Emma Stone prepares to present at the Oscars amid a topsy-turvy season

In the United States on March 2, 2025, the 97th Academy Awards took place amidst a year marked by unpredictability. Frontrunners for various awards had constantly changed, and controversies, including scrutiny over old tweets, impacted the nominations. The ceremony began at 7 p.m. EST, with red carpet coverage kicking off much earlier, while light rain fell in Los Angeles. Preparations included a rehearsal where presenters like Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, and Whoopi Goldberg practiced their roles on stage in the Dolby Theatre. Emma Stone, a two-time Oscar winner herself, was in attendance but not as a nominee this year. Instead, she was set to present an award, although details of the category remained secret until the live broadcast began. Her rehearsal featured a moment of levity when she flubbed her lines while mimicking walking in high heels. The lively atmosphere was mirrored by other presenters, including Miley Cyrus and Oprah Winfrey, as they lined up to practice their speeches and interactions with eventual winners, creating a buzz around the highly anticipated event. Additional drama surrounded this year's Oscars due to various external factors like the devastating wildfires earlier in the year impacting the local community and entertainment industry. Moreover, political tensions loomed over the ceremony, with poignant reflections tied to the ongoing second Trump administration. These elements combined to raise questions about ratings and audience expectations, especially after last year's significant viewership surge fueled by popular films such as Oppenheimer and Barbie. Despite the uncertainties, the ceremony promised to showcase talented individuals across the industry, including past winners returning to celebrate their craft and present awards, maintaining a sense of tradition amid the shifts in the landscape of Hollywood. Organizers were tasked with balancing a celebratory tone while navigating the potential volatility surrounding political topics, hoping to focus more on presenting a positive showcase for all involved.