The excitement is palpable as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has officially kicked off the race for the 97th Annual Academy Awards, set to take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025. With the release of the first batch of titles in the Academy Screening Room, members now have the opportunity to start viewing the potential contenders for the upcoming awards season.
Among the initial offerings available for screening are standout films such as Thelma from Magnolia Pictures, Shirley, Hit Man, and the animated Ultraman: Rising from Netflix, as well as Wildcat from Oscilloscope Laboratories. Each of these films brings a unique perspective and story to the table, setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive awards season.
Thelma, a comedy featuring the talented 94-year-old June Squibb, explores the story of a grandmother who falls victim to an internet money scam aimed at the elderly. Magnolia Pictures is banking on Squibb’s performance to capture the attention of Oscar voters and other award bodies. Similarly, Netflix’s Hit Man showcases breakout star Glen Powell in a versatile role, donning multiple disguises in this Richard Linklater comedy based on real events.
Meanwhile, Netflix has also released the timely Shirley, starring Regina King as Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1972. The biopic, directed by Oscar winner John Ridley, highlights the historic political run of Chisolm and is gaining traction amidst current political developments. Furthermore, Wildcat, which premiered at Telluride last year, earned praise for Ethan Hawke’s directorial skills and his daughter Maya Hawke’s performance as American novelist Flannery O’Connor.
In addition to these live-action releases, Netflix is also making strides in the animated category with Ultraman: Rising. This film, along with other animated features, is vying for attention from the Academy, following the success of Netflix’s 2022 Pinocchio, which was honored with an Oscar in the Animated Feature Category.
As the awards season gains momentum, the Academy is committed to providing its members with a wide range of screening opportunities. The Academy Screening Room, a member-exclusive streaming platform, offers access to a variety of films and programming throughout the season. Members can stream content on multiple platforms, including Apple TV, Roku, and Android TV, as well as through the Academy’s online and mobile member sites.
Looking ahead, the Academy promises to continue adding new films to the screening room as soon as they become available from distributors. Additionally, members can look forward to engaging with exclusive Academy Museum programming, unconscious bias sessions, and informative series like Academy-In-Brief, designed to highlight important initiatives and awards processes. With the Fall Festivals just around the corner, including Venice, Telluride, and Toronto, the stage is set for a thrilling awards season ahead. It’s time to fasten your seatbelts and embrace the excitement of the upcoming 97th Annual Academy Awards.
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