Los Angeles, California – The Oscars ceremony this year presents a tight best actress race, with Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) and Emma Stone (“Poor Things”) competing fiercely for the coveted award. Both actresses have garnered accolades throughout the award season, with Gladstone winning at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Golden Globe for best actress in a drama, while Stone claimed victories at the BAFTA and Critics Choice awards, as well as the Golden Globe for best actress in a comedy.
Stone, a previous Oscar winner for best actress in 2017’s “La La Land,” could become the 15th woman in history to win at least two best actress trophies if she emerges victorious on Sunday. On the other hand, a win for Gladstone would make her the first Native American to ever secure a competitive acting Oscar in the event’s 96-year history.
Moving on to the directorial realm, some critics have expressed disappointment at the absence of “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig among the nominees for best director. Despite the success of the film, generating nearly $1.5 billion globally and being the highest-grossing film directed by a woman, Gerwig’s omission from the category has raised eyebrows within the industry.
As the Oscars night approaches, the spotlight also falls on the contenders for best original song, with two tunes from “Barbie” in the running for the prestigious award. The Academy has recognized Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s “What Was I Made For?” and Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt’s “I’m Just Ken” as competitors for the coveted trophy.
Moreover, the esteemed composer John Williams has set a new record with his 54th Oscar nomination for his work on “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Williams, known for creating iconic scores for films like “Star Wars,” “Jaws,” and “Harry Potter,” stands on the brink of becoming the oldest Oscar winner in history if he secures a win at the age of 92.
And with the Oscars ceremony commencing an hour earlier this year, viewers can anticipate an earlier start time that aims to keep them engaged throughout the show. The shift in timing, coupled with the transition to Daylight Saving Time, could potentially boost ratings for the event and captivate a broader audience.
For those eager to tune into the star-studded event, the 96th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC, starting at 7 p.m. ET, with streaming options available on various platforms such as abc.com, the ABC app, Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV. It’s a night filled with anticipation and excitement as Hollywood’s finest gather to celebrate the pinnacle of cinematic achievement.