Oscars’ Producers Tease What to Expect at Ceremony, From Return of Acting Clips to Surprise Reunions
At their best, the Oscars are all about spectacle — giving viewers a chance to witness a constellation of decked-out stars making Hollywood history in real time. But in 2025, ratings continue to lag, and so the show itself must evolve.
Rethinking this year’s broadcast are executive producer Raj Kapoor and showrunner Katy Mullan, two industry veterans with a mandate to craft a telecast that’s more than a parade of acceptance speeches. Kapoor and Mullan say that the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, airing on March 2, will be about “connection.” “We’ve really leaned into the theme,” Mullan says. “What inspires us about moviemaking is the alchemy behind it — so many incredible people coming together to create a masterpiece.”
More from Variety
Although they won’t divulge who will be handing out awards, Kapoor and Mullan are curating presenters with actual ties to the nominees. That means surprise reunions, unexpected cameos, and stage pairings few will see coming. “The magic of movies comes from collaboration,” Mullan says. “We want to highlight that.”
“This show is part of a continuum,” Kapoor adds. “We’re honoring the past, reflecting the present, and inspiring the future of filmmaking.”
Kapoor and Mullan are doing all this with the help of Conan O’Brien, the late-night host turned podcasting guru, who is stepping in as emcee for the first time and potentially drawing in a different set of viewers. “It’s kind of unbelievable that Conan has never hosted before,” Kapoor says. “He brings a wealth of imagination, creativity, and spontaneity. His team has invested so much time and research — it’s not just another gig for them.”
As for the past, the Oscars are also bringing back an old way of introducing the nominees. That means playing a variety of film clips as acting nominees are introduced, something that had been missing from the ceremony the past few years.
At the same time, many of those up for prizes are new to the telecast and represent an emerging generation of Hollywood talent. “One thing we’ve been blessed with this year is a wide range of nominees,” Kapoor says. Along with icons like Isabella Rossellini and younger A-listers like Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”), and Ariana Grande (“Wicked”), “there are 13 first-time acting nominees alone. That energy, that fresh perspective, is thrilling.”
But it won’t just be a celebratory affair. L.A. is still reeling from the wildfires, and the Academy will use the televised ceremony to honor the first responders and firefighters who came from far and wide to help while acknowledging the devastation to the city. “The Academy has partnered with charities, and there will be a call to action for people to participate in,” Kapoor says.
So what makes a great Oscars? A little nostalgia, a sense of surprise, a lot of heart — and a little chaos, the producers say.
“You’ll just have to watch,” Kapoor teases.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
