The Academy Awards, scheduled to air on ABC and stream live on Hulu on March 2, 2025, has revealed its first group of presenters, as reported by Variety. The lineup features notable winners from last year’s Oscars, including three first-time winners. Emma Stone, a celebrated five-time nominee and two-time winner, will share the stage with fellow stars such as Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, contributing to an exciting evening.
Robert Downey Jr., who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Oppenheimer in 2024, will be presenting at this year’s event. His co-star Cillian Murphy, a first-time nominee and winner for portraying the title role in Oppenheimer, joins him. Additionally, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who also secured her first Oscar for a leading performance, will take the stage alongside Emma Stone. Stone’s journey through the Oscars has been remarkable; she received her first nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2015 for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), clinching her first win for Best Lead Actress in La La Land two years later. With nominations for The Favourite and Poor Things, the latter she won for, Stone’s presence as a presenter adds significant prestige to the event.
While the specific categories these four actors will present are yet to be disclosed, the Academy has a historical trend of having the previous year’s winners present in the corresponding categories. Therefore, it is highly anticipated that Downey Jr. will present the award for Best Supporting Actor, Murphy will tackle Best Actor, Randolph will present Best Supporting Actress, and Emma Stone will likely present Best Lead Actress.
The upcoming Oscars will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, marking his first time emceeing the iconic ceremony. As is customary, this year’s list of contenders is not free from controversy. A notable point of contention is Emilia Pérez, with Netflix distancing itself from the film’s star, Karla Sofía Gascón, following problematic tweets that surfaced recently. Additionally, The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, has stirred debate over the use of AI technology to modify actors’ accents, with the director stating the tool was only employed in specific instances, emphasizing that the actors’ performances remain intact.
Perhaps the most profound discussion surrounding this year’s Oscars relates to the event’s very relevance, given the backdrop of recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Influential voices in the entertainment industry, including horror author Stephen King and Hacks star Jean Smart, have called for a reevaluation or even cancellation of the awards ceremony in light of these tragic events. As the countdown to the Oscars continues, the significance of Emma Stone’s presence as one of the star presenters not only captivates viewers but also highlights the ongoing debates within the film community.
