The countdown has begun for the 98th edition of the Academy Awards, and this time, the excitement is tinged with a hint of uncertainty. Unlike other seasons where one movie is dominating all others, this edition of the Oscars is entering its final stretch with several movies still in contention. This uncertainty is also doing its part to build excitement for the biggest night in cinema.
The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles is where all the action will take place on March 15th, with some of the people responsible for creating one of the most diverse cinematic experiences of recent times in attendance.
The event is set to commence at 7 pm ET, slightly earlier than usual, in hopes of increasing the live audience from different time zones. The comedian, talk show host, and creator Conan O’Brien is set to return as the event's host, which already promises a night of drama and humor.
For the US audience, the event can be watched live on ABC, with Hulu broadcasting it for the first time. The red carpet event begins much earlier, with fashion statements, first-timer jitters, and celebrity surprises that are often the talk of the town even after the event is over.
For the Indian audience, the event can be streamed on major entertainment networks and streaming platforms, though the timing means it will be viewed late at night or early in the morning.
In addition, this year's Best Picture nominees reflect a widening lens by the Academy. Movies like Sinners, One Battle After Another, Frankenstein, Hamnet, and Train Dreams reflect a mix of courage and technical excellence.
While Sinners has emerged as one of the strongest contenders with a substantial number of nominations, One Battle After Another remains a dark horse, quietly gathering steam for its chances.
Also Read: 10 Best Oscar-Winning Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now
Awards experts say the lack of a clear frontrunner also means that upsets are possible. Some believe that while “One Battle After Another” is pulling ahead in the top race, “Sinners” has the broader support base to translate nominations into wins.
In the acting categories, Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley have remained competitive throughout the awards season. Blockbusters are also expected to dominate the technical categories like visual effects.
But beyond the winners and losers, the Oscars are also expected to bring some of the memorable moments that have come to define the awards, speeches that warm the hearts of viewers, standing ovations, and photos on the red carpet that keep people talking even after the envelopes have been opened.