Washington: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has shared exciting updates for the upcoming 2025 Oscars ceremony on March 2. In light of the ongoing wildfire crisis in California, the Academy has planned a special tribute to Los Angeles. A city known as the “City of Dreams” and the heart of the film industry.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, in a letter sent to its full membership, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang declared, “We will honor Los Angeles as the City of Dreams, with its beauty and resiliency— We will also demonstrate its role.” A beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for more than a century.”
The letter expresses the Academy’s commitment to recognize the strength, creativity and optimism that have long defined the city and its impact on the global entertainment industry.
Kramer and Yang emphasized that the ceremony will reflect the challenges facing the area due to recent events, particularly wildfires, while also celebrating the indomitable spirit of the city’s residents and its artistic community .
The Academy’s goal is to highlight Los Angeles not only as a backdrop for filmmaking but as an important part of the storytelling tradition. In addition to this tribute, the Academy announced a notable change in the structure of the ceremony’s musical presentations.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this year the Oscars will “move away” from traditional live performances of nominated songs in the Best Original Song category.
Instead, the focus will shift to respecting the songwriters’ artistry and creative process.
Historically, live performances were the highlight of the Best Original Song section, with the artist often taking center stage.
However, this new approach is intended to give more recognition to the songwriters who are the true nominees in this category.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the letter confirmed, “This year, the presentation of the Best Original Song category will shift from live performances to songwriters.”
“We will celebrate the artistry of these songs through personal reflection on the teams that brought them to life,” the letter reads.
The Academy’s decision to focus on songwriters is intended to highlight the stories and inspiration behind the nominated songs, providing a deeper insight into the creative process and those responsible for the music that enhances cinematic storytelling.
