Hollywood’s biggest night is almost here! The 96th Academy Awards, AKA the Oscars, are set to celebrate the best films, actors, and jaw-dropping red carpet moments of the year.
But while the stars are hitting the Dolby Theatre in LA, how can we catch all the action right here in Aotearoa?
When and Where to Watch the Oscars in New Zealand
The 2025 Oscars will be broadcast only on Disney+, so if you don’t have a subscription, now’s the time to plan a watch party at a mate’s place - or finally bite the bullet and just sign up.
The red carpet walks will kick off from a new time of 1pm on Monday, March 3rd, bringing all the best and bold fashion before the ceremony coverage takes over.
With comedian Conan O’Brien hosting and plenty of fan-fave films in the mix, get ready to see who takes home the golden trophy!
And as with every award show, expect the unexpected.
Who’s Performing at the 2025 Oscars?
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are set to bring the wonderful world of Oz to the big night.
Following the massive success of 'Wicked' last year, the duo will perform live, with speculation that they’ll deliver a medley of the movie’s biggest hits.
Though, Ari remained tight-lipped about the details in a red carpet interview on February 11th.
Their performance has quickly become one of the most anticipated moments of the night, especially after Wicked became the highest grossing Broadway screen adaptation of all time.
Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo will be honoured with a “special moment” during the ceremony.
Academy Awards executive producer Katy Mullan told reporters: "I think that Cynthia delivered an incredible performance this year and there is a very special moment on the show. We can't reveal what it is or where it is.”
"I think that any fans of Cynthia Erivo, you're going to get something that is hugely entertaining and full of joy and really celebrates her, her incredible talent and her place in the last year in music," she added.
But it's not just about 'Wicked' - as much as I'd love it to be - Lisa from K-Pop group BLACKPINK, Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, and RAYE are all set to perform.
Though the details of their sets remain under wraps.
In a twist from tradition, this year’s Oscars will not include live performances of the Best Original Song nominees.
Instead, the show will shine a spotlight on the songwriters' personal reflections and behind-the-scenes from the creative teams and processes.
Who's nominated at the 2025 Oscars?
Best Picture
'Anora'
'The Brutalist'
'A Complete Unknown'
'Conclave'
'Dune: Part Two'
'Emilia Pérez'
'I’m Still Here'
'Nickel Boys'
'The Substance'
'Wicked'
Best Actor
Adrien Brody - 'The Brutalist'
Timothée Chalamet - 'A Complete Unknown'
Colman Domingo - 'Sing Sing'
Ralph Fiennes - 'Conclave'
Sebastian Stan - 'The Apprentice'
Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo - 'Wicked'
Karla Sofía Gascón - 'Emilia Pérez'
Mikey Madison - 'Anora'
Demi Moore - 'The Substance'
Fernanda Torres - 'I’m Still Here'
Best Supporting Actor
Yura Borisov - 'Anora'
Kieran Culkin - 'A Real Pain'
Edward Norton - 'A Complete Unknown'
Guy Pearce - 'The Brutalist'
Jeremy Strong - 'The Apprentice'
Best Supporting Actress
Monica Barbaro - 'A Complete Unknown'
Ariana Grande - 'Wicked'
Felicity Jones - 'The Brutalist'
Isabella Rossellini - 'Conclave'
Zoe Saldaña - 'Emilia Pérez'
There’s a lot to look forward to, and it’s all yet to play out, so grab your popcorn and get ready for a huge awards day.
