Oscar 2025: Featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Lisa, Ray, and More!

The Oscar 2025 Announcement

The Oscar nominees for 2025 have been revealed ahead of the ceremony next week – find out more below.

Changes to Live Performances

This year, the ceremony will not feature live performances for the Best Original Song category, where previously nominated artists will receive their awards during the event in anticipation. Instead, the show will showcase “personal thoughts” from the songwriters.

Recently, the Academy announced several performers for the ceremony, including Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. It remains uncertain if the duo will perform a number from Wicked, as Erivo had previously dismissed rumors regarding their performance, calling it “wishful thinking.”

Waiting for a bewitching moment. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are set to take the #OSCARS Stage for an unforgettable performance.

Catch the Oscars live on Sunday, March 2, at 7E/4P on ABC and Hulu, with Conan O’Brien as the host. Expect the unexpected – only at the Oscars. pic.twitter.com/woggcafdsv

– Academy (@theacademy) February 24, 2025

Additionally, Lisa from Blackpink, Doja Cat, and Raye have been announced as performers, though it has been confirmed that they will not be presenting their recent collaboration “Born Again,” which is featured on Lisa’s upcoming solo debut album.

Nonetheless, the Academy assured that they will deliver something “legendary.”

Not “Born Again!” But still legendary. Stay tuned. 😉

– Academy (@theacademy) February 24, 2025

Lastly, Queen Latifah has been confirmed to appear, although details regarding her performance remain undisclosed.

The queen has arrived. Queen Latifah is set to deliver an Oscar moment you do not want to miss!

Watch the Oscars live on Sunday, March 2, at 7E/4P on ABC and Hulu, with Conan O’Brien as host. Expect the unexpected – only at #OSCARS. pic.twitter.com/ytmxvwzrh9

– Academy (@theacademy) February 24, 2025

While most Oscar nominations were revealed earlier this year, a shortlist for the Best Original Song and Best Original Score categories was released in December. Among the artists shortlisted for Best Original Song are Elton John, Pharrell Williams, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross, among others.

Multiple major blockbusters received nominations for Best Original Score, including Gladiator 2, Oppenheimer, Beetlejuice, Alien: Romulus, and Wicked featuring Erivo.

Wicked is nominated for Best Picture, with Erivo contending for Best Actress and Grande up for Best Supporting Actress – view the complete list of nominations here.

In a four-star review of Wicked, Nick Levin wrote for NME: “Wicked hits a few bumps in the middle, but that does not detract from the dramatic climax where Elphaba and Glinda journey to Oz to confront the legendary Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). He and Yeoh charm with their brief musical numbers, but Erivo and Grande are both phenomenal. Their electric chemistry, complemented by Erivo’s emotional depth and Grande’s smooth comedic timing, captivates the audience. By the end, you will be riveted enough to belt out the soundtrack on the way home. Funny, colorful, and fully empathetic to the outsiders, this film is truly a Shiz.”