On Sunday, March 2, 2025, thousands of creatives from across the film industry will descend upon the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California for the 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars. Per usual, the night will revolve around the presentation of the ceremony’s most coveted prizes, including Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actor in a Leading Role. However, there will be one aspect of previous Academy Award ceremonies that won’t be a part of this year’s celebration.
In past years, a portion of the Academy Awards would be set aside for artists to perform selections from the Best Original Song category. This year, time will be set aside to honor the songwriters behind some of the industry’s most impactful tunes of 2024.
“This year the best original song category presentation will move away from live performances and will be focused on the songwriters,” AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer and AMPAS President Janet Yang said. “We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life. All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees.”
Los Angeles County has been devastated by wildfires throughout January. More than two dozen people have lost their lives, thousands have been displaced and more than 10,000 homes have been destroyed. In response, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will use airtime to raise awareness about the impact of these wildfires and highlight the resiliency of the area’s community.
“We will honor Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century,” AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer and AMPAS President Janet Yang said. “We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry.”
