.png)
The Oscars aren’t just an awards ceremony—they’re an annual celebration of cinema, style, and surprises!
As we gear up for the 97th Academy Awards, the excitement is already palpable. From heartwarming acceptance speeches to jaw-dropping controversies, the Oscars have seen it all.
And let’s not forget the Oscars’ history of drama—whether it’s Will Smith’s infamous slap or the unforgettable Best Picture mix-up in 2017. So, what makes the Oscars such a spectacle year after year? Is it the glamour, the controversies, or the celebration of unparalleled talent?
Stay tuned as we dive into everything you need to know about Oscars 2025 and revisit some of the most talked-about moments in Academy history.
When And Where Oscars 2025 Nominations Will Be Announced In India?
As per IST, the nominations for the Oscars 2025 will be revealed on January 23 at 7:00 pm. The announcement is scheduled for Thursday during a live event at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The two comedian-writer-actors will reveal the nominees in each of the 24 Oscar categories.
The announcement will be broadcast live worldwide on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, and the Academy's online platforms. It will additionally be aired on ABC's Good Morning America and available for streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu.
But due to latest updates, the event is rescheduled due to Los Angles Wildfire in California.
Why Oscar Nominees Luncheon cancelled by The Academy
The reveal of the 97th Oscar nominations was originally set for January 17 but was delayed to January 19 because of wildfires that started two weeks prior, harming numerous buildings in Los Angeles and impacting many Oscar voters.
With the fires still raging in Los Angeles, the Academy revised the schedule again, prolonging the voting window until January 17, shifting the announcement to January 23, and canceling the Oscar Nominees Luncheon. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Conan O'Brien is set to host the 97th Oscars, scheduled to occur on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre.
Oscars 2025: Revisiting the Top 5 Major Controversies
1. Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock
One of the most surprising incidents in Oscars history took place at the 2022 ceremony. Comedian Chris Rock cracked a joke about actress Jada Pinkett Smith, which clearly upset her. Shortly after, Jada's spouse, actor Will Smith, stepped onto the stage and struck Rock in the face. After taking his seat again, Smith yelled curses at Rock, demanding he refrain from mentioning Jada’s name.
Notwithstanding the widely reported incident, Smith proceeded to win the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in King Richard. The event sparked extensive conjecture in the media, with some implying that Smith’s accolade could be withdrawn.
2. Adrien Brody’s Unexpected Kiss During the 2003 Oscars
At the 2003 Oscars, Halle Berry awarded the Best Actor honor to Adrien Brody for his performance in The Pianist. In a spontaneous and unexpected instance, Brody fervently kissed Berry while receiving the award. Berry later disclosed that the kiss took her by surprise, saying, “I just went with it.” The event stands out as one of the most uncomfortable and contentious instances in Oscars history.
3. Marlon Brando Refuses His Oscars Award
In 1973, Marlon Brando grabbed attention for refusing to attend the Oscars. Brando received the Best Actor award for his legendary performance in The Godfather, but he declined to accept it. Instead, he dispatched Native American actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather to the event to speak for him. Littlefeather stated that Brando was declining the award to protest the abuse of Native Americans in the film industry.
The action was viewed as bold, especially during the politically intense period of the Wounded Knee Occupation, an important demonstration by Native Americans opposing the U.S. government.
Also Read: These Celebs Are Missing from Social Media – No Accounts Yet
4. The #OscarsSoWhite Campaign
In 2015, the Oscars encountered considerable criticism for the absence of diversity among its nominees, leading to the #OscarsSoWhite campaign. During that year, all actors nominated in prominent categories were white, resulting in significant backlash against the Academy for its lack of diversity.
The movement, which arose only two years after the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, emphasized systemic inequalities within the industry. While some believed the Oscars ought to concentrate exclusively on merit, others maintained that inclusivity and representation were just as vital in honoring cinematic excellence.
5. The Erroneous Best Picture Announcement
One of the most notorious mistakes in Oscar history took place in 2017 when the Best Picture award was announced. Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway incorrectly declared La La Land as the victor. The creators of La La Land had already reached the stage and given their acceptance speeches when it was announced that the true winner was Moonlight.
The mistake happened due to the presenters receiving the incorrect envelope, which had the card for Best Actress instead of Best Picture. Jordan Horowitz, one of the producers of La La Land, courteously explained the error, stating, “I’m honored to present this to Moonlight.” The event was simultaneously humiliating and memorable, showcasing the unpredictability of live broadcasts.
Get ready for the excitement as the 97th Academy Awards approaches! With big moments, surprises, and heated controversies, March 2, 2025, is set to be an unforgettable night in Hollywood.
Also Read: The Best English Thriller Movies to Watch for Ultimate Suspense
