As Hollywood’s biggest stars prepare for the 97th Academy Awards, they are being urged to keep their acceptance speeches under 45 seconds. The advice came during an intimate dinner held just five days before the Oscars ceremony. Academy President Janet Yang led the gathering, reminding nominees to be brief, heartfelt, and inspirational. This year’s gathering came with a twist, as the traditional celebratory luncheon was replaced by a smaller event following the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
Oscar Nominees Gather for Pre-Awards Dinner
Hollywood’s top talent gathered on February 25, 2025, in Los Angeles for a special dinner ahead of the Academy Awards. This event, which replaced the usual champagne-filled luncheon, was a moment for nominees to reflect and reconnect after a busy awards season. The atmosphere was one of support, as many in the room were still recovering from the devastation caused by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
Academy President Janet Yang welcomed the attendees, joking that she felt like “a schoolmarm” while urging nominees to keep their speeches concise. “Forty-five seconds!” she reminded them. While nobody expects winners to strictly follow the 45-second rule, Yang’s request is a reminder of the importance of brevity during the high-pressure Oscar night.
The Challenge of Short Speeches
Though the Academy’s advice is clear, many nominees are used to delivering longer, heartfelt speeches. It’s no secret that Hollywood’s stars often struggle with keeping things short when they finally reach the stage to accept the prestigious golden statue. Timothee Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Ralph Fiennes, and Isabella Rossellini were among those present at the dinner, where the topic of speech length was discussed among laughs and camaraderie.
Adding humor to the evening, “A Complete Unknown” director James Mangold caused a minor delay by arriving late for the annual “nominee class photo.” His tardiness led to a brief reshoot, and the group joked about the incident, calling it “the Mangold edition.”
Scaling Back the Celebrations
Normally, the Academy hosts a large luncheon for Oscar nominees in early February, with the press also invited. However, due to the devastating wildfires, this year’s festivities were significantly scaled back. Instead, a smaller, intimate dinner was held to create a supportive environment for those still dealing with the aftermath of the fires. Yang emphasized the importance of coming together, even in challenging times, to share the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming Oscars ceremony.
Excitement Builds Ahead of the Oscars
Among the nominees, excitement for Sunday’s ceremony is building, with many expressing relief that the long campaigning process is almost over. Mikey Madison, a rising star, shared her excitement about attending the Oscars for the first time, mentioning she had never been to the prestigious event before. Madison, who is nominated for Best Actress for her role in “Anora,” is considered a frontrunner for the award, competing against Demi Moore for her role in “The Substance.”
Demi Moore also expressed some anxiety, admitting that she had forgotten to bring her Chihuahua, Pilaf, who had been her companion during the Cannes Film Festival last year. The little dog was expected at the dinner but was notably absent.
Industry Insights and Predictions
Ralph Fiennes, who has been nominated for Oscars twice in the past, expressed his admiration for this year’s crop of films. His thriller “Conclave,” set in the Vatican, is one of the favorites for Best Picture, going head-to-head with “Anora” for the coveted prize. The intense competition has many in Hollywood eagerly awaiting the outcome of the ceremony, with both films generating significant buzz.
Fiennes, who has spent considerable time traveling between Los Angeles and the UK during the awards season, commented that while the dinner was “good fun,” he was ready for the campaign to finally end. Like many others, he looked forward to the conclusion of the long season of speeches, events, and red carpet moments.
As Hollywood prepares for the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, Oscar nominees are finding themselves in a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a bit of relief as the end of the grueling awards campaign draws near. While they are expected to keep their speeches short, the 45-second mark may be a challenge for some. Regardless, the Oscars remain a time to celebrate cinematic excellence and the talented individuals who bring these films to life.
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