LOS ANGELES, March 25 (Reuters) – The Academy Awards, Hollywood’s annual red-carpet celebration of the flicks, takes place on Sunday. Listed below are 5 issues to look at in the course of the ceremony, which can be broadcast reside in the USA on ABC.
SHOW SHAKEUP
After record-low TV rankings final yr, producers are testing new methods to try to enhance viewership. For the primary time, internet hosting duties can be shared by three ladies: comedians Amy Schumer, Regina Corridor and Wanda Sykes. In one other twist, outcomes of a Twitter ballot of favourite film and scene can be revealed. Winners of eight classes together with manufacturing design and sound can be introduced earlier than the reside telecast begins. Their speeches can be edited into the published, a transfer to assist wrap up the festivities inside three hours.
STREAMING BATTLE
No streaming service has ever received the movie business’s prime prize, one of the best image statuette. That’s prone to change on Sunday, if awards watchers are right. Most see a two-way race between on-line video pioneer Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) and Apple TV+ (AAPL.O), the streaming service run by the iPhone maker. Netflix’s gothic Western “The Energy of the Canine” landed 12 nominations, greater than another movie. However Apple’s “CODA,” a few deaf household with a listening to daughter who desires to pursue a profession in music, gained momentum with wins on the Display screen Actors Guild Awards and the Producers Guild Awards.
DIRECTOR FACE-OFF
Jane Campion might turn out to be the third lady within the Oscars’ 94-year-history to win greatest director, for “Energy of the Canine.” She is the one lady to have been nominated within the class twice. Campion acquired her first nod for the 1993 movie “The Piano,” however misplaced out to Steven Spielberg and “Schindler’s Listing.” Spielberg is competing once more this yr with “West Facet Story.” A Campion win would make for back-to-back victories for ladies, after “Nomadland” director Chloe Zhao took the trophy final yr.
MOMENT FOR UKRAINE
Whereas the present’s general temper is supposed to be celebratory, the telecast will acknowledge Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Producers say they wish to supply an escape from the world’s troubles but in addition really feel they should acknowledge the turmoil. “You don’t go right into a present like this and never pay attention to that and never discover a option to respectfully acknowledge the place we’re,” producer Will Packer stated.
MOST UNPREDICTABLE RACE
Any of the 5 contenders for greatest actress might win the statuette, awards specialists say. Some give the sting to Jessica Chastain for her portrayal of TV evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Kristen Stewart, recognized for enjoying lovestruck vampire Bella within the “Twilight” saga, is also within the combine for her portrayal of Princess Diana in “Spencer.”
The 2 are competing towards Penelope Cruz for Spanish-language movie “Parallel Moms,” Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Lucille Ball in “Being the Ricardos,” and Olivia Colman for “The Misplaced Daughter.” The latter three actresses have already got an Oscar.
Reporting by Lisa Richwine
Enhancing by Chris Reese
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