The countdown is on! Hollywood is buzzing as preparations are finalized for the 2025 Academy Awards. The red carpet, or rather, the "granate" carpet this year, is being rolled out to welcome over 3,400 guests to what promises to be a dazzling evening.
The Class Photo: A Hilarious Tradition
One of the highlights leading up to the Oscars is the annual "class photo" featuring all the nominees. This year's photo didn't disappoint, offering a mix of awkward poses, questionable expressions, and a whole lot of star power. As one article humorously pointed out, it's a "free-for-all of weird costumes, odd expressions and seemingly hostile body language."
Among those spotted in the photo were Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Demi Moore, and Timothée Chalamet. While the idea behind the photo is to capture a moment of camaraderie, the reality is often a chaotic and hilarious scene. Poor Zoe Saldaña looked "squished," while Chalamet appeared to be "chafing," as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo seemed to snag the best seats.
"Wicked" for Best Picture?
Amidst all the pre-Oscar buzz, one film is generating significant attention as a potential Best Picture contender: "Wicked." The argument for "Wicked" boils down to its commitment to authenticity and old-school movie magic.
The movie eschewed CGI in favor of real tulips (9 million of them, planted in Norfolk!) for the opening scene. Furthermore, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performed all their songs live, adding a layer of vulnerability and emotion often lost in lip-synced performances. As the article states, "You never realised you needed to see the muscles move in a singer’s throat to believe that they really mean it – yet it turns out, you do."
A Film About a Journalist
In other film news, Edward Berger, director of the Oscar-nominated "Conclave," is set to direct a movie based on the memoir of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Gershkovich was wrongfully detained in Russia on espionage charges for over a year before being released in a prisoner swap. This film promises to be a powerful and timely story.
Whether it's the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, the hilarious antics of the class photo, or the potential for cinematic brilliance, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a memorable event.
Conan O'Brien will be hosting the awards ceremony.