2025 Oscars Fails to Recreate Memorable Moments from 2024 Ceremony

The 2025 Oscars Will Not Feature Live Performances of Best Original Song Nominees

In a notable departure from tradition, the 2025 Oscars will not include live performances of the nominees for Best Original Song. This decision suggests that the Academy is opting to refrain from competing with the high-energy performance of “I’m Just Ken, ” which captivated audiences during last year’s ceremony. The nominations, announced recently, revealed surprises such as James Mangold’s Best Director nomination and Daniel Craig’s unexpected omission from the Best Actor category. Among this year’s Best Original Song nominees are “Never Too Late” by Elton John, “Like a Bird” from Sing Sing, “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight, and “El Mal” and “Mi Camino” by Emilia Pérez.

Recent Trends in Oscars Song Performances

Last year, Billie Eilish made history by winning her second Oscar for the song “What Was I Made For?”, making her the youngest person ever to achieve this feat. However, the standout moment of the event came from Ryan Gosling, whose performance of “I’m Just Ken” stole the show. Traditionally, live renditions of nominated songs have been a highlight of the Oscars, tracing back to their inception at the 18th Academy Awards in 1946. Despite this rich history, the 2025 ceremony will mark only the fourth instance where no original songs are performed live, joining the ranks of the 1989, 2010, and 2012 ceremonies.

Why Emilia Pérez’s Soundtrack Won’t Be Showcased

With the soundtrack from Emilia Pérez being the most acclaimed original musical this year, its absence from live performance is unexpected. The film’s controversies regarding its portrayal of Mexican culture and the trans experience have drawn significant scrutiny, overshadowing its musical contributions. Historically, the absence of live performances has only occurred three times since their introduction, thus this shift in format is particularly striking.

The Impact of Ryan Gosling’s ‘I’m Just Ken’ Performance

2024’s Highlight Stealing the Spotlight

Ryan Gosling's performance at the Oscars

During the 2024 Oscars, Ryan Gosling’s rendition of “I’m Just Ken” was nothing short of spectacular, drawing inspiration from iconic performances like Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”. The star-studded performance featured Gosling alongside fellow artists such as Mark Ronson, Slash, and Wolfgang Van Halen, making it a key moment that many will remember for years to come. The extraordinary choreography and engaging production lent credibility to the assertion that Gosling’s performance was the pinnacle of the evening. Given the monumental success of this segment, the decision to exclude live performances in 2025 could be a strategic move by the Academy.

Foreseeing the 2025 Oscars Ceremony

A Strategic Choice Amidst Controversy

The 2025 nomination landscape features Emilia Pérez at its core, yet no nominated song has reached cultural acclaim akin to that of “I’m Just Ken.” With Conan O’Brien as the host, forgoing live performances may afford more time for engaging content and other segments. By shifting focus away from potentially divisive performances, the ceremony might uphold its celebratory spirit, prioritizing an entertaining and cohesive experience for all attendees.

The 97th Academy Awards are slated to unfold on March 2, 2025, and it remains to be seen how this innovative approach will resonate with viewers and film enthusiasts alike.

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