The 97th Academy Awards, set to unfold on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, will air live across the United States at 4:00 PM PST (Pacific Standard Time), drawing millions of viewers to witness Hollywood’s most prestigious night. This year’s ceremony carries extra weight with “I’m Still Here” earning nominations in three heavyweight categories: best picture, best international feature film, and best actress for Fernanda Torres, who’s already clinched a Golden Globe for her searing performance. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, stepping into the spotlight for his first Oscars gig, the evening kicks off with red carpet coverage at 2:30 PM PST and promises a star-studded lineup, including musical performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, alongside appearances from icons like Robert Downey Jr., Emma Stone, and Cillian Murphy. For American audiences, ABC will carry the main broadcast, while E! Network handles the pre-show glitz, with streaming options like Hulu Live TV ensuring no one misses a moment. The night also sees “Emilia Pérez” leading with 13 nominations, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive race that celebrates cinematic excellence on a global scale.
Coverage begins hours before the main event, with E! Network airing the red carpet live at 2:30 PM PST, giving viewers a front-row seat to the fashion and early interviews. The ceremony itself, starting at 4:00 PM PST on ABC, is expected to run approximately three hours, building anticipation as the top awards close out the night.
With a mix of veteran presenters like Scarlett Johansson and fresh talents like Ana de Armas, the 2025 Oscars blend tradition with innovation, spotlighting films that have dominated the awards season, including “Wicked” and “The Brutalist,” each boasting 10 nominations.
Platforms airing the Oscars live
American viewers can tune into ABC at 4:00 PM PST for the full ceremony, broadcast live from Los Angeles with comprehensive coverage of every award and performance. Streaming fans have Hulu Live TV as a reliable option, offering ABC’s feed in real-time for subscribers.
The red carpet, kicking off at 2:30 PM PST on E! Network, provides an early look at the night’s biggest stars, with additional streaming available on YouTube TV and Sling TV in markets carrying ABC, ensuring broad accessibility across the U.S.
Spotlight on “I’m Still Here”
“I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles, emerges from Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s book as a raw portrayal of Eunice Paiva’s quest for justice following her husband’s disappearance amid political turmoil in the 1970s. This co-production, involving VideoFilmes, RTFeatures, MactProductions, ARTE France, and Conspiração, with Sony Pictures handling distribution, has garnered international praise since its debut. Fernanda Torres anchors the film with a performance lauded as transformative, earning her a Golden Globe and now a shot at Oscar glory.
The film’s journey to the Oscars included strategic screenings in Los Angeles and New York, where it captivated Academy members with its emotional depth and historical resonance. Nominated for best picture, best international feature film, and best actress, “I’m Still Here” stands alongside giants like “Emilia Pérez,” marking it as a standout in a crowded field.
How the night unfolds in PST
The Oscars follow a tight schedule in Pacific Standard Time:
- 2:30 PM PST: Red carpet coverage begins on E! Network, featuring arrivals and interviews.
- 4:00 PM PST: Ceremony starts on ABC, hosted by Conan O’Brien with live performances.
- Around 7:00 PM PST: Event wraps, with best picture and best actress among the final awards.
The three-hour runtime ensures a brisk pace, with musical interludes and presenter banter keeping the energy high until the last statuette is handed out.
Crafting a cinematic milestone
Years of meticulous preparation went into “I’m Still Here.” Walter Salles immersed himself in interviews with Marcelo Rubens Paiva and others tied to the story, ensuring an authentic depiction of the 1970s setting. Filming spanned key locations, with production teams recreating the era’s atmosphere through detailed costumes, muted color palettes, and period-specific props that ground the narrative in its historical context.
Fernanda Torres and Selton Mello lead a cast that brings raw intensity to the screen, supported by Ed Côrtes’ score, which weaves tension and hope into every frame. The collaboration with French partners elevated the film’s technical quality, broadening its appeal and landing it squarely in the Oscar conversation.
Top films vying for gold
“Emilia Pérez” dominates with 13 nominations, excelling in best picture, direction for Jacques Audiard, and best actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, whose bold performance has stirred buzz. “Wicked” and “The Brutalist” trail with 10 nods each, excelling in technical categories like costume design and cinematography, alongside strong acting contenders.
“Dune: Part Two” brings spectacle to the race, while “A Complete Unknown,” spotlighting Bob Dylan’s early years with Timothée Chalamet, and “Conclave,” led by Ralph Fiennes, vie for dramatic honors. Fernanda Torres faces stiff competition from Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore in the best actress category, heightening the stakes.
Red carpet glamour and live acts
Starting at 2:30 PM PST, E! Network’s red carpet coverage captures the arrival of stars like Fernanda Torres and Walter Salles, offering a glimpse of the night’s fashion highlights. The main event at 4:00 PM PST on ABC features Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performing songs from “Wicked,” a musical juggernaut that’s already a fan favorite.
Presenters like Whoopi Goldberg, Ben Stiller, and Scarlett Johansson will take the stage, delivering awards under Conan O’Brien’s comedic oversight, blending gravitas with levity across the broadcast.
Historical context of the Oscars
The Academy Awards, now in their 97th year, have evolved into a global celebration of film, with the 2025 edition airing live at 4:00 PM PST to audiences in over 200 territories. Past milestones include “Titanic” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” tying for the most wins at 11, while this year’s “Emilia Pérez” aims to set a new benchmark for non-English films with its 13 nominations.
“I’m Still Here” joins a legacy of international contenders, following in the footsteps of films like “Parasite,” which broke barriers with its 2020 best picture win. The Oscars’ voting process, finalized by February 18, reflects the Academy’s growing diversity, with thousands of members shaping the outcome.
Standout moments to watch
Several elements make this year’s Oscars unmissable:
- Fernanda Torres’ bid: A Golden Globe winner facing off against Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore.
- “Emilia Pérez” dominance: 13 nominations put it in rare company historically.
- Musical spectacle: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo bring “Wicked” to life on stage.
- Conan’s debut: The late-night host steps into a high-profile role at 4:00 PM PST.
The night’s mix of competition and celebration keeps the focus on cinematic achievement, from technical feats to powerful performances.
Behind the Dolby Theatre stage
The Dolby Theatre, hosting the Oscars since 2002, seats over 3,400 and transforms annually for the event, with elaborate stage designs reflecting the year’s nominated films. For 2025, expect nods to “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” in the visuals, complementing the 4:00 PM PST start time with a futuristic yet classic vibe.
Backstage, the production team coordinates live feeds, musical cues, and presenter transitions, ensuring a seamless three-hour broadcast that balances scripted moments with spontaneous highlights, a hallmark of the Oscars’ enduring appeal.
