The 96th Academy Awards are quickly approaching; here's how to watch them at home on Sunday and who we think will take home the top prizes.
The lead-up to the Oscars this year has gone more smoothly than in previous years; the only significant incident to note is Barbie's "snub." Greta Gerwig received eight nods for her biggest success of 2023, but she was completely ignored in the directing category. As a democracy, nevertheless, the votes aren't only based on financial contributions. (The fact that The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the second-best film of the year, isn't making anyone angry.)
The Oscars intend to rinse Barbie for all the money they can since they are well aware that the bigger the movies they honor, the greater the viewership ratings are for the TV broadcast (their primary source of revenue). Ryan Gosling, who is nominated for best song, will be joined by 65 Kens to frug as he warbles I'm Just Ken, and Billie Eilish, who is also nominated but is a much more likely winner, will perform her popular song What Was I Made For?
The Oscar "news" also includes an adjustment to the start time: the ceremony will now begin one hour earlier and go for a brisk three and a half hours. The widely trusted safe pair of hands, host Jimmy Kimmel, will have to do a lot of shooing, but the prospects of keeping things trim are low to none unless they give the playoff orchestra conductor an electric cattle prod.
The possibility of substantial political protest, however, is something that not many people are discussing in light of the events at the Grammys, Independent Spirit Awards, and other venues. Although there has been "beefed up" security surrounding the site, the Oscars have declared that they will not impede the winners' speeches. However, it is difficult to predict where an explosive speech a la Vanessa Redgrave would come from, barring Mark Ruffalo's victory against Robert Downey Jr. for best supporting actor. However, James Wilson, the producer of The Zone of Interest, has some experience in the field.
How to watch
In the US, Brunch at the Oscars airs on the E! channel at 12:00 PT/15:00 ET, followed by Live from the Red Carpet event at 14:00 PT/17:00 ET. The Oscars Red Carpet Show on ABC begins at 15:30 PT/18:30 ET, while the ceremony itself starts at 16:00 PT/19:00 ET. The completion time is set at 19:30 PT/22:30 ET.
In the UK, ITV has secured the rights for this year. Its broadcast channel ITV1 will air Oscars Live from 22:15 GMT, and its streaming platform ITVX will launch at 21:30 GMT.
In Australia: Starting at 8:00 AEDT, 7Bravo will broadcast E!'s red carpet coverage. Red Carpet Live on Channel 7 will premiere at 9:30 AEDT, and the ceremony will begin at 10:00 AEDT.
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Preparation
One can read a great deal about the Oscars. The finest part is this.
Guardian writers step up for their favourite best picture nominee
Stuart Heritage assesses what the “brutally honest” Oscar voter interviews can tell us.
Argue over which Christopher Nolan film is the best.
The art of a memorable Oscar speech.
Emma Stone would do anything for an Oscar win – and we mean anything.
Interviews with all the key players: Greta Gerwig, Jeffrey Wright, Justine Triet, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lily Gladstone, Cillian Murphy, Yorgos Lanthimos and Jonathan Glazer.
Final predictions
Some of these have been dead certs for weeks; others less so. Everyone’s had their say, including our own Peter Bradshaw, so here’s a last roll of the dice.
Best picture Oppenheimer
Best actor Cillian Murphy
Best actress Lily Gladstone
Best supporting actor Robert Downey Jr
Best supporting actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Best director Christopher Nolan
Best song What Was I Made For?
Best adapted screenplay American Fiction
Best original screenplay Anatomy of a Fall
Best documentary 20 Days in Mariupol
Best animated film The Boy and the Heron
Best international film The Zone of Interest
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entertainment