The Oscars have announced their plans to honor the city of Los Angeles, in light of the recent devastation caused by wildfires, along with other updates for the upcoming 97th Academy Awards ceremony.
In a letter addressed to Academy members, CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang detailed the plans for the ceremony, scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 2.
The announcement follows the severe wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, with the Academy seizing the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to both the city’s resilience and the film industry.
“We deeply appreciate all your compassion and support during the past few weeks,” the letter began, expressing sympathy for those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County. The letter also encouraged members to contribute to ongoing relief efforts and provided resources for those seeking aid.
The 97th Oscars ceremony, hosted by Emmy-winning comedian and former late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien, will focus on celebrating the transformative power of filmmaking, with an emphasis on connection and collaboration within the industry.
In a departure from tradition, the Best Original Song category will not feature live performances of the nominated songs, a staple of previous Oscars.
Instead, the ceremony will highlight the songwriters behind the songs with personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insights from the creative teams.
This year’s nominees are expected to include songs from Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez,” with performances originally intended for Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez.
“We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life. All of this, and more, will reveal the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees,” Kramer and Yang wrote.
The “Fab 5” moments will also return this year, a segment in which notable artists honor nominees with tributes. This tradition, introduced in recent years, has resonated with audiences, celebrating artistry across generations.
Memorable moments have included Oscar winner Rita Moreno (“West Side Story”) paying tribute to supporting actress nominee America Ferrera (“Barbie”).
The Academy also plans to honor Los Angeles as a “city of dreams,” highlighting its beauty and resilience. The ceremony will reflect on recent events while showcasing Los Angeles’ enduring role as a hub for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century.
The letter concluded with a message of unity and optimism in the face of recent challenges: “There is so much more in store, including powerful musical moments that link film’s rich history with its bold, inspiring future.
We hope you will tune in tomorrow morning to watch the Nominations Announcement, and we greatly appreciate your ongoing commitment to the Academy and the film community. We are stronger together.”
The Oscar nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 23, at 5:30 a.m. PT.