The 98th Academy Awards: A Night of Anticipation and Prestige
All the predictions, drama, and pageantry of Hollywood’s biggest night will play out at the Dolby Theatre this afternoon as the 98th Academy Awards get underway. This annual event, synonymous with glitz and glamour, showcases the best in film while gathering stars, filmmakers, and fans from around the world.
A Record-Breaking Contender: “Sinners”
Among the heavy hitters this year is Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, which boasts an impressive 16 nominations, breaking the previous record. The stakes are high: how many of these will translate into golden statuettes? Critics are keenly watching whether Coogler himself will take home the coveted Best Director award. Some, however, remain skeptical; one critic confidently remarks, “no.”
As anticipation builds, our entertainment team is working tirelessly, producing features, previews, explainers, and predictions surrounding this monumental night.
How and When to Watch
If you’re looking to participate in the magic of the ceremony, the Oscars will start at 4 p.m. Pacific Time and will air on ABC. For those who prefer streaming, viewers can log in to the ABC app or their online platform at abc.com. Additionally, the event will be available on popular streaming services like Hulu, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV. International audiences can catch the ceremony in more than 200 territories—check local listings for specific broadcasting details in your area.
Red Carpet Coverage
The glitz doesn’t begin with the awards; it starts on the red carpet. This year, Chicken Shop Date host, Amelia Dimoldenberg, will return as the social media ambassador and correspondent for the official red carpet coverage, beginning at 3:30 p.m. on ABC and Hulu. For fans craving more, E! will kick off their red carpet broadcast as early as 1 p.m., followed by ABC’s coverage starting at 12:30 p.m. with “The Oscars Red Carpet Show”, hosted by Tamron Hall and Jesse Palmer.
The Buzz Surrounding “Sinners”
Heading into the show, Sinners is generating significant momentum. The film recently garnered positive attention after its stars, Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan, faced racial slurs during the BAFTAs. Their dignified response to the incident has sparked solidarity, propelling the film into the award conversation.
Although Sinners has dominated nominations, its visibility was initially eclipsed by Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller, One Battle After Another. With recent accolades, including wins for Lindo and Jordan at the Actor Awards on March 1, the film is now being discussed as a serious contender in the picture category, with Jordan potentially snagging the lead actor award.
Predictions and Speculations
Now comes the burning question—who will take home the Oscars? Our critic, Amy Nicholson, believes Sinners deserves to win Best Picture. She describes the film—a Jim Crow-era murder musical—as an essential critique of religion, art, and race, and praises its dynamic storytelling, filled with emotion and depth.
Meanwhile, Glenn Whipp acknowledges an intriguing rivalry between One Battle After Another and Sinners, labeling the scenario a “1A/1B” situation with Anderson’s epic enjoying a slight edge. However, the Oscars are often swayed by the narrative surrounding the films rather than merely their quality. Both movies have resonated culturally and have received accolades, contributing to a fascinating and competitive evening.
Closing Thoughts
The stage is set, the stars are poised to shine, and viewers eagerly await to see how the night unfolds. With performances, inspiring stories, and worthy contenders, this year’s Oscars promise to be a memorable showcase of cinematic artistry and celebration. Enjoy the show!
