LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hollywood is gearing up for the 96th Academy Awards, set to take place on Sunday. The highly anticipated blockbuster biopic, 'Oppenheimer,' is expected to dominate the awards ceremony, potentially overshadowing other contenders like 'Barbie.' Christopher Nolan is poised for a triumphant evening at the Oscars.
The Oscars will air on ABC at 7 p.m. EDT, an hour earlier than usual due to daylight saving time. The show will feature familiar elements such as host Jimmy Kimmel, past winners as presenters, and a grand studio epic in the spotlight.
However, this year's event is not without its share of external factors. Protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict are anticipated near the Dolby Theatre, prompting heightened security measures. The war in Ukraine and the ongoing presidential election may also influence the atmosphere, despite the awards season largely existing in a separate realm.
The film industry faced challenges in 2023, marked by a prolonged strike and the evolving landscape of streaming services and changing audience preferences. 'Oppenheimer' leads the nominations with 13 nods, while 'Barbie' emerged as a box office hit with over $1.4 billion in ticket sales and eight nominations.
For viewers looking to tune in, a red carpet preshow will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT, with E! commencing coverage at 4 p.m. EDT. The ceremony can be streamed on various platforms including ABC.com, Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV.
Notable presenters at the Oscars include Zendaya, Al Pacino, Jennifer Lawrence, and Steven Spielberg. All best original song nominees will be performed, with 'Barbie's' 'What Was I Made For' likely to be a standout moment.
In terms of favorites, 'Oppenheimer' is expected to sweep several categories, with Christopher Nolan and the cast members being front-runners for awards. The best actress category presents a close race between Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone.
The Oscars will also feature veteran composer John Williams and a historic nomination for 'Godzilla Minus One' in the visual effects category. Additionally, two non-English language films are vying for top honors, reflecting the diversity of this year's nominations.
With a history of high viewership for Oscars featuring major films, the industry hopes for a ratings boost following last year's positive trend. The ceremony will be closely watched for its entertainment value and recognition of outstanding cinematic achievements.
