As the countdown to the 97th Annual Academy Awards begins, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has officially opened the race for the prestigious awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The Academy Screening Room has unveiled its initial selection of titles for its members, featuring a diverse range of films from various studios and indie sectors. While the current lineup includes movies like Thelma, Shirley, Hit Man, Wildcat, and Ultraman: Rising, the list is expected to expand significantly as the season progresses.
Thelma, a comedy starring the talented 94-year-old actress June Squibb, follows the story of a grandmother who falls victim to an internet money scam targeting the elderly. Magnolia Pictures aims to capture the attention of Oscar voters and critics alike with Squibb’s compelling performance in the film. Meanwhile, Netflix presents Hit Man, a comedy by Richard Linklater, featuring breakout star Glen Powell in a versatile role. The movie, based on real events, made its debut at the Venice Film Festival and has garnered significant buzz since its release. Additionally, Netflix offers Shirley, a biopic directed by John Ridley, showcasing Oscar winner Regina King in the role of Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1972. The film’s timely themes and powerful performances are expected to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Exploring Diverse Storytelling
Wildcat, directed by Ethan Hawke and starring Maya Hawke, delves into the life of American novelist Flannery O’Connor. Premiering at Telluride last year, the film has received acclaim for its storytelling and performances. On the animated front, Ultraman: Rising represents Netflix’s foray into animated features, with a focus on captivating storytelling and visual excellence. Following the success of Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinnochio,” which won an Oscar in the Animated Feature Category, Netflix is determined to make a mark in the animation genre once again.
Accessing Films Through the Academy Screening Room
The Academy Screening Room serves as a member-only streaming platform that provides exclusive access to screening opportunities throughout the awards season. Available on various platforms like Apple TV, Roku, and Android TV, as well as online through the member site and the mobile app, the Screening Room offers a convenient way for members to view the latest films from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, the platform features a range of content, including Academy Museum programming, unconscious bias sessions, and Academy-In-Brief series, which highlight the Academy’s initiatives and awards processes.
As the countdown to the 97th Annual Academy Awards continues, the film industry gears up for the upcoming Fall Festivals at Venice, Telluride, and Toronto. With a diverse array of films vying for recognition and accolades, anticipation is high for the upcoming awards season. As the Academy promises to add more films to its lineup, members and film enthusiasts alike are encouraged to fasten their seatbelts for an exciting journey celebrating excellence in film.
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