LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Oscars are here, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting night! Everyone’s buzzing about two major contenders: Paul Thomas Anderson and Ryan Coogler. Anderson’s film, “One Battle After Another,” seems to be the favorite, while Coogler’s “Sinners” is breaking records with an impressive 16 nominations. Both directors are hoping for their first Academy Award win.
This year, it’s hard to predict who will take home the top acting awards. In the best actor race, Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chalamet are neck and neck. It’s anyone’s game!
As for watching the Oscars, you can catch it live on ABC or stream on Hulu at 7 p.m. Eastern. If you want to see the stars before the show, E! kicks off its red carpet coverage at 4 p.m. Good news for fashion lovers: the Associated Press will livestream arrivals on APNews.com from noon to 3:30 p.m. Pacific.
Expect a lively show hosted by Conan O’Brien, returning for a second year. He aims to deliver laughs, even with the serious backdrop of current global events, including recent tensions with Iran. Ensuring safety will be a priority, with heightened security measures in place. Raj Kapoor, the executive producer, assures collaboration with law enforcement for a secure event.
Musical performances are also on the slate, with two nominated songs set to be performed live: “I Lied to You” from “Sinners” and “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters.”
In a notable trend this year, theatrical releases seem to be taking the spotlight over streaming films. “KPop Demon Hunters” was a massive hit on Netflix, racking up 325 million views. However, it looks like the best picture award may go to a traditional theatrical release, a rarity in today’s landscape dominated by streaming.
The night will also pay tribute to beloved figures in the industry, including Robert Redford and Diane Keaton, highlighting their impactful careers.
New categories are making their debut this year, like best casting, showing a shift in how the Academy recognizes artistry. There’s also a new requirement for voters to watch all nominees before casting their votes, adding a layer of accountability.
In acting categories, Jessie Buckley is expected to make history as the first Irish best actress winner, while the best supporting actor award is anyone’s guess. It could go to Sean Penn or Delroy Lindo, among others.
Interestingly, many nominees reflect current political issues. This includes films like “The Secret Agent,” which critiques the Brazilian political climate, and Jafar Panahi’s Iranian drama “It Was Just an Accident.” Panahi has faced severe repercussions for his work, including imprisonment in Iran, making this nomination especially poignant.
Looking back, the 2003 Oscars also occurred amid conflict in the Middle East. This coincidence highlights the Academy’s ongoing relationship with contemporary global issues, showcasing how art often mirrors reality.
For ongoing coverage, visit AP News on the Oscars.
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