The Oscars are set to kick off in just hours.
Dozens of A-list stars will be heading to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to celebrate the biggest films of the past year. Despite the controversy surrounding one of its lead stars, Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez is leading the nominations this year, with a whopping 13 nominations. Elsewhere, the likes of Wicked, The Brutalist, Conclave and Anora are all facing stiff competition as they go against one another.
For the first time ever, an actor has been nominated for portraying the current U.S. president. Sebastian Stan has received a nod for best actor for his role as a young Donald Trump in "The Apprentice," alongside co-star Jeremy Strong, who is up for playing Roy Cohn.
Trump has slammed those involved with the film, branding them "human scum." With the Oscars set to take place amidst the early weeks of Trump's second term and just days after a tense encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, the atmosphere at this year's awards could be charged. Earlier in the week, host O'Brien commented on the challenge ahead: "I cannot ignore the moment we're in," he acknowledged.
"But I also have to remember it's threading a needle. I also have to remember what we're here to celebrate and infuse the show with positivity." Earlier this week, the Mirror revealed that just days before the event, workmen were racing around the clock to turn the theatre into what fans recognise for the Oscars.
Elton's sons to make red carpet debut
Elton John’s sons are set to make their red carpet debut tonight, it’s believed.
Journalists on the the red carpet have been given crib sheets with pictures of Zachary Furnish-John and Elijah Furnish-John. They take center stage on a six-page document detailing all the “attendees” of Elton John’s lavish AIDS Foundation Oscars party. They are included on the list including Chappell Roan, Machine Gun Kelly, Camilla Cabello and Elton himself.
'Good chance' Kamala Harris is attending awards
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is apparently set to attend the Oscars.
Currently, it is unknown whether she will be handing out an award. Onlookers have claimed that there has been a lockdown put in place around the Dolby Theatre as security has been beefed up.
A federal official told Deadline: "We live in a new evolving security environment. The expected attendance of the former vice president is a major factor in the added security." But an awards source said: "Not true," when quizzed over Harris' attendance.
Elton John's famous party ready for guests
The scene is set for Elton’s lavish bash with celebs expected including Steven Tyler, Jane Seymour, Machine Gun Kelly, Hozier, Camilla Cabello.
Elton John is expected to arrive later as he is up for an Oscar - so David Furnish is expected to do the majority of the press with the assembled media pack. There is a big buzz this year as Chappell Roan is set to perform, who is one one of the most high profile acts the party has seen for a long time. It comes after she missed the BRITs where she won an award - as she was in LA preparing for this show.
Oscars boss reveals why Amelia Dimoldenberg is presenting
Known for her witty chicken shop dates, Amelia Dimoldenberg often leaves people divided.
Having interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment, she's often at the top of event planners lists to have on the red carpet. Last year, Amelia interviewed a string of celebs on the red carpet and bosses have now revealed why they asked her back. With over two million followers on Instagram and 2.79 million YouTube subscribers, Amelia certainly knows how to attract audiences.
"Her lighthearted, humorous approach results in relatable, authentic moments," said Jennifer Davidson, the academy's head of marketing and communications. "Last year's content throughout Oscars season was so well received, it only made sense to ask her back for a second year."
Ketamine Queen's link to Oscars revealed
Jasveen Sangha lived just a short distance from the Dolby Theatre where the Oscars are taking place.
It was five miles away where she would get ready before heading to the iconic venue to rub shoulders with famous faces. This year, however, she was behind bars, awaiting trial on charges that she sold the ketamine that killed Friends star Matthew Perry. Sangha has denied conspiracy to distribute ketamine but, according to prosecutors, her alleged network was packed with A-listers.
OJ Olajuwon moved into the apartment block shortly after Jasveen's arrest and has opened up to the Mirror about what he's been told by neighbours.
Oscars to deliver 'surprises' and 'reunions'
Executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor told the Associated Press (AP) has teased that there will be heartfelt moments throughout the show.
Teasing that fans can enjoy the ceremony even if they haven't seen all of the films nominated, Raj said: "If you love the movies, like come to the Oscars and maybe you'll discover things that you actually have not seen yet but will want to. Hopefully you'll fall in love even with a few pictures while watching the show." Meanwhile, executive producer Katy Mullan added: "We've got some reunions that I think will hit people in the heart."
Who is hosting the Oscars this year?
Last year, it was announced that Conan O'Brien would be fronting the awards for the first time.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang said they felt "thrilled and honoured" that the "incomparable" O'Brien had accepted the role. Yang said Conan is the "perfect" choice because of his "brilliant humour, his love of movies, his live TV expertise, and remarkable ability to connect with audiences". The academy hoped Conan will draw viewers in to "honour the spectacular films and filmmakers of this year".
O'Brien is replacing Jimmy Kimmel who has hosted for the past two years.
Nominee Fernanda Torres' close bond with mum
Fernanda Torres is nominated for Best Actress tonight for her role in I'm Still Here.
But the Brazilian actress, has an extremely close relationship with her mother, who also shares the same name. When asked what the most significant thing Fernanda (the daughter) has learned from her mother, Torres answered it was "to be an independent artist". She went on to explaining, saying: "Choose your own material, chase your own material and decide what you’re going to do next. Do not wait".
Thrown into chaos just days before
Just days before celebs walk the red carpet, workmen had their work cut out.
On Thursday, the Dolby Theatre was a chaotic mess as labourers had to fill in holes in the floor, as well as patching up the walls inside the red carpet.
The red carpet is actually laid down on a less than salubrious side-street attached to a parking lot. Is is then covered with a temporarily structure which comes down again the day after the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre.
What time do the Oscars start?
The Oscars are kicking off at 7pm, Eastern Time, which is midnight in the UK.
The awards are being livestreamed on Hulu, as well as YouTubeTV. But, ITV have once again obtained the rights for the ceremony and will be airing it across the UK on ITV1 and ITVX from 10.30pm.
Jonathan Ross will be fronting the UK's coverage alongside several famous faces, while Ross King will be on the red carpet.
Comments
Leave a Comment