Ryan Gosling is set to perform “I’m Just Ken” at the 2024 Academy Awards ceremony. This year’s Oscars promises to be a memorable event, with a mix of joyous pop-culture moments and serious statements. The box office success of films like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” indicates that the show will be a spectacle worth watching.
Contrary to popular belief, the Oscars still draw a significant viewership. In fact, the 2023 ceremony was the most-watched prime-time telecast of the year, with 19.4 million viewers. While ratings for award shows have declined in the era of streaming, reaching 20 million viewers is still a notable achievement.
To attract more viewers, the ceremony will start earlier this year at 7 p.m. EST. This change aims to ensure that viewers stay engaged throughout the entire telecast, even if it runs for four hours or more. The longest Oscar broadcast in history lasted 4 hours and 23 minutes, which was deemed too long.
The 2024 Oscars also have the potential for historic firsts. Lily Gladstone could become the first Native American person to win an acting Oscar if she takes home the award for Best Actress. Additionally, if John Williams wins Best Original Score for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” he will become the oldest winner ever at 92 years old.
The list of presenters for this year’s ceremony is star-studded, featuring actors, directors, and singers from different generations. From Melissa McCarthy and John Mulaney to Rita Moreno and Al Pacino, there will be a diverse range of talent on stage.
Half of this year’s acting nominees are first-time nominees, including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, America Ferrera, Lily Gladstone, Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown, Sandra Huller, Danielle Brooks, and Colman Domingo. It’s an exciting moment for these actors to be recognized for their outstanding performances.
Bradley Cooper holds the record for the most nominations without a win, with a total of 12 nods. Annette Bening has also received multiple nominations but has yet to win an Oscar. While it would be a moving moment if either of them wins, current predictions suggest otherwise.
Three of this year’s contenders have previously won Oscars. Robert De Niro, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” has won in the same category before and also took home the Best Actor award. Jodie Foster, a nominee for Best Supporting Actress, has two prior Best Actress wins. Emma Stone, nominated for Best Actress, previously won for her role in “La La Land.”
Marvel fans will be thrilled to see Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo competing for Best Supporting Actor. Downey’s restrained performance in “Oppenheimer” makes him the favorite, but Ruffalo’s comedic flair in “Poor Things” has also received critical acclaim. Additionally, Jeffrey Wright, nominated for Best Actor, provides the voice of the Watcher in Marvel’s animated series “What If…”.
While many categories seem predictable, there is still suspense surrounding a few top contests. Cillian Murphy, the frontrunner for Best Actor, could face an upset victory by Paul Giamatti for his role in “The Holdovers.” The race for Best Actress has also tightened between Lily Gladstone and Emma Stone, who have become close friends during the awards season.
The Best Song performances are not to be missed this year. With a strong and varied field, each performance promises to be memorable. From Becky G singing “The Fire Inside” to Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell performing the melancholy ballad “What Was I Made For?” and Ryan Gosling singing the comedic pop anthem “I’m Just Ken,” the audience will be treated to a range of musical styles.
As for the host, Jimmy Kimmel is stepping into his fourth time hosting the Oscars. Known for his irreverent humor, Kimmel has promised not to clutter the show with pre-taped comedy bits. However, viewers can expect him to deliver some political jabs and keep the atmosphere light-hearted.
Michigan natives have someone to root for at this year’s Oscars. Sam Davis, a cinematographer and producer from Lansing, is involved in the documentary short subject nominee “Nai Nai and Wai Po.” The film is a funny and poignant tribute to the director’s grandmothers, who are best friends and roommates. Davis previously worked on the 2019 Oscar-winning documentary “Period. End of Sentence.”
Overall, the 2024 Oscars promise to be an exciting and memorable event. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, historic firsts, and potential upsets, viewers can expect a night filled with entertainment and celebration of the best in cinema.