Hollywood’s biggest night is underway as stars gather for the 97th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
Industry experts are calling this year’s Oscars one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
Among the earlier arrivals on the red carpet were Emilia Perez stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana while The Substance’s Demi Moore also turned heads in a stunning silver gown.
Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo, who’s gunning for EGOT status at Sunday’s awards, channeled her inner Elphaba in a dark green number.
Oscars 2025 red carpet: Demi Moore turned heads in a stunning gown
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Meanwhile, her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande look fabulous as she smiled for cameras on the red carpet.
Comedian Conan O’Brien, who’s hosting this year’s awards for the first time, went for a classic approach as he wore a black tuxedo for the do.
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Oscars 2025 red carpet: Demi Moore is nominated for Best Actress for The Substance
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Oscars 2025 red carpet: Ariana Grande smiled for cameras
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The race for the top prizes remains nail-bitingly close, with several films still in contention for the coveted Best Picture award.
The battle for Best Picture appears to be a showdown between two wildly different frontrunners.
Oscars 2025 red carpet: Adrien Brody is one of the favourites for the Best Actor award
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Oscars 2025 red carpet: Cynthia Erivo could achieve EGOT status on Sunday night
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Anora, directed by Sean Baker, follows a New York stripper and escort who marries a wealthy Russian playboy, only to discover her dream marriage is an illusion.
Meanwhile, Conclave, a papal election thriller starring Ralph Fiennes, has emerged as the other leading contender.
Oscars 2025 red carpet: Emma Stone debuted a new look for the occasion
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Oscars 2025 red carpet: Lupita Nyongo’o looked amazing in a white dress
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The tension between these contrasting films has created genuine suspense heading into tonight’s ceremony.
Comedian O’Brien is hosting this year’s ceremony, taking over from fellow late-night veteran Jimmy Kimmel.
The evening promises entertainment beyond the awards, with performances including a musical tribute to James Bond.
O’Brien’s hosting duties come at a pivotal moment for the ceremony, which kicks off at 7 pm local time (midnight in the UK).
Oscars 2025 red carpet: Zoe Saldana is the frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actress gong
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This year’s awards season has been marked by significant disruption, with Los Angeles wildfires consuming large parts of California less than two months ago.
Controversy has also plagued the ceremony, most notably surrounding Emilia Pérez, which leads with 13 nominations.
Oscars 2025 red carpet: Selena Gomez stepped out at the awards on Sunday
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The film’s chances have reportedly plummeted following scandal involving its star Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans actor nominated for best actress.
Uproar erupted over years-old offensive social media posts by Gascón, casting a shadow over what was once considered a frontrunner.