The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the 2025 Oscars ceremony will not feature live performances of nominated songs, marking a significant change from tradition.

Photo Credit: Martti Salmi

According to an email sent to Academy members by CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Young, the 97th Academy Awards will instead focus on celebrating the songwriters through personal reflections from the creative teams. This announcement comes just before the official nominations reveal.

The ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, March 2, will be hosted by Conan O'Brien and will emphasize the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The Academy plans to bring back their "Fab 5" moments, featuring individual film artists recognizing nominees.

This decision follows recent industry tensions, notably the boycott of Spotify's Grammy celebration event by prominent songwriters due to royalty payment concerns. The Academy has also acknowledged the impact of recent Los Angeles-area wildfires, encouraging members to support ongoing relief efforts.

The show promises to deliver "powerful musical moments that connect film's rich history to its inspiring future," despite the absence of live performances. This new format aims to highlight the creative process behind nominated songs while maintaining the ceremony's celebration of cinematic achievement.

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