Peaceful Relaxation for My Dear Friend

Broadcasting live across the nation from the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony began with a spectacular opening that celebrated the rich history of cinema. The vibrant performance took us on a colorful journey through classic films, culminating in a breathtaking medley featuring The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked, performed by the talented Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, a moment that truly defied gravity and left the audience in awe.

Leading the nominations this year is Emilia Pérez, garnering an impressive 13 nominations, with Zoe Saldaña also being a standout among the nominees. Following closely is the acclaimed musical Wicked with 10 nominations, including a surprising nod for Ariana Grande in the Supporting Actress category alongside Cynthia Erivo for Best Actress. Not to be overlooked, Adrien Brody and The Brutalist also made their mark with 10 nominations, while Timothée Chalamet helped elevate A Full Unknown to a total of 8 nominations, including Best Picture and a nod for Monica Barbaro.

Adding to the excitement, Demi Moore received a nomination for her compelling performance in The Substance, which also competed for Best Picture among its five total nominations. Sebastian Stan is another name to watch as he received a nomination for his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice, creating waves of anticipation for the evening.

As the Oscars approached, there was no clear favorite among the major awards, as various films and performers had claimed top honors at preceding events such as the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, BAFTAs, DGA, WGA, and SAG Awards. This unpredictability added to the excitement and intrigue surrounding the ceremony, leaving fans eager to see how the night would unfold.

Oscar enthusiasts were eagerly anticipating surprises during the night, complemented by the unique hosting style of Conan O’Brien for his first time at the Oscars. Known for his witty and unpredictable humor, O’Brien’s presence promised to keep the audience entertained and engaged, making anything possible throughout the ceremony.

In a heartfelt tribute to their own Oscar-nominated film, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo also recognized the earlier explorations of Oz and its cinematic legacy, showcasing the timeless nature of great storytelling and the expansive realm of artistic reinterpretation.

From classics like The Wizard of Oz to The Wiz, and into the latest adaptation of this iconic musical brought to the big screen, their performance was a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of these stories, as well as the creativity they inspire across generations.

Ariana initiated the performance with a stunning rendition of Judy Garland’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” followed by Cynthia stepping into the roles of Stephanie Mills and Diana Ross for “Home.” The duo concluded their segment with their own powerful rendition of “Defying Gravity,” which beautifully encapsulated the essence of Wicked and left the audience spellbound.

The emotional moment had the audience on their feet, with many in tears, including Michelle Yeoh, while Ariana gracefully stepped aside to allow Cynthia to shine in this unforgettable performance. Discover more about this magical moment below!

In a refreshing change, the Oscars featured a genuinely stellar monologue, free from mean