As the 96th Academy Awards approach, anticipation is building in Hollywood, with the red carpet rolled out and preparations underway for Sunday’s ceremony. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel for the fourth time, the Oscars promise a star-studded night celebrating outstanding achievements in cinema.
This year’s nominees include notable films such as “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” contributing to what producers describe as a phenomenal year for movies. Executive producer Molly McNearney expressed excitement, highlighting the familiarity of the nominated films for the home audience.
Having had more time to plan due to early hiring, producers aim to create an evening focused on humor and genuine connections. Kimmel will kick off the show with a 10-minute monologue, and the emphasis is on jokes over elaborate comedy bits.
The producers hope for memorable speeches and connections between presenters and nominees, fostering a sense of inclusivity and engagement. With last year’s success in comebacks and underdog stories, they are optimistic about creating scenarios that resonate with the audience.
Live performances of Oscar-nominated original songs, including Ryan Gosling singing “I’m Just Ken,” are expected to be highlights. The stage has been redesigned to accommodate a 42-member orchestra, enhancing the viewing experience.
Showrunner Raj Kapoor teased surprises, cameos, and a thoughtfully crafted In Memoriam sequence. The team aims to provide entertainment while focusing on storytelling and connection.
Despite the global interest in live events, the producers urge viewers to note that the broadcast begins an hour earlier than usual at 7 p.m. EDT, coinciding with the start of daylight saving time. They hope the Oscars continue to be a cultural moment that brings audiences together for a shared viewing experience.
The 96th Oscars, set to captivate audiences, will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 10, with the pre-show starting at 6:30 p.m. EDT.