The 97th Academy Awards commenced with an unforgettable performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who brought the house down with a medley from the hit musical Wicked. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien, featured a series of clips from nominated films before transitioning into the musical tribute. Grande began with a rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," paying homage to The Wizard of Oz, followed by Erivo's soulful performance of Diana Ross's "Home" from The Wiz. Together, they concluded with a powerful duet of "Defying Gravity." Both actresses are nominated for their roles in Wicked, adding to the excitement surrounding their appearance.
Grande and Erivo have been making waves with their performances in the film adaptation of Wicked. As the nominees walked the red carpet, anticipation built for what was to come on stage. Initially, there were reports that the show would open with a Wicked medley, but this was met with some skepticism until it became clear that the Academy had indeed enlisted the two stars to kick off the evening. Grande's nomination for Best Supporting Actress and Erivo's nod for Best Actress added another layer of significance to their performance. The audience was treated to a display of vocal prowess as Erivo hit several high notes, including a memorable riff, while Grande watched in admiration.
Leading up to the event, the Academy announced changes to the format of the Oscars, deciding not to feature live performances of nominated songs. Instead, the focus shifted to honoring the songwriters behind the music. This decision made room for other performers like Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye, who showcased their talents in segments celebrating the filmmaking community. The Los Angeles Master Chorale also made a special appearance, adding to the evening's cultural richness.
As the night unfolded, Emilia Pérez emerged as a frontrunner with a record-breaking 13 nominations for her non-English-language film. Other notable contenders included The Brutalist and Wicked, each earning 10 nominations. The ceremony, broadcast live on ABC and Hulu from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrated the best in cinema while hinting at what's to come with the sequel to Wicked, titled Wicked: For Good. Erivo teased the sequel, promising a mix of joy and heartbreak, along with familiar tunes that audiences will surely love.
The opening performance set a high bar for the rest of the evening, showcasing the talent and versatility of both Grande and Erivo. Their collaboration on stage not only highlighted their individual strengths but also demonstrated the power of storytelling through music. As the Oscars moved forward, it was clear that this year's ceremony aimed to honor both the past and future of cinema, with a special emphasis on the artists who bring stories to life.
The 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for Sunday evening, promise an unforgettable night of cinematic recognition. Hosted by Conan O'Brien at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the event will honor achievements across 23 categories, including Best Picture, Director, and Actor. Emilia Pérez leads the nominations with a record-breaking 13 nods for a non-English-language film, followed closely by The Brutalist and Wicked, each garnering 10 nominations. Other notable contenders include A Complete Unknown and Conclave, both earning eight nominations. Netflix stands out among studios with 16 nominations. The ceremony will also feature performances from Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye, celebrating the filmmaking community. The Oscars' announcement was delayed due to Los Angeles wildfires, which also prompted the Academy to donate $1 million to wildfire relief efforts.
This year's awards come after a series of challenges. Initially set for January 17, the nomination announcements were postponed twice as wildfires ravaged Los Angeles. Voting for nominees opened on January 8 but was extended multiple times due to the ongoing crisis. Despite these disruptions, the Academy has rallied to support the community, canceling the Oscar nominees luncheon and redirecting funds to wildfire relief. The event will pay homage to Los Angeles, reflecting resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Emilia Pérez's unprecedented success highlights the growing prominence of international films in the global cinema landscape. With 13 nominations, this French production has set a new benchmark for non-English-language films. Directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez explores complex themes through its rich narrative and exceptional performances. The film's impact extends beyond the screen, symbolizing the increasing diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Competitors like The Brutalist and Wicked also showcase the depth and breadth of contemporary filmmaking, pushing creative boundaries while captivating audiences worldwide.
Beyond the competitive spirit, the 2025 Oscars aim to celebrate the artistry and dedication behind each nominated work. Performances by artists such as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo promise to add glamour and emotion to the evening. The inclusion of diverse musical acts underscores the Academy's commitment to honoring various facets of the entertainment world. Additionally, special appearances by groups like the Los Angeles Master Chorale will enhance the cultural richness of the ceremony. This year's event not only recognizes outstanding achievements but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose within the industry.
As the 97th Academy Awards unfold, they will highlight the remarkable contributions of filmmakers and performers who have shaped the cinematic landscape. The ceremony serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the collaborative efforts that bring stories to life. Through moments of celebration and reflection, the Oscars will honor the past while looking forward to the future of film, embodying the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the industry.
At the 97th Annual Academy Awards, Kieran Culkin, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "A Real Pain," made a memorable appearance on the red carpet. The actor donned a custom-designed outfit by Zegna, featuring a deep green shawl collar jacket paired with black tuxedo trousers and accessories. His stylist, Chloe Hartstein, emphasized a monochromatic approach to ensure Culkin looked effortlessly cool. The highlight of his ensemble was a bespoke jabot-style brooch created by Kwiat and Fred Leighton, incorporating gemstones representing his family members' birthstones. This thoughtful design symbolized Culkin's dedication to his loved ones during this significant moment. Additionally, he wore an Omega De Ville Trésor watch and black velvet loafers, completing a look that reflected both elegance and personal significance.
In-Depth Look at Kieran Culkin's Oscars 2025 Appearance
In the heart of Hollywood, on March 2, 2025, Kieran Culkin graced the Dolby Theatre for the 97th Annual Academy Awards. Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "A Real Pain," Culkin chose a striking yet understated outfit tailored by Zegna. The deep green shawl collar jacket, complemented by black tuxedo shirt, bow tie, and trousers, showcased a refined and contemporary style. Stylist Chloe Hartstein, who has collaborated with Culkin since early 2024, aimed to create a look that balanced sophistication with comfort. She noted that Culkin often embraces vibrant colors, but for formal events, they opted for a monochromatic palette to highlight his natural charm and ease.
The pièce de résistance of Culkin's attire was undoubtedly the jabot-style brooch pinned to his lapel. Designed by Kwiat and Fred Leighton, the brooch featured three exquisite gemstones—a pear-shaped Colombian emerald, a cushion-cut purple sapphire, and a square-cut peridot—set in platinum. These stones represented the birthstones of his wife Jazz Charton and their two children, symbolizing the central role his family plays in his life. Rebecca Selva, Chief Creative Officer of Kwiat and Fred Leighton, explained that the design drew inspiration from the Art Deco movement, adding a touch of historical elegance to Culkin's modern look. The brooch not only served as a stylish accessory but also carried deep personal meaning.
To complete the ensemble, Culkin wore an Omega De Ville Trésor timepiece with a burgundy dial, a watch brand he has consistently supported throughout the awards season, along with black velvet loafers by John Lobb. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that every element of his outfit resonated with his personality and achievements.
Hartstein praised Culkin's consistent authenticity, noting that he remains grounded and true to himself in all public appearances. Their collaboration began with the Met Gala in May 2024, where Culkin wore a colorful suit by Colm Dillane of KidSuper, marking the start of a successful partnership. As Culkin enjoyed a string of accolades, including a Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, Independent Spirit Award, and BAFTA Award, Hartstein ensured that each event's outfit was thoughtfully crafted to reflect both his professional success and personal values.
This Oscars 2025 look was the culmination of their efforts, serving as a fitting tribute to Culkin's journey and achievements. Hartstein described it as "the cherry on top" of a remarkable awards season, celebrating both Culkin's talent and his commitment to his family.
From a journalist's perspective, Culkin's Oscars appearance exemplifies the power of combining fashion with personal narrative. It demonstrates how thoughtful styling can enhance one's presence on a grand stage while remaining true to individual identity and values. Culkin's choice to incorporate his family's birthstones into his outfit is a poignant reminder that even in moments of great personal achievement, the support and love of those closest to us remain paramount. This event serves as a beautiful testament to the importance of staying grounded and authentic amid the glamour and excitement of Hollywood.