By Victoria Newman / A&E Reporter
The Oscars is one of the most-watched award shows in the world, celebrating excellence and achievement in the film industry. Since its debut in 1929, the Oscars has attracted nearly twenty-two million viewers from around the globe and highlighted some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Throughout history, some of the industry’s most coveted films and household names have been showcased on the Oscars stage. From Gone with the Wind (1939) to Avatar (2009), Gregory Peck to Emma Stone, the Oscars highlights Hollywood’s greatest films and stars.
This year, the Oscars will take place on March 2, at 6:00pm central time. It will stream on Hulu, ABC, and various other platforms, making it easy to tune in to the event. The convenience of the show allows for the Oscars to reach a wide audience.
The winners and nominees of the Oscars are decided upon through a voting process conducted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). The AMPAS is a global membership of more than 10,500 artists and leaders in the film industry, ranging across 18 branches. The branches include acting, directing, cinematography, film editing, costume design, sound, hair and makeup, and more.
The Oscars recognize cinematic excellence across 23 categories annually. Every AMPAS member can vote in each category, and the winner is determined simply by the highest number of votes.
2025 was nothing short of an incredible year for the film industry. 569 movies were released in the United States and Canada in 2024, according to statists.com. With such a wide array of films and performances, there’s bound to be something for everyone to love.
However, in the Oscars universe, there can only be one winner, leading to various mixed opinions and anticipation for which film or star will take home the golden trophy. When asked about which film she thinks should win for the category of Best Picture, Sophomore Lucy Kate McIntyre stated, “‘Wicked 100%, it’s absolutely the best.”
McIntyre is not the only one gunning for director Jon M. Chu’s Wicked. The film has received unbelievable amounts of support from its viewers, claiming the musical reboot takes the cake. Stars of the film, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are also both nominated for categories Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.
Another film up for Best Picture that’s been gaining traction and tremendous popularity is Sean Bakers, Anora. Variety ranked the movie as their number one pick for the award, claiming that it’s basically guaranteed a victory. In addition to its Oscars nomination, Anora claimed the Critic’s Choice Movie Award for Best Picture, as well as several other honors since its release in October.
Though Best Picture is commonly referred to as the highest achievement in the show, there are many other awards worth tuning in for. In addition to Best Picture, notable categories include Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Score, among others. This year’s nominations showcase a rich variety of genres, ranging from the vampire horror classic Nosferatu to the futuristic sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two.
Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or just enjoy the occasional film, the Oscars 2025 is a must see event this March. The glamour, excitement, and unforgettable moments make the night worth a watch, as the best in cinema are celebrated.
