Even though it feels like we were just watching “Oppenheimer” sweep and Billie Eilish’s “Barbie” track was making us weep, it’s time for another Academy Awards.
First-time Oscar host Conan O’Brien has already rolled out the red carpet in Los Angeles, and our snacks are already planned out (Wicked wings of the west, anyone?). With one day to go, here’s everything you need to know as we gear up for Hollywood’s biggest night.
The Candidates
With 13 nominations going into the evening, Netflix’s drug cartel musical “Emilia Pérez” is in first place, followed by “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” each with ten.
Following the backlash from star Karla Sofía Gascón’s offensive social media remarks, which effectively ended her historic Oscar campaign and seriously damaged the film’s chances of winning gold in any major category other than best supporting actress, “Emilia Pérez”‘s odds have plummeted in recent weeks. In that category, Costar Zoe Saldaña is regarded as a leader.
The Brutalist,” from director Brady Corbet, stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones as Hungarian refugees who come to the US after WWII. The film, which won big at the Golden Globes, was previously embroiled in controversy over its use of artificial intelligence in dialect, with Corbet giving an assertive defense of his performers amid the debate.
The film picked up four awards at the recent BAFTA Film Awards, including best director and best actor. However, it lost best film to papal thriller “Conclave.”
“Wicked,” meanwhile, has had a hard time turning the blockbuster audience vote into awards recognition. The musical from director Jon M. Chu is nominated for best picture. Stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are also up for individual honors, with the latter set to achieve EGOT status if she wins in the best actress category. She would, however, have a difficult time stoping the awards season momentum gained by “The Substance” star Demi Moore.
The presenters and performers
Where, besides the Oscars, would you have a guest list that goes like this: Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Emma Stone, Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb, Bowen Yang, Sterling K. Brown, Willem Dafoe, Ana de Armas, Lily-Rose Depp, Selena Gomez, Goldie Hawn, Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Margaret Qualley, Rachel Zegler and Oprah Winfrey?
How to watch
Following the precedent that began last year, the telecast will once again start at 7 p.m.ET/4 p.m. PT, with the official red carpet pre-show airing a half-hour before (if you’re into that sort of thing).
The ceremony, taking place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, will air live on ABC and stream live on Hulu.
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