The 96th Oscars ceremony is just around the corner, and anticipation is building for what promises to be a night filled with predictions, surprises, and key contests. Similar to its political counterparts, the Oscars campaign has been a long and arduous journey, with lobbying and speculation running rampant. However, it seems that the industry and casual viewers alike have their sights set on a clear frontrunner: “Oppenheimer,” a box office hit that is expected to dominate the awards.
Drawing comparisons to past record-breaking films like “Titanic” and “The Return of the King,” “Oppenheimer” has garnered 13 nominations, including Best Picture. While it may not reach the same level of dominance as its predecessors, the buzz surrounding Christopher Nolan’s epic portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, is undeniable. Hollywood and the industry press have never let the truth get in the way of a good story, after all.
For those eager to tune in to the Oscars, the ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. EST on ABC in the US. International viewers can find their local listings or stream the event on platforms like abc.com and the ABC app. Subscribers to Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV will also have access to the telecast.
This year’s ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, with Jimmy Kimmel returning as host for the fourth time. A-list presenters such as Steven Spielberg, Sally Field, Jennifer Lawrence, Dwayne Johnson, Rita Moreno, Al Pacino, Zendaya, and Michelle Pfeiffer will grace the stage. In a nostalgic twist, five previous winners will also make appearances to present the acting categories.
One of the highlights of the evening will undoubtedly be the performances. Producers have managed to secure Ryan Gosling for a special musical number from the film “Barbie.” Gosling will belt out the nominated song “I’m Just Ken” before returning the character back to its twist-tie box. Other performances include Jon Batiste with “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony,” Becky G with “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot,” and Scott George and the Osage Singers with “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
While some categories may already have clear winners, the Oscars always have room for surprises. Christopher Nolan is expected to take home his first Oscar for Best Director, while Da’Vine Joy Randolph is the favorite for Supporting Actress for her role in “The Holdovers.” Robert Downey Jr. is also predicted to win Supporting Actor for his performance in “Oppenheimer.” In the Best International Feature category, Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” appears to be a frontrunner, with its unique take on the Holocaust. However, the absence of Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall,” a Palme d’Or winner, due to France’s failure to submit it for consideration, has sparked calls for reform in the category.
The most undecided of the major categories is Best Lead Actress, where Sandra Hüller from “Anatomy of a Fall” competes against Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone. Both Stone and Gladstone have already won awards for their performances, making this contest finely balanced. Gladstone would make history as the first indigenous person to win the award, while Stone would secure her second Best Actress title at the age of 35.
As with any awards ceremony, there is always the potential for upsets. While “Oppenheimer” is expected to dominate the Best Picture category, Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” could go home empty-handed if Lily Gladstone falls short in the Best Lead Actress category. Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” is also a strong contender, particularly in the Best Production Design and Best Costume Design categories.
In the Animated Feature category, it’s a showdown between “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and “The Boy and the Heron.” The former, a beloved superhero movie, is slightly favored, but the latter, a poignant work by Hayao Miyazaki, could still pull off an upset.
Ultimately, the Oscars are a celebration of art and craftsmanship, and while there will undoubtedly be winners and losers, it’s important to remember that personal preferences and love for a particular film or performance are equally valid. As Steven Spielberg once wrote, “The creation of art is not a democratic process,” but the Oscars provide an opportunity for the public to enjoy a grand show put on by Hollywood. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the glitz and glamour of the 2024 Oscars.