With the culmination of winter award shows, the spotlight now turns to the grand finale – the 96th Academy Awards, slated to be a coronation for “Oppenheimer” with its leading 13 nominations. However, contenders like “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “Poor Things” add intrigue to the mix. Here’s a comprehensive guide to this year’s Oscars:
When and Where:
The Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 10, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony kicks off at 7 pm EDT, an hour earlier than usual, with a pre-show starting at 6:30 pm EDT.
Presenters:
Expect a star-studded lineup of presenters, including last year’s acting winners and renowned figures like Zendaya, Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Lange, Nicolas Cage, Mahershala Ali, Sam Rockwell, and Lupita Nyong’o. More surprises await as the event draws near.
Streaming Options:
For those opting to stream, ABC.com and the ABC app (with a cable subscription) offer access. Streaming services like Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV are also available.
Host:
Jimmy Kimmel returns for the fourth time as the host, joining the ranks of four-time hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Jack Lemmon.
Best Picture Nominees:
The ten contenders for Best Picture are diverse, featuring films such as “Oppenheimer,” “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and more.
Front-runners:
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” leads the pack, with predictions favoring Nolan for Best Director and Lily Gladstone or Emma Stone for Best Actress. Cillian Murphy and Paul Giamatti are in a tight race for Best Actor.
‘Barbie’ Snubs and Controversies:
Despite being a box-office hit, “Barbie” faces discussions over notable omissions, especially Greta Gerwig’s absence in the directing category and Margot Robbie’s miss for Best Actress.
Oscars Changes:
This year’s Oscars come with no major alterations, except for the ceremony starting an hour earlier. All awards will be broadcast live, and a new category for Best Casting is set to debut in 2026.
Noteworthy Nominations:
John Williams receives his 49th Best Score nomination, Godzilla makes its Oscars debut, and two non-English language films, “The Zone of Interest” and “Anatomy of a Fall,” contend for Best Picture.
As the anticipation builds, the 96th Oscars promise a night of glamour, competition, and potential historic moments.
