An Oscars Preview
Almost showtime
I’m excited for the Oscars in a way I haven’t been in a while. I’ll admit to not having seen every nominated film (we still have time to cram!) but no matter. I’ll tune in to see whether three hosts are better than none, whether Lin-Manuel Miranda scores an EGOT and to see Beyoncé perform. I’ll watch for the fancy clothes, for the swelling music and clip montages, the presenters’ banter and the teary acceptance speeches. I’m tuning in for the pageantry of it all. If you’re with me, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for the show.
Who’s nominated?
Here’s the complete list. The Best Picture nominees are: “Belfast,” “CODA,” “Don’t Look Up,” “Drive My Car,” “Dune,” “King Richard,” “Licorice Pizza,” “Nightmare Alley,” “The Power of the Dog” and “West Side Story.” If you want to watch the films, we have a handy streaming guide.
What should I serve?
Whether you’re gathering with others to watch the show or just hanging at home, the Times’s Food editor, Emily Weinstein, has some suggestions. “I like to make things a little fancy for an Oscar party — but not too fancy, since this party is taking place on my couch,” she said. “You can’t go wrong with a great charcuterie board, or spinach-artichoke dip. And ice cream sundaes are always the best dessert.”
What about the red carpet?
Vanessa Friedman, The Times’s fashion critic, will be watching to see whether attendees show support for Ukraine in their attire. She pointed to the 2018 Golden Globes, when many stars wore black in support of #MeToo, as an effective use of fashion to signal personal values.
She’ll also be looking for traditional red-carpet glamour, as well as the trend of male attendees getting creative with formal attire. “It is a moment of pure escapism,” she said. “It’s a real kind of vicarious dressing-up time for a lot of viewers, particularly coming out of the last two years.”
Who’s hosting?
After three years without an M.C., this year’s ceremony will be hosted by Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall. Will it be a winning formula? “A hosting duo with good chemistry can bring a good energy, but three could be too many cooks,” James Poniewozik, The Times’s chief television critic, told me in an email. “If they trade off duties, that could create a nice variety, or it could end up being a curse for whoever gets stuck with the low-energy middle sessions,” he wrote.
I heard awards were cut.
Yes. Eight awards will be presented during the hour before the live telecast, and the footage will be edited into the live televised show. Steven Spielberg is among those unhappy about the Academy’s decision to cut the awards in favor of the results of online voting by fans for their favorite film and most “cheer-worthy” movie moment. Kyle Buchanan, a.k.a. The Projectionist, is skeptical of this and other changes to the show.
How do I watch?
The show starts at 8 p.m. Eastern. You can watch live on ABC, or on ABC.com or the ABC app if you have a cable or satellite subscription. If not, stream it on Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. E!’s red carpet coverage starts at 5 p.m. ABC’s red carpet show begins at 6:30 p.m.
You can follow along with The Times. Live coverage starts Sunday afternoon.
Who will win?
I don’t have all the answers! Kyle made predictions. The prediction site Gold Derby thinks it’s going to be a big night for Jane Campion. Are you the ace in your Oscar pool? Tell me who you think will (or should) win.
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LIVING
Remy Tumin, who is covering the N.C.A.A. women’s basketball tournament for The Times, recommends North Carolina State vs. Notre Dame: I was courtside on Monday when N.C. State plowed through Kansas State in a game that showcased the Wolfpack’s depth. This will be N.C. State’s fourth straight appearance in the round of 16, and players are hungry for the school’s first Final Four in two decades. But first the team will have to get past the Fighting Irish — the only squad to beat N.C. State in conference play. 11:30 a.m. Eastern today on ESPN.
And a bonus game: St. Peter’s became the first 15 seed in the men’s tournament to make the round of eight. The Peacocks play North Carolina tomorrow for a shot at the Final Four.
