The Academy Awards, the annual celebration of cinema with a red carpet, take place on Sunday.
Here are five things to watch during the ceremony, which will be broadcast live in the United States on ABC.
Changes in television
After poor ratings last year, producers are trying new ways to increase viewership. For the first time, the hosting duties will be shared by three women: comedians Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes.
In another twist, the results of a Twitter poll on favorite movie and scene will be revealed.
The winners of eight categories, including production design and sound, will be announced before the live broadcast begins. His speeches will be edited on the broadcast, a move to help wrap up the festivities in three hours.
battle of streaming
No streaming service has ever won the highest award in the film industry, the statuette for best film. If awards watchers are correct, this is likely to change on Sunday.
Most see a two-way race between online video pioneer Netflix Inc and Apple TV+, the iPhone maker’s streaming service. Netflix’s gothic western “The Power of the Dog” earned 12 nominations, more than any other film.
But Apple’s “CODA,” about a deaf family with a hearing daughter who wants to pursue music, gained momentum with wins at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Producers Guild Awards.
Face to face of directors
Jane Campion could become the third woman in the 94-year history of the Oscars to win best direction, for “The Power of the Dog.”
She is the only woman to have been nominated in the category twice. Campion received her first nomination for the 1993 film “The Piano,” but she lost out to Steven Spielberg and “Schindler’s List.”
Spielberg, meanwhile, returns to compete this year with “West Side Story.” A victory for Campion would mean a consecutive win for the women, after “Nomadland” director Chloe Zhao took the trophy last year.
time for ukraine
Although the general mood of the show is meant to be one of celebration, the broadcast will acknowledge Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Producers say they want to offer an escape from the world’s problems, but also feel they must acknowledge the turmoil.
“You can’t go into a show like this without being aware of it and finding a way to respectfully acknowledge where we’re at,” said producer Will Packer.
The most unpredictable race
Any of the five best actress hopefuls could win the statuette, award experts say.
Some give Jessica Chastain an edge for her portrayal of TV evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Kristen Stewart, known for playing lovestruck vampire Bella in the “Twilight” saga, is also on her list for her portrayal of Princess Diana in “Spencer.”
The two are competing with Penelope Cruz for the Spanish-language film “Madres Parallels”, with Nicole Kidman’s interpretation of Lucille Ball in “Ser los Ricardos” and with Olivia Colman for “La hija negra”. These last three actresses already have an Oscar.
