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Oscars 2025: Conan O’Brien to lead, ‘Anora’ and ‘Conclave’ vying for Best Picture

Great anticipation for the 97th Academy Awards, with favorites ‘Anora’ and ‘Conclave’ in pole position. Isabella Rossellini represents Italy among the nominations

The most important moment of the year for cinema is just a short time away: the 97th Academy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on the night of Sunday, March 2 to Monday, March 3 (Italian time). It will be the first time for Conan O’Brien to host the ceremony, adding a touch of humor to the evening that will see some of the year’s most acclaimed films and talent compete.

The race for Best Picture: ‘Anora’ and ‘Conclave’ favored

Bookmakers see ‘Anora,’ Sean Baker’s masterpiece that already won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, as the favorite for the Best Picture statuette, with odds giving it 1.43 on Planetwin365 and 1.50 on Snai. However, the comeback of Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave,’ fresh off a triumph at the SAG Awards, has shaken forecasts, taking the film to odds of 3. This particular award is considered significant since six times in the last ten years the film that has won at the SAGs has then also won the Oscar. More detached is Brady Corbet’s ‘The Brutalist,’ which after a winning start at the Golden Globes has lost momentum and is listed at 7.

Actor categories: Adrien Brody and Demi Moore in pole position

The race for Best Actor has Adrien Brody in the lead for ‘The Brutalist,’ listed at 1.43, while the closest rival is Timothee Chalamet for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown,’ listed at 2.50 after his SAG win.

For Best Actress, a duel looms between veteran Demi Moore, favored with her role in ‘The Substance,’ listed at 1.40, and Mickey Madison, up-and-comer in ‘Anora,’ listed at 2.75.

The other categories: Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana favored for supporting roles

The predictions for Best Supporting Actor seem already decided, with Kieran Culkin for ‘A Real Pain’ and Zoe Saldana for ‘Emilia Perez’ both listed at 1.02, having dominated the awards season. The race for Best International Film, on the other hand, is more uncertain: Brazil’s ‘I’m Still Here’ is now in pole position with an odds of 1.70, overtaking ‘Emilia Perez,’ which, after being favored, has dropped to 1.95 due to controversy related to actress Karla Sofia Gascon.

Isabella Rossellini and Alba Rohrwacher: a bit of Italy at the Oscars

Italy will be represented by Isabella Rossellini, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Sister Agnes in ‘Conclave.’ The actress expressed her excitement in remembering her famous parents, Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, who made a mark in film history. “I wish they were alive to celebrate this great honor with me,” she said.

Also on stage at the Dolby Theatre will be Alba Rohrwacher, who will have the honor of delivering one of the statuettes. Although she is not among the nominees, her presence reflects her growing international popularity after her success in the film ‘Maria,’ alongside Angelina Jolie and Pierfrancesco Favino.

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