instance, have been praised for their handling of such moments, setting a precedent for how to integrate current events into entertainment.

Highlighting Behind-the-Scenes Talent

Last year, the Oscars made a memorable moment out of what is usually just a list of names by inviting past Oscar acting winners to speak about each of the nominees before the winner was read. This year, the tradition continues but with a twist. Instead of actors, other categories that “maybe don’t normally get the spotlight on the Oscar stage” will be featured.

Mullan explained, “Our theme is all about collaboration and the alchemy of filmmaking and really taking a look behind the scenes and understanding a bit more of the interconnectedness of how a film comes together.” This approach aims to highlight the often-overlooked aspects of filmmaking, such as cinematography, editing, and costume design, which are crucial to the overall success of a film.

Discovery and Celebration

There’s still time to catch the diverse group of 10 best picture nominees before Sunday if you really try. But don’t fret if you’ve only seen a few. The show could be a discovery event. “If you love the movies, like come to the Oscars and maybe you’ll discover things that you actually have not seen yet but will want to,” Kapoor said. “Hopefully you’ll fall in love even with a few pictures while watching the show.”

The Oscars have always been a platform for discovery, and this year is no different. With a lineup of major stars and reunions that are sure to hit people in the heart, the show promises to be a celebration of both the films and the people who bring them to life.

Conclusion

The 2025 Oscars is set to be a night of celebration, discovery, and reflection. With a fresh host, memorable performances, and a focus on the behind-the-scenes talent, the show promises to be an unforgettable experience for viewers across the country. As the countdown to March 2 begins, the anticipation for Hollywood’s biggest night is palpable.