2025 Oscars: Where to Bet, How to Watch, Nominations, Predictions & More

• The 97th Academy Awards will take place on March 2, 2025 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles
• Conan O’Brien will host for the first time as the Oscars honor the best films of 2024
• Read on for where to stream the Oscars, expert predictions, and how to bet on the major categories at regulated prediction market Kalshi

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The most prestigious night in film is here, with the 97th Academy Awards set for Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the iconic Dolby Theatre. Comedian Conan O’Brien makes his hosting debut as the movie industry celebrates the greatest cinematic achievements of 2024.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, entertainment bettors are gearing up for a busy night on Kalshi, the CFTC-regulated event trading platform. Users can buy and sell contracts tied to Oscar outcomes, from Best Picture to historic “firsts.”

We’ve compiled the ultimate 2025 Oscars guide with everything you need to know to stream the ceremony, analyze the top contenders, and profit off your knowledge of the awards race. Let’s dive in.

Where to Bet | How to Watch | Nominations | Predictions | Performers & Presenters

Where to Bet on 2025 Oscars

Kalshi: Bringing Wall Street to the Academy Awards

Kalshi is the top spot for betting on the 2025 Oscars legally from the United States. The regulated exchange allows users to trade “Yes” or “No” contracts on real-world events, including entertainment and pop culture.

Traders can take positions on major categories like Best Picture and Best Director, with prices updating in real-time to reflect the market consensus. A “Yes” contract pays out $1 if the associated event occurs.

Sign up now with Kalshi promo code “DIME” to claim a $10 bonus and start trading the Oscars.

Top Kalshi Oscars Markets

Here are some of the most popular Oscars markets on Kalshi as of March 2, 2025:

Price as of Mar. 2, 2025, at Kalshi Event Trading.

With over $3.6 million in series volume across the major categories, Kalshi’s data reveals massive public interest in predicting the winners. The Best Picture race has generated the most action, with over $1.3 million traded. Indie drama Anora is the clear favorite at 72% implied odds.

How Kalshi’s Oscars Markets Work

Kalshi allows traders to buy “Yes” or “No” contracts for specific outcomes, with prices between $0.01 and $0.99. The settlement price is $1 if an event occurs and $0 if it doesn’t.

For example, a “Yes” contract for “Anora Wins Best Picture” currently trades at $0.72. If you buy at that price and Anora wins, you’ll profit $0.28 per share ($1 – $0.72). If it loses, your contract expires worthless.

The key advantage is that prices fluctuate based on real-time information, allowing you to enter and exit positions as the market evolves. It’s like having a seat at the Oscars trading floor.

Kalshi’s Best Bets for 2025 Academy Awards

Based on our analysis of the Kalshi markets and expert predictions, here are our recommended plays for Oscars night:

• Best Picture: Buy Anora at $0.72
  • With 72% implied odds, Anora is a strong favorite after winning key precursor prizes. Back indie cinema to triumph.
• Best Actor: Adrien Brody Over Timothée Chalamet
  • At $0.62, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) offers solid value over $0.32 Timothée Chalamet. Chalamet won the SAG Award, but Brody’s veteran status may win out with the Academy.
• Best Actress: Sell Fernanda Torres at $0.08
  • Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) is a distant longshot for Best Actress. Sell her $0.08 contract before others catch on.

Remember to gamble responsibly and never risk more than you can afford. Treat Oscars betting as a fun way to enhance your viewing experience rather than a get-rich-quick scheme.

Other Options for Academy Awards Betting

While Kalshi provides the most dynamic Oscars betting markets, traditional sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel offer fixed-odds wagering on select categories. However, these options are limited compared to Kalshi’s extensive offerings.

How to Watch the 2025 Academy Awards

The 2025 Oscars air live on ABC on Sunday, March 2 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Here’s how to stream the ceremony:

• Hulu: For the first time ever, Hulu will simultaneously stream the Oscars broadcast in real-time to both live TV and standard subscribers.
• Other Platforms: Live TV streaming services YouTube TV, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV all offer ABC. Free trials are available for new users.
• ABC Website/App: Log in with your TV provider credentials to stream on ABC.com and the ABC app.

Red carpet arrivals coverage begins 90 minutes before the main show, at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT on ABC. Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer return to host “The Oscars Red Carpet Show.”

The Oscars will also air live internationally in over 200 territories worldwide. Check local listings for region-specific details.

2025 Oscar Nominations: Key Takeaways

The nominees for the 97th Academy Awards were announced on January 23, 2025. Here are the contenders in the major categories:

Best Picture

• Anora
• The Brutalist
• A Complete Unknown
• Conclave
• Dune: Part Two
• Emilia Pérez
• I’m Still Here
• Nickel Boys
• The Substance
• Wicked

Best Director

• Sean Baker – Anora
• Brady Corbet – The Brutalist
• James Mangold – A Complete Unknown
• Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
• Coralie Fargeat – The Substance

Best Actor

• Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
• Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
• Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
• Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
• Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice

Best Actress

• Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
• Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
• Mikey Madison – Anora
• Demi Moore – The Substance
• Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here

Other major storylines:

• Emilia Pérez landed 13 nominations, the most of any film this year and the most ever for a non-English language movie. It’s up for Best Picture, Director, Actress, and Supporting Actress.
• Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez) became the first openly transgender performer nominated for Best Actress. However, her nomination has been overshadowed by controversy over past offensive social media posts.
• The Best Supporting Actor category features five white male nominees, prompting backlash over the Academy’s ongoing diversity issues despite some progress elsewhere.

Expert Predictions for the 2025 Oscars

The 2025 Oscars race has been highly competitive, with no clear frontrunner across the board. Here’s how experts see the top categories shaking out:

• Best Picture: Currently a close showdown between Anora and Conclave. Anora gained late momentum with key precursor wins (PGA, DGA) and is now seen as the slight favorite over Conclave (which won the SAG ensemble prize).
• Best Director: Tied to the Best Picture race. Pundits predict Sean Baker (Anora) will win if his film takes the top prize. If not, James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) or Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez) could prevail.
• Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) has the edge after winning the Golden Globe and BAFTA, but SAG winner Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) is nipping at his heels. Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) is a potential spoiler.
• Best Actress: Perhaps the most wide-open acting race. Demi Moore (The Substance) is trending up with a strong campaign, but voters could make history by choosing Mikey Madison (Anora) or Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez). Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) are in the mix too.
• Best Supporting Actor: No consensus pick, but Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) has buzz after winning the BAFTA. Veterans like Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown) or newcomers like Yura Borisov (Anora) could surprise.
• Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) is the odds-on favorite for her first Oscar, but Ariana Grande (Wicked) could ride a wave of populist support. Felicity Jones (The Brutalist) and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave) are viable options too.

Of course, anything can happen when the envelopes are opened. Part of the Oscars’ appeal is the potential for shocking upsets and left-field picks. Expect the unexpected.

2025 Oscars Performers and Presenters

Though the focus is on the awards, the Oscars are also a must-see entertainment event in their own right. Here are the A-list talents hitting the Dolby Theatre stage:

Performers

• Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo: The Wicked co-stars will open the show with a tribute to the film’s music.
• Queen Latifah, Doja Cat, Lisa of BLACKPINK, and RAYE: These musical acts will honor cinematic legends by performing movie music classics.
• Los Angeles Master Chorale: The choir will add grandeur to the evening’s festivities.

Notable Presenters

• 2024 Acting Winners: Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., and Da’Vine Joy Randolph
• Hollywood Icons: Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Samuel L. Jackson, Oprah Winfrey
• Movie Stars: Selena Gomez, Andrew Garfield, Scarlett Johansson, Sterling K. Brown, Lily-Rose Depp

Host: Conan O’Brien makes his Oscars debut, promising to infuse the night with his trademark wit and energy. Expect playful jabs at Hollywood’s biggest names.

Final Thoughts on the 2025 Academy Awards

With expanded streaming access, compelling races, and a fresh hosting voice, the 2025 Oscars have all the ingredients for a fantastic evening. As the ceremony nears, head over to Kalshi to lock in your predictions and add some stakes to the viewing experience.

From the red carpet fashion to the envelope opening, the 97th Academy Awards will keep movie lovers and bettors on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned to SBD for the latest Oscars odds, picks, and reactions. It’s Hollywood’s biggest night – don’t miss out on the action.