The 97th Academy Awards are set to dazzle film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, with Chicago's stamp on the prestigious event highlighted by local connections and past screenings at the Chicago International Film Festival. According to a report by WGN-TV, a range of acclaimed movies such as "Better Man," "The Brutalist," and "Emilia Perez" showcased at the festival have found their way to Oscar nominations. NBC Chicago further details that "Emilia Pérez" leads the nominations with a record-setting 13 nods for a non-English film.
There's the buzz about homegrown talent, with Diane Warren, a seasoned songwriter familiar with the taste of Chicago City success, vying for Best Original Song with "The Journey" from "The Six Triple Eight." Erik Winquist from Evanston is up for Best Visual Effects with "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," aiming for his first Oscar win. Also, from the music charts to the silver screen, Ariana Grande landed a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her part in "Wicked," adding another layer of star power with her early Chicago sports connection – she sang the National Anthem in front of a home crowd when the Chicago Blackhawks faced off against the Florida Panthers back in 2002.
When it comes to the award ceremony itself, Conan O'Brien is set to host, a fresh face in the pantheon of Oscar emcees, and the show will start at 7:00 p.m. ET tonight, live at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It's a night that promises the glitz of red-carpet specials and riveting musical acts with a slate announced featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, sure to command attention alongside performances by artists such as Doja Cat and Lisa of Blackpink.
