- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will perform at the Oscars, joining Lisa, Raye, Queen Latifah, and Doja Cat.
- Erivo is nominated for Best Actress, while Grande is up for Best Supporting Actress for Wicked.
- Halle Berry urges the Academy to recognize more Black women in the Best Actress category.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s performance at the 97th Academy Awards is one of the most anticipated moments of the night. The duo, starring in Wicked, will bring their Broadway magic to the Oscars stage.
Meanwhile, Halle Berry has reignited an important conversation about diversity in Hollywood. Since her historic win in 2002, no other Black woman has won Best Actress, despite several nominations.
Oscars 2025: Performances, Nominations & Calls for Change
The Oscars will showcase powerhouse performances, with Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande taking the stage. Both actresses are nominated, with Erivo vying for Best Actress and Grande competing for Best Supporting Actress. This marks a major moment for the film adaptation of the beloved musical, adding to the excitement surrounding the awards.
The Best Actress race is particularly competitive this year, featuring talents like Erivo, Demi Moore (The Substance), and Mikey Madison (Anora), who recently won the BAFTA. Also in the running are Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) and Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Perez), though Gascón has faced controversy over past remarks.
Berry’s words highlight a persistent issue in the Academy’s history—recognition for Black actresses remains scarce. Although several have been nominated since 2002, only Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once, 2022) has won, marking the only other win for a woman of color.
This year could be a turning point, as Erivo’s nomination represents a chance to break the 22-year gap since Berry’s historic victory. Whether the Academy will finally address this longstanding disparity remains to be seen.
With a dazzling musical lineup and a fiercely competitive awards race, the 97th Academy Awards will be a night to remember. But beyond the performances and winners, the call for better representation in Hollywood remains a pressing conversation.
“I hope this year someone stands next to me. I hope it happens because I’m tired of occupying that space alone.” – Halle Berry
