Why the Oscars won’t feature best original song performances this year
In a surprising announcement ahead of this year’s Oscar nominations, the Academy has revealed that the Best Original Song performances, a longstanding highlight of the ceremony, will not take place at the 2025 event. The decision, outlined in a letter to Academy members by CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang, marks a significant shift in how the category will be celebrated.
The 2025 Oscars, set for 2 March, will instead honour the nominated songs by spotlighting the songwriters and their creative journeys. Kramer and Yang explained that this approach aims to offer a more intimate and personal tribute to the artists who bring these musical pieces to life.
“We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life,” the letter stated. “This will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees.”
A tribute to los angeles and tts resilience
This year’s changes come in the wake of the devastating wildfires that recently swept through parts of Los Angeles. The Academy’s leadership expressed their solidarity with those affected, stating, “Our thoughts remain with those who were impacted by the disaster.”
In line with this, the Oscars will pay tribute to Los Angeles as the “city of dreams,” highlighting its beauty, resilience, and historical role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century.
“We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that define Los Angeles and our industry,” Kramer and Yang noted.
While live Best Original Song performances have been a staple of the Oscars, featuring unforgettable moments like last year’s performance from Barbie, the decision to forgo them this year aims to shift the focus to the creators themselves.
Musical moments of a different kind
Despite the absence of traditional song performances, the Academy has promised that the ceremony will still feature “powerful musical moments.” These moments, according to Kramer and Yang, will connect “film’s rich history to its bold and inspiring future.”
This nod to film’s musical legacy hints at a celebration that may include archival performances, tributes to iconic movie soundtracks, or a retrospective on the role of music in cinema. Such moments are expected to resonate deeply with audiences, even without the live performances of nominated songs.
A star-studded night
The 2025 Oscars will be hosted by comedian and talk show legend Conan O’Brien, whose sharp wit and engaging presence are likely to bring a fresh energy to the event. With a strong slate of films vying for recognition, the ceremony promises to be a captivating evening for film enthusiasts worldwide.
Movies such as Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, Anora, Conclave, and Wicked are among those expected to secure nominations. Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the nominees, which will set the stage for the year’s biggest night in film.
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How to watch in the UK
For viewers in the UK, ITV1 and ITVX will broadcast the Oscars ceremony live, with Jonathan Ross returning to host their coverage. Ross’s commentary has become a staple of the UK’s Oscars experience, offering viewers a lively and entertaining perspective on the night’s events.
A year of change
The decision to forgo Best Original Song performances reflects the Academy’s evolving approach to celebrating the art of filmmaking. By prioritising the stories and creative processes behind the music, the Oscars aim to offer a more meaningful tribute to the songwriters whose work enhances the cinematic experience.
As the 2025 Oscars approach, all eyes will be on how these changes unfold and whether the absence of live performances will bring a fresh depth to the ceremony. One thing is certain: the Oscars remain a night to honour creativity, resilience, and the enduring magic of cinema.
