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(New York, NY) – The 97th annual Academy Awards take place Sunday night from Los Angeles. The most nominated film this year is a musical about a transgender Mexican drug lord, “Emilia Pérez” with 13 nominations, including the big one: Best Picture. Other notable contenders include the “Wizard of Oz”-based musical, “Wicked”, and historical drama “The Brutalist” each have 10 nominations. Timothée Chalamet is nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” and stands a chance at making history as the youngest Best Actor winner. He would beat the record currently held by a fellow nominee in the category, Adrien Brody, for his 2003 win in “The Pianist”. Sebastian Stan made history in his nomination for playing President Donald Trump in “The Apprentice”, as he is the only Best Actor nominated for portraying a sitting president.
Hollywood is looking to bounce back after a rough year of fires and strikes. Ticket sales fell this past year, and movie-lovers and movie-makers are both hoping that a great awards season could possibly turn things around. There will be the traditional memoriam segment honoring those we have lost. Actor Morgan Freeman announced he will be paying tribute to Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, who was found dead last week under suspicious circumstances in his home at age 95. The ceremony will not have the traditional Best Song performances, instead there will be numbers by Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah and Raye. The host with the most Conan O’Brien will be emceeing the night. The awards air at 7pm on ABC.
