Washington [US], January 23: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed exciting updates for the upcoming 2025 Oscars, scheduled for March 2. In light of the ongoing wildfire crisis in California, the Academy will pay special tribute to Los Angeles, often referred to as the “City of Dreams” and the heart of the film industry.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, in a letter sent to its members, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang announced, “We will honor Los Angeles as the City of Dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, and celebrating its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century.”
The letter went on to emphasize the Academy’s commitment to recognizing the strength, creativity, and optimism that have long defined Los Angeles, as well as its impact on the global entertainment industry. Kramer and Yang highlighted that this year’s ceremony would reflect the challenges the city has faced due to the wildfires while celebrating the indomitable spirit of its residents and artistic community.
The Academy aims to spotlight Los Angeles not only as a backdrop for filmmaking but also as an essential part of the storytelling tradition.
In addition to this tribute, the Academy also announced a significant change in the music presentations during the ceremony. For the first time, the Oscars will “move away” from the traditional live performances of nominated songs in the Best Original Song category. Instead, the focus will shift to honoring the songwriters themselves, highlighting their artistry and creative process.
Historically, live performances have been a highlight of the Best Original Song segment, with the performers taking center stage. This year, however, the Academy aims to give more recognition to the songwriters—the true nominees in this category.
“This year, the Best Original Song category presentation will move away from live performances and will focus on the songwriters,” the letter confirmed. “We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life.”
This decision to highlight the songwriters is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind the nominated songs, offering a glimpse into the creative process and the people responsible for the music that enhances cinematic storytelling.