The Academy has unveiled a star-studded line-up of presenters for the 2025 Oscars, adding even more glamour to Hollywood’s biggest night. Joining the previously announced 2024 winners—Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Robert Downey Jr.—are A-listers like Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz, Whoopi Goldberg, and Amy Poehler.
Comedian Conan O’Brien will host the event, marking his first time leading the prestigious awards show. The telecast is expected to acknowledge the impact of the devastating wildfires that hit Los Angeles earlier this year. O’Brien has stated that he wants the show to strike a balance between honouring Hollywood’s biggest achievements and recognising the challenges the city has faced.
A new twist on the Oscars' “Fab 5” format will also be introduced this year. Traditionally, past winners present acting awards while sharing personal tributes about the nominees. However, due to controversy surrounding one of this year’s nominees, the format has been adjusted to spotlight behind-the-scenes talent instead.
The new presenters include Elle Fanning, John Lithgow, June Squibb, and Bowen Yang, adding a mix of Hollywood veterans and fresh faces to the stage. While the specific categories they’ll present remain under wraps, tradition suggests last year’s Best Actor winner, Cillian Murphy, will hand out the Best Actress award, and Emma Stone will return the favour for Best Actor.
Rumours are swirling about a potential opening performance by Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both nominated for their roles in the highly anticipated musical. While Grande remained coy about the possibility, fans are already buzzing with excitement.
The Oscars will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu, with a red-carpet pre-show kicking off at 6:30 p.m. ET. As the countdown begins, the Academy promises more surprises and announcements in the coming weeks.
With a mix of Hollywood royalty, heartfelt tributes, and a touch of Conan O’Brien’s signature humour, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a night to remember.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.