As the journey to the 97th annual Academy Awards begins, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has kickstarted the race by releasing the first batch of titles to its members. This move signals the start of what is sure to be an exciting and competitive awards season leading up to the ceremony on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Featured Films
Among the initial titles made available to Academy members are a mix of studio and indie films. Thelma, a comedy from Magnolia Pictures, features the talented 94-year-old June Squibb in a lead role. The film follows Squibb’s character as she falls victim to an internet money scam targeting the elderly and decides to take matters into her own hands. Magnolia Pictures is positioning Thelma to capture the attention of Oscar voters, as well as making a run for recognition at the Golden Globes and with critics groups.
Netflix, a major player in the film industry, has three offerings in the mix – Shirley, Hit Man, and Ultraman: Rising. Shirley, starring Regina King, tells the story of Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1972. Directed by John Ridley, the biopic is timely and relevant, especially in light of recent political events. Hit Man, a Richard Linklater comedy, showcases breakout star Glen Powell in a versatile role, and Ultraman: Rising is an animated feature vying for attention from the Academy.
Wildcat, released by Oscilloscope Laboratories, premiered at Telluride last year and received praise for Director/Co-Writer Ethan Hawke and his daughter Maya Hawke, who plays American novelist Flannery O’Connor. With a diverse range of films in the spotlight, the competition for nominations and awards is bound to be fierce.
Academy Screening Room
The Academy Screening Room, a member-only streaming platform, offers opportunities to view films throughout the awards season. Available on various platforms such as Apple TV, Roku, and Android TV, members can access a wide range of content, including Academy Museum programming, unconscious bias sessions, and informative series highlighting Academy initiatives.
In addition to streaming new releases, the Academy promises to continue adding films as soon as distributors make them available. This ensures that members have access to a variety of films and content to stay informed and engaged with the awards processes. The upcoming Fall Festivals at Venice, Telluride, and Toronto will mark the next phase of the season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable journey to the 97th Annual Academy Awards.
As the race for the 97th annual Academy Awards gains momentum, the landscape of contenders and potential winners continues to evolve. With a mix of established stars, breakout talents, and thought-provoking films in the spotlight, the upcoming awards season promises to be filled with anticipation and excitement. The Academy Screening Room provides members with a comprehensive viewing experience, ensuring that they are well-equipped to partake in the celebration of excellence in filmmaking. Fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this thrilling ride towards Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony.