America’s most glamorous election contest is finally drawing to a close
CNN —
The 96th Oscars ceremony, widely regarded as the most glamorous event in the American film industry, is set to unfold in the coming days. With the race to claim the highly coveted Oscars gaining massive attention, industry insiders and movie enthusiasts alike are placing their bets on a strong contender, “Oppenheimer,” to take home best picture and numerous other accolades. Drawing comparisons to previous record-setting films like “Titanic” and “The Return of the King,” “Oppenheimer” has received a remarkable 13 nominations, and while it may not reach the same level of dominance, its talented cast and gripping storyline have undoubtedly captivated audiences worldwide.
The much-anticipated Oscars ceremony will take place on Sunday at 7 p.m. EST, and will be broadcast on ABC in the US. International viewers can catch the live telecast via their respective local listings. The ceremony will also be available for streaming on ABC’s official website and app. Additionally, viewers can access the live broadcast on platforms such as Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV through a subscription.
The host and presenters
Jimmy Kimmel, a well-known television host, is set to return as the host of the Oscars for the fourth time. The star-studded event will feature a lineup of A-list presenters, including esteemed figures such as Steven Spielberg, Sally Field, Jennifer Lawrence, Dwayne Johnson, Rita Moreno, Al Pacino, Zendaya, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Adding to the excitement, five previous Oscar winners are slated to grace the stage and present awards in various acting categories, evoking memories of a similar spectacle from the 2009 Oscars ceremony.
Producers and performances
Excitement is building around the performances lined up for this year’s Oscars. Producers have managed to secure an astonishing programming coup, convincing Ryan Gosling, a highly acclaimed actor, to perform the nominated song “I’m Just Ken” from the film “Barbie” live on stage. Other scheduled musical 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.” The ceremony promises to dazzle with a wide array of stunning musical moments.
Contested categories
While certain Oscar categories have clear frontrunners, others remain fiercely competitive. Christopher Nolan, the acclaimed director, is expected to secure the best director award for “Oppenheimer,” marking his first Oscar win. Supporting actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph is on a winning streak for her role in Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers,” and supporting actor Robert Downey Jr. delivers a standout performance in “Oppenheimer.” The best lead actress category is the most unpredictable, featuring a tight contest between Sandra Hüller from “Anatomy of a Fall,” Emma Stone from “Poor Things,” and Lily Gladstone. As the anticipation builds, it’s anyone’s guess who will claim the sought-after trophies in these fiercely contested races.
Prizes and the influence of the Oscars
As the Oscars draw near, debates about the significance and influence of awards ceremonies in the art world often emerge. Notably, the creation of art, including movies, is a complex and subjective process, disconnected from the democratic nature of awards. Nevertheless, awards ceremonies like the Oscars capture the public’s imagination, providing a platform for industry recognition and captivating displays of talent and artistry. Fans of the nominated movies and performances can engage with the awards through the spectacle of the Oscars, and while personal preferences may not align with the final results, the celebration of cinema and the acknowledgment of incredible achievements continue to make the Oscars a must-watch event.
