How to watch the 2025 Oscars: Who's nominated and how to tune in

Hollywood has perhaps never needed the escape of the Academy Awards more than now.

Coming just a month after some of the most horrific fires to ever strike Los Angeles, the 97th Oscars on March 2 promise a celebratory, star-studded night for a city that's still reeling from the destruction of hundreds of homes, many of them belonging to A-list celebrities.

While details of the ceremony remain under wraps, there's a good bet that organizers will take a cue from the recent Grammy Awards, which tastefully and appropriately made heroic firefighters and fundraising a focus of the performance-rich night.

Here's what you need to know before popping that popcorn and tuning in for the Academy Awards:

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When and where will the 2025 Oscars be held?

The Academy Awards will once again unfold at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, not far from the fabled intersection of Hollywood and Vine.

Where can I watch the Oscars?

The show will air live Sunday, March 2 (7 p.m. ET/4 PT), on ABC and the ABC app (if you're a cable subscriber). You can also stream the awards ceremony live on Hulu, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV.

The official red carpet show, hosted by Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer, starts at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 PT on ABC. E!'s "Live From the Red Carpet" special begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 PT.

Who is hosting the 2025 Oscars?

Comedian and talk show host Conan O'Brien got the nod to host this year, taking over for four-time host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel turned down the offer to host this year, telling the hosts of the "Politickin' " podcast that he "didn't want to deal with" juggling the show with his late-night duties.

O'Brien, who has hosted the Emmy Awards twice, joked about his appointment in a statement: "America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars."

Which movies are nominated for best picture at the Oscars?

A wildly differing collection of 10 movies are in the hunt for this year's best picture Oscar, from the story of a fictional papal election ("Conclave") to a slightly fictionalized version of Bob Dylan's early years ("A Complete Unknown"). Also among the strong contenders are a musical about a trans drug lord ("Emilia Pérez"), a sprawling epic about an immigrant architect ("The Brutalist") and a horror story for our superficial times ("The Substance"). Then there's "Wicked," the populist retelling of "The Wizard of Oz." Also nominated are the epic sci-fi sequel "Dune: Part Two," the Brazilian political tragedy "I'm Still Here" and the reform school abuse drama "Nickel Boys."

But so far, the likely frontrunners for the coveted award include "Anora" and "The Brutalist." "Anora," a Cinderella story that goes dark, surprised by taking the big prize at the recent Producers Guild of America and Directors Guild of America awards, while "The Brutalist" has garnered top honors at three shows this year: the Golden Globes, the New York Film Festival Critics Circle and the AFI Awards.

Who's favored? Truly anyone's guess at this point after leading nominee "Emilia Pérez" became embroiled in controversy over star Karla Sofía Gascón's explosive tweets.

Who is favored to win best actor and best actress at the Oscars?

Among male actors, odds so far seem to favor nominees Adrien Brody (who already took the Golden Globe for his performance in "The Brutalist"), Ralph Fiennes (who plays a conflicted Catholic cardinal in "Conclave") and Timothée Chalamet (for even daring to play the enigma that is Dylan, a performance that won best actor at the SAG Awards).

On the outside lanes of this horse race are the dynamic Colman Domingo (whose "Sing Sing" failed to ignite the box office) and Sebastian Stan (for his portrayal of a power-mad young Donald Trump in "The Apprentice").

Best actress is another drama altogether. Early on, Gascón's performance was thought to be a strong contender, but after her past racist comments were revealed, new frontrunners likely include Demi Moore (who snagged the Golden Globe for "The Substance") and Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres ("I'm Not Here"). Also turning in stellar performances were Cynthia Erivo ("Wicked") and Mikey Madison ("Anora").

Which stars will be presenting at the 2025 Oscars?

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences likes to trickle out the names of actors who will present at the ceremony.

Last year's winners in the four acting categories ? Robert Downey Jr., Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Cillian Murphy and Emma Stone ? are on the list. Also announced to present: Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb, Bowen Yang, Joe Alwyn, Sterling K. Brown, Willem Dafoe, Ana de Armas, Lily-Rose Depp, Selena Gomez, Goldie Hawn, Connie Nielsen, Ben Stiller and Oprah Winfrey.

Who is the Oscar announcer?

Yes, there's an Oscar announcer for 2025.

The deep, rich, and resonant voice of Nick Offerman will grace the Oscar broadcast.

This story has been updated with new information.

Contributing: Bryan Alexander and Kim Willis

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where to watch the Oscars in 2025: Time, date, channel and host