3 things to know before the 2025 Oscars
Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. Here's what you need to know to start your weekend:
The 97th Academy Awards airs Sunday, wrapping up an Oscars season filled with historic firsts and controversy.
Netflix's Spanish-language crime musical 'Emilia Pérez' broke the record for most nominations (13!) earned by an international film, and its star Karla Sofía Gascón became the first out trans woman to be nominated for an acting Oscar.
It was an obvious favorite among academy voters until Gascón's racist social media posts resurfaced, upending the film's Oscar campaign.
'Emilia Pérez' wasn't the only Oscar-nominated film causing a PR nightmare this year. 'The Brutalist' came under fire over artificial intelligence, Fernanda Torres of 'I'm Still Here' apologized for appearing in blackface in 2008 and the team behind 'Anora' received backlash for not having intimacy coordinators on set.
Here's more on the drama surrounding one of this year's top films, who's slated to win at the Oscars and what to expect during the show.
A historic Oscars first turned into a nightmare
By the time 'Emilia Pérez' had garnered 13 Oscar nominations, the authenticity of the Spanish-language musical had already come into question. It was criticized by LGBTQ viewers for its depiction of the trans experience and by Mexican viewers for a stereotypical portrait of the country.
Then old social media posts resurfaced in which Gascón maligned Muslims, George Floyd and diversity, and seemed to body-shame singer Adele.
Gascón apologized, deactivated her X account and then went on the defensive in an interview with CNN en Español, on her Instagram account and in a letter to the Hollywood Reporter where she denounced 'this campaign of hate.'
Ultimately, the social media storm distracted from the film and sidelined Gascón from awards season.
What's new at the Oscars
For the first time ever, the Oscars will stream live on Hulu and comedian and TV host Conan O'Brien will emcee.
Breaking from tradition, this year's telecast will not feature live performances of all the original song nominees. Instead, there will be performances from 'Wicked' duo Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Lisa of K-pop group Blackpink and 'The White Lotus,' Doja Cat, Queen Latifah and Raye.
What and who will likely win
Despite all the nods for 'Emilia Pérez,' my colleagues predict wins for other films. While columnist Glenn Whipp foresees 'Anora' winning best picture, film critic Amy Nicholson predicts 'Dune: Part Two' taking home the gold.
Both are great contenders, but 'Anora' took home top prizes at the Writers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards and Producers Guild Awards. Only one movie has taken those three guilds and not won the Oscar — 'Brokeback Mountain.'
When it comes to best actress, Whipp and Nicholson are on the same page: Demi Moore in 'The Substance.'
Nicholson didn't love the 'proud mess' of the film, but believes that Moore deserves every ounce of the award. Whipp says that based on his gut and conversations with voters, there's a lot of sentiment behind the well-liked industry veteran 'who won a role that fit her like a glove…and is the best thing she's ever done.'
And that's just a few of their predictions.
Ahead of Sunday's show, let us guide you on all things Oscars:
How to watch the 2025 Oscars and everything else you need to know Beyond 'Emilia Pérez': Inside 7 of the nastiest Oscar campaigns in history Oscars 2025: Final predictions for all 23 categories Forget the pundits — here's what ought to win. And what should have gotten a chance 'Due' for an Oscar? Take a number
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Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
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