The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed that this year’s Oscars will not feature live performances for the Best Original Song category. Instead, the ceremony will spotlight the nominated songwriters through “personal reflections.” This change was announced in an email sent to Academy members on Wednesday, January 22, by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang.
This decision marks a notable departure from previous ceremonies, where live renditions of nominated songs often stood out as some of the most memorable moments. Last year, for example, Ryan Gosling’s electrifying performance of I’m Just Ken from Barbie became a show-stopping highlight. However, this year’s nominees—potentially including artists such as Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana, Elton John, and Maren Morris—will not be taking the stage to perform their songs live.
Instead, the Academy seeks to honor the creative minds behind the music by shifting the focus to their artistic journeys. According to the email, this decision aligns with a broader effort to celebrate collaboration and storytelling in the film industry. While some fans may miss the energy of live performances, the Academy is striving to showcase the behind-the-scenes talent responsible for these iconic musical moments.
A Celebration of Connection and Collaboration
The central theme of this year’s Oscars is a tribute to the spirit of teamwork and creative synergy that fuels filmmaking. In their email, Kramer and Yang stated, “Our 97th Oscars will be a celebration of connection and collaboration—honoring the unifying spirit and creative synergy of moviemaking. We will highlight the transformative power of the teamwork that brings cinematic visions to life.”
This emphasis on connection will also be reflected in the return of the “Fab 5” moments, where previous Oscar winners will present awards to this year’s nominees. The Academy believes these moments will forge a link between cinematic history and the present, reinforcing the idea that storytelling is a collective effort across generations of filmmakers.
By highlighting collaboration, the Academy hopes to remind audiences of the collective contributions that make cinema possible. This year’s ceremony aims to strike a balance between nostalgia and forward-thinking innovation, paying tribute to the past while embracing the evolving landscape of filmmaking.
Honoring Los Angeles and Its Resilience
The 2025 Oscars will also celebrate Los Angeles, described in the email as the “city of dreams.” This tribute comes in the wake of the devastating wildfires that have recently impacted the region and many within the film industry. The Academy seeks to highlight both the city’s beauty and its enduring spirit while recognizing its longstanding role as a global hub for filmmakers and visionaries.
The email states, “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 tribute will include reflections on the recent wildfires and the strength demonstrated by those who have worked tirelessly to combat them.
This year’s Oscars serve as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire and unite communities, especially in the face of adversity. By celebrating Los Angeles’ legacy as a cultural and creative epicenter, the Academy hopes to highlight the city’s profound influence on the world of film.
What to Expect at the 97th Academy Awards
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Ahead of the ceremony, Oscar nominations will be unveiled on January 23 through a global live stream across multiple platforms, including Oscar.com, Oscars.org, TikTok, and YouTube. The Academy has also taken steps to improve accessibility, ensuring that American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available during the live announcement on YouTube.
This year’s show promises to blend tradition with innovation, focusing on storytelling, collaboration, and creative expression. While the decision to forego live song performances may be met with mixed reactions, the Academy has assured audiences that the ceremony will still feature “powerful musical moments” that honor both film’s past and its future.
The email concludes with an invitation for the industry and audiences alike to celebrate the resilience and artistry of the film community. As the industry continues to evolve, the 2025 Oscars aim to showcase the enduring ability of cinema to bring people together in an ever-changing world.
Full Email from the Academy
Dear Academy members,
Our deepest gratitude to all of you for your support and compassion over the past few weeks. Our thoughts remain with those affected by the recent Los Angeles-area wildfires. If you would like to join the Academy in supporting ongoing relief efforts, please click here for a list of aid resources.
Following extensive discussions with ABC, our board, and key stakeholders in both the Los Angeles and film communities, we continue preparations for the 97th Oscars ceremony on Sunday, March 2. This year’s Oscars will celebrate the creative work that unites us as a global film community while acknowledging the resilience of those who faced the recent wildfires.
As a reminder, our 97th Oscars Nominations will be announced tomorrow, January 23, at 5:30 AM PT via a global live stream on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, the Academy’s digital platforms (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook), as well as ABC’s Good Morning America, ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available on YouTube.
Ahead of tomorrow’s announcement, we wanted to share some details about this year’s show. Hosted by the incredible Conan O’Brien, the 97th Oscars will be a tribute to connection and collaboration—honoring the unifying spirit and creative synergy that defines moviemaking. We will shine a light on the power of teamwork that transforms ideas into cinematic masterpieces.
As part of this, we are excited to bring back our Fab 5 moments, where individual film artists recognize this year’s nominees. Additionally, the Best Original Song category presentation will shift away from live performances, instead focusing on the songwriters themselves. Through personal reflections, we will celebrate their artistry and the creative journeys behind these unforgettable songs.
Furthermore, we will honor Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty, resilience, and its role as a global beacon for filmmakers and storytellers for over a century. We will take a moment to reflect on recent events while celebrating the strength, creativity, and optimism that define both Los Angeles and our industry.
There is so much more in store, including unforgettable musical moments that will bridge the rich history of film with its bold and inspiring future. We invite you to tune in tomorrow morning for the Nominations Announcement, and we deeply appreciate your ongoing dedication to the Academy and the art of filmmaking. Together, we are stronger.
Bill Kramer and Janet Yang
