The excitement surrounding the Academy Awards is palpable, especially with a mix of glitz, glamour, and the intense competition between the nominated films and performances. With so many prestigious films having graced the silver screen over the past year, it’s hard to believe it’s already that time again. Fans are still reminiscing about the emotional impact of “Oppenheimer” and the stirring vocals of Billie Eilish’s track for “Barbie,” but as the Oscars approach, the focus shifts entirely toward Hollywood’s grandest night.
This year’s Oscars will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, making his debut as the awards’ emcee. Encompassed by a blend of laughter and anticipation, O’Brien has unveiled the red carpet at the iconic venue in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the preparations for an evening filled with cinematic history are in full swing, with delectable snacks like Wicked wings of the West being prepped for consumption. As excitement builds just a day ahead of the glitzy event, it is essential to unravel what lies in store for the attendees and viewers alike.
Leading the pack of nominees this year is Netflix’s gripping drug cartel musical, “Emilia Pérez,” which has garnered an impressive 13 nominations. Close behind, both “The Brutalist,” directed by Brady Corbet, and the highly popular “Wicked” musical have each received 10 nominations. However, the buzz surrounding “Emilia Pérez” has dimmed significantly due to controversy surrounding its star, Karla Sofía Gascón. Her recent offensive remarks on social media have adversely affected the film’s prospects, potentially limiting its chance of clinching significant wins, with the exception of Best Supporting Actress. In this category, Zoe Saldaña has emerged as a frontrunner.
“The Brutalist,” portraying the harrowing journey of Hungarian refugees escaping the aftermath of World War II, features Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones in leading roles. The film has generated notable critical acclaim and recognition, particularly after its success at the Golden Globes. However, it previously faced backlash linked to its use of artificial intelligence in the dialect, with director Brady Corbet staunchly defending his creative choices amidst ongoing discussions about technology’s role in film production. Despite its recent triumphs, including four BAFTA Film Awards, “The Brutalist” fell short of securing the Best Film title, which went to the compelling papal thriller “Conclave.”
“Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu, has encountered difficulties transitioning its massive audience appeal into awards recognition. With a nomination for Best Picture in addition to acting nods for both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, this beloved musical still strives to achieve significant accolades. Notably, Cynthia Erivo has the potential to reach EGOT status should she clinch the Best Actress Oscar. Nevertheless, she faces fierce competition from Demi Moore, the star of “The Substance,” who has gained invaluable momentum as awards season unfolds.
As the Academy Awards approach, one can only ponder the outcome of this year’s ceremonies. With so much at stake for the nominees, the forthcoming event promises to be riveting and memorable. For those wishing to explore further, a complete list of nominees is accessible through various media outlets.
An intriguing aspect of this year’s Oscars is the roster of presenters and performers. The event is primed to host an array of luminaries, including Robert Downey Jr., Emma Stone, Halle Berry, and Oprah Winfrey, illustrating the high-caliber talent that the Oscars consistently attract. Furthermore, performers such as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, alongside icons like Doja Cat and Queen Latifah, are slated to grace the stage, ensuring a night rich with dazzling artistry.
Television audiences should tune in promptly for the live telecast, which is set to commence at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The thrilling pre-show will kick off just half an hour before, perfect for those who relish the insights on the red carpet. Finally, viewers can catch all the action broadcasted live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood across ABC and stream it through platforms like Hulu, making the Oscars more accessible than ever before. As the countdown to this prestigious event continues, many eagerly await to see which film and performances will take home the coveted golden statuettes.
