The 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, feature a competitive lineup of films vying for top honors. "Emilia Pérez," directed by Jacques Audiard, leads with 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón. The film has faced controversy surrounding Gascón's past social media posts, which has impacted its awards season momentum. Other frontrunners include "The Brutalist," which won three Golden Globes, and "Wicked," each with 10 nominations. "Conclave," with 8 nominations, and "Anora" and "A Complete Unknown," with 6 and 8 nominations respectively, are also strong contenders. The Critics Choice Awards and Best Director nominees are expected to influence the race, with notable performances in the Best Supporting Actor category. The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.