The Oscars have revealed why they won't be having Best Original Song performances this year.
Ahead of this year's nominations today (January 23), the Academy's bosses have shared more details about the 2025 ceremony, which takes place on March 2.
In a letter to members, CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang addressed the recent Los Angeles wildfires, saying their "thoughts remain with those who were impacted" by the disaster.
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They revealed that the Best Original Song category, which traditionally gets performances throughout the ceremony such as last year's Barbie highlight, will "move away from live performances" to instead focus on songwriters.
"We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life," they added. "All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees."
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However, the Oscars bosses teased further "powerful musical moments that connect film’s rich history to its bold and inspiring future".
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In the wake of the wildfires, this year's event will also honour "Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century".
"We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry," they added.
Conan O'Brien will host this year's Academy Awards, with movies such as Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, Anora, Conclave and Wicked expected to land nods.
Viewers in the UK will be able to watch March's ceremony on ITV1 and ITVX, with Jonathan Ross hosting their coverage.
The 97th Academy Awards take place on Sunday, March 2 in the US. It will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
