The 97th Academy Awards are on the horizon, with the announcer, Nick Offerman, rehearsing his lines in the auditorium. As he introduces the nominees and hints at potential stories, he drops a bombshell: “Conclave won six awards tonight, including best picture.” The early arrivals at the Dolby theatre in Hollywood are taken aback, unsure if Offerman is joking or if Edward Berger’s papal thriller has indeed clinched the top prize. The tension builds as the Oscars are still hours away, yet the attendees fear they may already know the outcome.
Despite the turmoil in Los Angeles and around the world, the show must go on. I, a reporter from London, have always had a love-hate relationship with the Oscars from afar. However, this year felt like the right time to experience the spectacle up close, especially when the event’s future seemed uncertain. The debate raged on: Do the Oscars still hold significance? Should they even be happening? Supporters see hope, while critics see vanity.
Soaking up the atmosphere … Xan Brooks at the Oscars. Photograph: undefined/Supplied image
“There have been some interesting pivots along the way,” admits Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The awards season saw its fair share of drama, with early favorites facing controversies that derailed their chances.
One of the most notable casualties was Emilia Pérez, the crime-cartel musical that was initially a front runner until star Karla Sofía Gascón’s inflammatory tweets caused a stir. Gascón was sidelined, but she defiantly shows up at the Dolby, receiving a mixed reaction from the audience.
Outside the Oscars bubble, the aftermath of January’s wildfires raised questions about the event’s appropriateness. Despite the destruction, the show’s organizers framed it as a symbol of resilience and healing.
‘A benign, smiling shark’ … Jeff Goldblum, as captured by Xan. Photograph: Xan Brooks
“Just for a second, after the actual fires, people were thinking: ‘Oh my God, can we even think about something like this, something joyous?’” says the Academy’s president, Janet Yang. “But over time, talking to our members, the message was clear: ‘No, we need this.’ We’ve had several governors who’ve lost their homes and they told us: ‘Please do it.’ One, because it preserves the tradition of the Oscars. Secondly, because it brings joy and empowerment and a sense of normalcy to those who desperately need it. LA has been hurting. So people have been looking forward to the Oscars as a way to feel that life goes on.”
In Hollywood, hope prevails despite the challenges. The fires may have been extinguished, but their impact lingers. “There is a sense of trauma here,” says Australian animator Adam Elliot. “But people are saying hello to one another on the street, which is something I’ve never noticed before. One of the cab drivers was telling me: ‘Everyone is a little bit kinder to each other at the moment.’”
The Oscars, viewed up close, blend glamour with mundanity, resembling an annual office party with a touch of elegance. The event is gently hierarchical, with stars and staff following their designated paths. The atmosphere is welcoming, but the structure reinforces everyone’s place in the grand scheme of things.
Paying respects … the Oscars’ host, Conan O’Brien (second right), applauds during a tribute to Los Angeles’ firefighters. Photograph: Carlos Barría/Reuters
On stage, Conan O’Brien leads the proceedings with ease, acknowledging the local film industry workers and firefighters. He takes subtle jabs at politics and champions cinema as a progressive force. The Academy allows political speeches but keeps them brief.
I ask Yang and Kramer about the Academy’s stance on political statements. They affirm that speakers have the freedom to express themselves but within limits.
„Our show is a celebration of global cinema and the people who create movies,“ he explains. „We want everyone, regardless of their political beliefs, to enjoy the show and participate. However, we do recommend that our nominees keep their speeches brief and relevant. Fortunately, they usually comply.“
Mikey Madison beat out Demi Moore from The Substance to win best actress, a case of life imitating art. The film industry is known to lean left, with Jon Stewart joking about the Oscars being a place where you could meet famous stars without donating to the Democratic party. This year’s awards take place against the backdrop of turbulent American politics, making it ripe for a protest Oscars. However, political statements are scarce on stage, with many speeches avoiding direct mention of Trump.
The audience at the Oscars is divided into factions, each with their own drama unfolding. Everyone seems to have a vested interest in the outcome of the awards. The show moves quickly through various segments, including a tribute to late Hollywood stars. Despite the anticipation, the French production team behind Emilia Pérez celebrates each win enthusiastically.
In the end, Anora, the screwball Cinderella tale by Sean Baker, dominates the awards, leaving Conclave behind. The show itself is smooth and congenial, a welcome change from the drama unfolding in the real world. The Academy aimed for a safe and friendly Oscars, a nod to Los Angeles and its residents. It seems they got exactly what they wished for as the ceremony concludes and guests head to the Governors Ball. Ich bin informiert, dass dies eine sehr exklusive Veranstaltung ist, für die Crème de la Crème – und zweifellos ist es das, aber der Ort ist überfüllt und man muss sich seitlich bewegen. Ich mache eine kurze Pause, um mit den Produzenten von No Other Land zu plaudern und sage dem Regisseur des Brutalisten, Brady Corbet, kurz Hallo. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt der Nacht scheint jeder vom Hunger und der Erschöpfung gepackt zu sein; die Speisetabletts werden sofort geleert, sobald sie auftauchen. Auf der Suche nach einem schwer fassbaren Tablett mit Vol-au-vents auf der Tanzfläche, komme ich fast mit Cynthia Erivo, dem Star von Wicked, zusammen. Glücklicherweise ist sie perfekt zuvorkommend. Vom Ballsaal kommt das leise Geräusch von Maschinen. Auf dem roten Teppich sind die Bauteams bereits bei der Arbeit und manövrieren Kräne und Gabelstapler, um die Beleuchtungseinrichtungen abzubauen. Das ist wahrscheinlich, wie der Zirkus jedes Jahr endet, mit seinen Hinter-den-Kulissen-Mitarbeitern, die alles wieder in Kisten packen; genauso ein Teil der Oscar-Tradition wie die Siegesreden und die Tanzroutinen. Die Party ist vorbei und die Arbeit geht weiter. Es ist Zeit, wie Quincy Jones zu machen und sich auf den Weg zu machen.