Oscars Live Performances

The Oscars 2025 Will Not Feature Live Performances: Here’s Why

The 97th edition of the Academy Awards ceremony is set for the night of March 3

The Oscar Awards are just around the corner. With the nominees officially announced and the ceremony set for the night of March 3, a surprising piece of music-related news has gone largely unnoticed.

In a letter from Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and president Janet Yang, it was revealed that this 97th edition will not feature live performances of the five songs nominated for Best Original Song.

The nominated songs are:

  • El Mal (Emilia Pérez)
  • Mi Camino (Emilia Pérez)
  • The Journey (The Six Triple Eight)
  • Like a Bird (Sing Sing)
  • Never Too Late (Elton John)

In the letter, they outlined how the ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will approach this change with an equally compelling alternative. “This year the Best Original Song category presentation will move away from live performances and will be focused on the songwriters. 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.”

This new format promises to shed light on the creative process, offering viewers a deeper appreciation of the people and stories behind the music.

Supporting Los Angeles During the Wildfires

The Academy’s leaders took a moment to address the devastating wildfires affecting Los Angeles, a city that’s central to the film industry.

“Our deepest thanks to all of you for your compassion and support over the last few weeks. Our thoughts remain with those who were impacted by the recent Los Angeles-area wildfires.”

“And 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.” The statement continues. We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry.