HOLLYWOOD elites are rushing to get behind the Oscar’s iron-tight security as Los Angeles continues to smolder from the devastating fires.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is shaping up to be quite different this year in the wake of the tragedy that claimed 29 lives.
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Event planners are cracking down on security after last year’s protests over the Israel-Hamas war stopped the red carpet.
Anti-Israel demonstrators flooded the streets and halted traffic as they accused Hollywood of supporting Israel throughout the war in Gaza.
Black Lives Matter leaders were present at the chaotic scene that saw A-list actors stuck in limousines as they headed to the ceremony.
Tensions are already high this year as locals who lost everything in the wildfires prepare to hit back at the glitzy show of wealth and glamor.
From January 7 to 31, eight major fires burned throughout some of Los Angeles’ most historic neighborhoods, leaving pure destruction in their path.
Bone-dry conditions and blustering winds helped the blaze continue to burn uninterrupted despite brave firefighters’ best efforts.
Over 200,000 people were forced to evacuate, and more than 18,000 homes were burned to a crisp.
No one was safe from the tragedy, as celebrities like Senfield’s Julia Louis-Dreyfus and supermodel Bella Hadid all lost properties.
The U.S. Sun exclusively reported that parties are being canceled in favor of donating to the fire relief and A-listers are swerving post-event celebrations over fears they could be viewed as tasteless.
It’s been a mad dash for the Oscars to be business as usual since the highly-anticipated event was already delayed in light of the fires.
Behind-the-scenes pictures taken at the Dolby Theatre, where the event will be held, showed unwrapped trophies and clutter littering the floors, the Mirror reported.
Last-minute patches were being sealed on walls, and paint was drying just days before the ceremony began.
But the show will go on, and the red carpet will be laid on the street just outside the theatre’s entrance, with Oscar hopefuls like Adrian Brody and Demi Moore smiling for pictures.
BIG FIVE OSCARS NOMINEES 2025
BEST PICTURE
- Anora
- The Brutalist
- A Complete Unknown
- Conclave
- Dune: Part Two
- Emilia Pérez
- I’m Still Here
- Nickel Boys
- Wicked
- The Substance
BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
- Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
- Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
- Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
- Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
- Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice
BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
- Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
- Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
- Mikey Madison – Anora
- Demi Moore – The Substance
- Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here
BEST SCREENPLAY
- Adapted Screenplay: A Complete Unknown (James Mangold and Jay Cocks), Conclave (Peter Straughan), Emilia Pérez ( Jacques Audiard; In collaboration with Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius and Nicolas Livecchi), Nickel Boys (RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes), Sing Sing (Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar; Story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John “Divine G” Whitfield)
- Original Screenplay: Anora (Sean Baker), The Brutalist (Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold), A Real Pain (Jesse Eisenberg), September 5 (Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum; Co-Written by Alex David), The Substance (Coralie Fargeat)
BEST DIRECTOR
- Anora – Sean Baker
- The Brutalist – Brady Corbet
- A Complete Unknown – James Mangold
- Emilia Pérezn – Jacques Audiard
- The Substance – Coralie Fargeat
BREAKING TRADITION
For the first time in 80 years, the Oscars will cut a massive portion of the ceremony.
Fans are outraged as best original song nominees will not be performed, so artists like Selena Gomez and Elton John won’t take the stage.
However, musical fans are in luck because Wicked cast members Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are set to give a bombshell performance.
In January, Bill Kramer and Janet Yang, the CEO and president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said they wanted to focus more on songwriters this year.
“We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life,” they said.
“All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees.”
However, Grande and Erivo will be a part of “powerful musical moments” that will “connect film’s rich history to its bold and inspiring future.”
Meanwhile, the best picture win is anyone’s game, as nominations have been blasted over racism scandals and an artificial intelligence controversy.
The event is set to begin at 7 pm ET on Sunday and will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.
INSIDE THE OSCARS $2M SWAG BAGS
Here’s a breakdown of the lavish items included in this year’s Oscars swag bag:
Luxury Travel Experiences
– Maldives Getaway: Four-night stay at JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING resorts, including butler service, spa treatments, and eco-luxury dining – $16,000.
– Sri Lanka Wellness Retreat: Five-night stay at Santani resort offering spa treatments, wellness cuisine and serene landscapes – $6,000.
– Barcelona Stay: Five nights at the five-star Cotton House Hotel, ideal for exploring the city’s culinary and cultural gems – $3,000.
– 3D Wellness Retreat: Virtual session for inner peace and joy cultivation.
Cosmetic Procedures and Skincare
– ArtLipo Plastic Surgery: Revolutionary Celebrity Arms and Legs Liposuction – Over $20,000.
– Miage Skincare Set: Four luxury products using RIT-5 Skin Renewal Complex – $500.
– Danucera D22 Tonic: High-performance exfoliating and hydrating toner – $100.
– IERIAS NAMA Sacred Glow Set: Premium skincare collection with botanical and gemstone ingredients – $350.
– INSTYTUTUM Gift Set: Three-piece skincare set featuring next-gen active components – $350.
– Mermaid Cove Cosmetics Trio: Sustainable beauty products including soap, masque, and moisturiser.
– Neue Theory Gift Box: Wellness items like plant-based protein powders and Digest + Debloat product – $220.
Fashion and Accessories
– Nomatic Bag: Water-resistant, multi-compartment functional bag – $300.
– Sattaché Classic Bag: Eco-friendly luxury shoe bag – $200.
– Bored Rebel Tee: Limited-edition “L.A. Strong” t-shirt supporting wildfire victims – $60.
– BAGCEIT: Portable seat for designer bags.
Unique Experiences
– Jewellery Bar by OMGIGI: Design-your-own jewellery experience for up to 10 guests – Up to $500.
– Daniel Ashley Co. Luxury Journey: Exclusive invite-only luxury experience.
Home and Lifestyle
– John Boos Cutting Boards: High-quality kitchen essentials.
– Brook37 The Atelier Tea Set: Luxury tea gift box.
– Cate Brown Studio Dog Wear & Toss Pillows: Handcrafted luxury items – $500 each.
– Greenworks Tools: Various power tools for household projects.
– Iceland Coffee Table Book: A stunning $950 book featuring Icelandic art and music.
Food and Beverages
– Beboe Edibles: High-end cannabis edibles.
– Dogwalkers Cannabis Prerolls: Premium cannabis products.
– Frontera Wine: Chile’s leading wine brand.
– Señorita Hemp Margaritas: Non-alcoholic THC-infused beverages.
Charity and Wellness Services
– Bright Harbor Membership: $1M worth of personalised disaster recovery support for wildfire victims – $1M+.
– Maison Contractors Services: Complimentary project management and a 50% discount on rebuilding services.
– Function Health Membership: Access to 100+ lab tests for whole-body health insights – $500.
Miscellaneous
– Ancestry.com Membership: Genealogical research access.
– Blanc par rouGe Gift Set: Premium wine and accessories – $250.
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