We just mentioned how the devastating LA fires have had an impact on the Oscars, and the Hollywood community at large.
And moments ago on the red carpet we saw some of those brave local firefighters.
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Emma SaundersCulture reporter
The announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations was pushed back twice for those affected by the deadly LA wildfires in January.
Former Oscars host Billy Crystal is among the celebrities who have lost homes in the fires, as well as Oscar-winners Jeff Bridges, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Mel Gibson.
Oscars chiefs vowed to honour the city and its people at the ceremony: “We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry,” said CEO Bill Kramer and the Academy’s president, Janet Yang, in a statement.
Changes include a shift from live performances from each of the best song nominees to honouring the songwriters themselves, although we will have to wait and see what this might entail.
Emma SaundersCulture reporter
While Netflix has been nominated several times for best picture in recent years and picked up more than 20 awards in other categories, it’s still chasing that elusive best picture win.
It only has a very slim chance of redeeming that this year with Emilia Pérez – the film’s campaign has been somewhat derailed by the recent scandal.
If Karla Sofía Gascón does pull off a shock win for best actress, she will be the first trans person to do so.
The musical she stars in is up against nine competitors including Wicked – in fact, it’s the first time there has been two musicals up for best picture since the 1969, when Funny Girl and Oliver! were both recognised.
And could Diane Warren finally win an Oscar for songwriting on her 16th – yes, 16th – attempt? She’s recognised this year for writing The Journey, from The Six Triple Eight.
Helen BushbyCulture reporter
Cillian Murphy was the first Irish-born winner of the best actor award
Cast your mind back 12 months – the Barbenheimer viral trend had already peaked, when thousands of fans booked to see both Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day.
The phenomenon undoubtedly breathed new life into last year’s film awards, attracting attention from fans of both films.
But in the end, Oppenheimer triumphedwith seven Oscar wins, including best picture, director, actor and supporting actor.
Barbie, 2023’s highest-grossing film, won only one of the eight prizes it was nominated for – best original song for What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish.
Poor Things won four, including best actress for Emma Stone, and The Zone of Interest won two awards, including best international film.
Helen BushbyCulture reporter
This age-old question is definitely less clear-cut than last year, when of course Oppenheimer was the stand-out.
Of the 10 nominees for best picture, it’s looking like Anora, Conclave or The Brutalist could win, although the Oscars known for surprises.
It doesn’t look like a single film will claim the lion’s share – Emilia Pérez has the most nominations, but the discovery of historic offensive tweets by lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón has caused caused significant fallout for its Oscars campaign.
The acting categories look pretty clear cut – Adrien Brody is a favourite to win best actor for The Brutalist, although Timothée Chalamet is one to watch for A Complete Unknown…best supporting actress is very likely to be won by Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez.
Best supporting actor is almost certainly going to be Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain, so the category all eyes will be on is best actress – The Substance’s Demi Moore and Anora’s Mikey Madison are both in hot contention for the prize. Popcorn to the ready!
Hello and welcome to our live coverage the Oscars.
Stars are about to hit the red carpet at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the 97th Academy Awards ceremony – Hollywood’s night of nights. The main action on the red carpet begins about an hour from now, but we’re already seeing some celebrities.
The ceremony – which will be hosted by legendary talk show host Conan O’Brien – is still a few hours away. That’s due to kick off at 7:00 ET(00:00 GMT).
Netflix musical Emilia Pérez leads the awards with 13 nominations, with Wicked also among the top contenders.
But in the meantime, stick with us as we give you the lowdown on all the favourites, and bring you the latest from the red carpet.
