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SHOW SHAKEUP
After record-low TV ratings last year, producers are testing new
ways to try and boost viewership. For the first time, hosting
duties will be shared by three women: comedians Amy Schumer,
Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes. In another twist, results of a
Twitter poll of favorite movie and scene will be revealed.
Winners of eight categories including production design and
sound will be announced before the live telecast starts. Their
speeches will be edited into the broadcast, a move to help wrap
up the festivities within three hours.
STREAMING BATTLE
No streaming service has ever won the film industry's top prize,
the best picture statuette. That is likely to change on Sunday,
if awards watchers are correct. Most see a two-way race between
online video pioneer Netflix Inc and Apple TV+, the streaming
service run by the iPhone maker. Netflix's gothic Western "The
Power of the Dog" landed 12 nominations, more than any other
film. But Apple's "CODA," about a deaf family with a hearing
daughter who wants to pursue a career in music, gained momentum
with wins at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Producers
Guild Awards.
DIRECTOR FACE-OFF
Jane Campion could become the third woman in the Oscars'
94-year-history to win best director, for "Power of the Dog."
She is the only woman to have been nominated in the category
twice. Campion received her first nod for the 1993 film "The
Piano," but lost out to Steven Spielberg and "Schindler's List."
Spielberg is competing again this year with "West Side Story." A
Campion win would make for back-to-back victories for women,
after "Nomadland" director Chloe Zhao took the trophy last year.
MOMENT FOR UKRAINE
While the show's overall mood is meant to be celebratory, the
telecast will acknowledge Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Producers say they want to offer an escape from the world's
troubles but also feel they need to recognize the turmoil. "You
don’t go into a show like this and not be aware of that and not
find a way to respectfully acknowledge where we are," producer
Will Packer said.
MOST UNPREDICTABLE RACE
Any of the five contenders for best actress could win the
statuette, awards experts say. Some give the edge to Jessica
Chastain for her portrayal of TV evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker.
Kristen Stewart, known for playing lovestruck vampire Bella in
the "Twilight" saga, also is in the mix for her portrayal of
Princess Diana in "Spencer."
The two are competing against Penelope Cruz for Spanish-language
film "Parallel Mothers," Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Lucille
Ball in "Being the Ricardos," and Olivia Colman for "The Lost
Daughter." The latter three actresses already have an Oscar.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Chris Reese)
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