Oscars’ Producers Tease What to Expect at Ceremony, From Return of Acting Clips to Surprise Reunions

variety.com:

Clayton Davis Senior Awards Editor At their best, the Oscars are all about spectacle — giving viewers a chance to witness a constellation of decked-out stars making Hollywood history in real time.

But in 2025, ratings continue to lag, and so the show itself must evolve. Rethinking this year’s broadcast are executive producer Raj Kapoor and showrunner Katy Mullan, two industry veterans with a mandate to craft a telecast that’s more than a parade of acceptance speeches.

Kapoor and Mullan say that the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, airing on March 2, will be about “connection.” “We’ve really leaned into the theme,” Mullan says. “What inspires us about moviemaking is the alchemy behind it — so many incredible people coming together to create a masterpiece.” Although they won’t divulge who will be handing out awards, Kapoor and Mullan are curating presenters with actual ties to the nominees.

That means surprise reunions, unexpected cameos, and stage pairings few will see coming. “The magic of movies comes from collaboration,” Mullan says. “We want to highlight that.” “This show is part of a continuum,” Kapoor adds. “We’re honoring the past, reflecting the present, and inspiring the future of filmmaking.” Kapoor and Mullan are doing all this with the help of Conan O’Brien, the late-night host turned podcasting guru, who is stepping in as emcee for the first time and potentially drawing in a different set of viewers. “It’s kind of unbelievable that Conan has never hosted before,” Kapoor says. “He brings a wealth of imagination, creativity, and spontaneity.