Experience the Magic Before the Red Carpet Rolls Out
Preshow Extravaganza: Setting the Stage for Oscar Night
The countdown to the 2025 Oscars begins early, with a special preshow hosted by the iconic comedian Conan O’Brien. Streaming live from the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, this pre-event starts at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET on Sunday. As viewers tune in, they can expect a comprehensive preview of what’s to come, including interviews with industry insiders, sneak peeks of red carpet arrivals, and a deep dive into the top contenders.Oscar night is more than just a celebration of cinema; it’s a spectacle that captures the world’s attention. This year’s preshow promises to be no different. With its blend of entertainment and insightful analysis, it sets the perfect stage for the evening’s festivities. Fans can look forward to candid discussions about the nominees, their chances of winning, and the stories behind the films that have made it this far.Awards Season Highlights: A Closer Look at the Nominees
Leading the pack this year is Emilia Pérez, whose groundbreaking work has earned her an impressive 13 nominations. Following closely are "The Brutalist" and "Wicked," both receiving 10 nods each. Notable mentions also go to "A Complete Unknown" and "Conclave," which garnered eight nominations apiece. These five films will vie for the coveted Best Picture award alongside other strong contenders like "Anora," "Dune: Part Two," "I’m Still Here," "Nickel Boys," and "The Substance."The competition is fierce across all categories, with Netflix leading the charge with 16 nominations. Each nomination represents not only a triumph for the individuals involved but also a testament to the quality and impact of their work. As the awards season reaches its climax, every nominee stands as a symbol of cinematic excellence, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for storytelling.Inside the Ceremony: What to Expect on Oscar Night
When the main event kicks off at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET on ABC, viewers can anticipate a night filled with surprises, emotional moments, and unforgettable performances. Over the course of the evening, 23 awards will be presented, covering a wide range of categories from acting and directing to cinematography and costume design. Each category showcases the diverse talents that contribute to the magic of filmmaking.Behind the scenes, there’s much more than meets the eye. From the meticulous planning that goes into the show’s production to the last-minute preparations by nominees and presenters, every detail is carefully orchestrated to ensure a flawless event. The Hollywood Reporter’s team of experts provides continuous coverage throughout the night, offering real-time updates and breaking news as the winners are announced.Expert Insights: Predictions and Analysis from Industry Leaders
THR’s Awards Countdown: Oscars Edition brings together a panel of distinguished professionals who offer their perspectives on the nominees and potential winners. Executive awards editor Scott Feinberg, senior film editor Rebecca Keegan, film writer Mia Galuppo, artistic and fashion director Alison Edmond, contributor Brande Victorian, and senior staff writer Chris Gardner provide invaluable insights that help viewers understand the nuances of each nomination.Billboard’s Tetris Kelly joins the discussion, adding another layer of expertise. Together, these experts analyze the trends, historical precedents, and current buzz surrounding the nominees. Their predictions are based on a combination of data, experience, and gut feeling, making them some of the most reliable voices in the industry. For anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve, this preshow is an essential resource.Beyond the Spotlight: The Making of the Preshow
Produced by Tiffany Taylor and executive produced by Jason Rovou and Lesley Corral, the preshow is a collaborative effort involving numerous talented individuals. Directed by Harry Buerkle, the program features contributions from segment producers Neha Joy and Dominoe Ibarra. The filming crew, including Buerkle, Jason Bass, and Jean Martin, ensures that every moment is captured with precision and flair.Post-production work by editors Bass, Buerkle, Paul Silva, Ben Myers, and Paulo DeMello adds the final touches, ensuring that the finished product is nothing short of spectacular. From conception to execution, the preshow is a testament to the dedication and skill of everyone involved. It serves as a fitting prelude to the grandeur of Oscar night, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the main event.In a thrilling display of equine prowess, the world of horse racing is witnessing a resurgence of top-tier talent. The Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap saw Locked deliver an unprecedented performance, setting a new record and cementing his place among America’s elite horses. Meanwhile, other notable contenders like Fierceness and Mindframe are also making waves, promising an exhilarating season ahead. This renewed vigor in the racing community signals a significant shift from the previous year's lackluster performances, with many of the best horses returning to the track rather than retiring early.
Locked's dominant victory at Santa Anita showcased his potential as a future champion, while Fierceness and Mindframe are also proving their mettle. The upcoming months promise even more excitement as these stars prepare for major races, including the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic. With a roster of formidable competitors, the stage is set for one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
Locked's Unmatched Performance at Santa Anita
Locked's triumph at the Santa Anita Handicap was nothing short of spectacular. Racing over a classic distance of 1 1/4 miles, this son of Gun Runner demonstrated an unparalleled level of dominance. His 8 1/2-length win, achieved while wearing blinkers for the first time, highlighted his adaptability and raw power. Trainer Todd Pletcher's decision to bring Locked out west paid off handsomely, as the colt overwhelmed his competition with ease.
Previously victorious in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) and the Cigar Mile (G2), Locked has always shown flashes of brilliance. However, his performance on Saturday confirmed that he is ready to fulfill his immense potential. The race served as a pivotal moment, revealing Locked's capability to compete at the highest levels. His ability to dominate such a historic event suggests that he could very well be the next great champion. The future looks bright for Locked, and if he continues to perform at this level, he may well become a household name in the racing world.
A New Era for Top-Class Horses
Beyond Locked, the return of several other top-tier horses marks a new era in horse racing. Fierceness, who underwent surgery following a valiant effort in last year's Breeders’ Cup Classic, is back in training and preparing for another season of high-stakes competition. His stablemate Mindframe also made a significant comeback, winning the Gulfstream Park Mile (G2) after a seven-month hiatus. These developments indicate a promising future for trainer Todd Pletcher's stable, which now boasts three standout colts poised to make waves in 2025.
The return of these elite horses not only adds depth to the racing field but also promises a thrilling season ahead. The upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar could feature a lineup of formidable contenders, including Sierra Leone, White Abarrio, Forever Young, and Thorpedo Anna. This gathering of champions would create one of the most competitive editions of the race in years. For now, fans can revel in the resurgence of these stellar performers, knowing that the sport of horse racing is stronger than ever. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these horses, eager to witness the unfolding of what could be a historic year in racing.
In an intriguing turn of events, the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita Park is set to witness a potential shift in fortunes as Supa Speed makes her dirt debut under trainer John Sadler. This prestigious $100,000 race for three-year-old fillies serves as a key preparatory event for the upcoming Santa Anita Oaks (G2) on April 5. With the possibility of wet conditions looming, the stakes are high for the six contenders vying for valuable points toward the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in May. Supa Speed, bred by Justify and Elfin Queen, has shown impressive form on turf, finishing second in stakes races twice and most recently winning an allowance race over a mile. Sadler expressed optimism about her performance on dirt, while acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with such a transition.
The Santa Ysabel Stakes will take place on Sunday, March 9, with a forecast predicting a 70% chance of showers in Arcadia, California. Trainer Bob Baffert, who has dominated this race in recent years, enters three fillies: Cipriani, Maysam, and Howin. Each brings a unique background and recent performance to the table. Supa Speed, the morning-line favorite at 2-1 odds, will be ridden by Flavien Prat, the Eclipse Award winner for outstanding jockey in the U.S. and Canada. Her preparation on the dirt track has been promising, and Sadler believes she can handle the change in surface.
Maysam, owned by Michael Lund Petersen, faced a disappointing run in the Sunland Park Oaks just 13 days ago. Despite being the heavy favorite, she encountered difficulties at the start and finished sixth. Baffert attributed this to pre-race jitters and has since adjusted her equipment by removing blinkers. He hopes this change will improve her focus and performance. Meanwhile, Cipriani, a Bernardini filly, showed promise in her debut last October but remains somewhat immature. She will be ridden by Hall of Famer Mike Smith for the first time, adding another layer of intrigue to the race.
The Santa Ysabel Stakes promises to be a pivotal moment for these young fillies as they prepare for the rigors of the spring racing season. The race is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. EST as part of an 11-race card, with the first post at 3 p.m. As the clouds gather over Santa Anita Park, all eyes will be on Supa Speed and her rivals to see how they fare in the challenging conditions. The outcome could have significant implications for their future careers and chances in the Kentucky Oaks.