Hollywoods Glamour für die Oscar-Nacht, ohne jede Einschränkung
By Lisa Richwine
LOS ANGELES, Mar 27 (Reuters) – The gothic-tinged western „The Power of the Dog“ competes on Sunday with family drama „CODA“ for the U.S. film industry’s top honor, which has released pandemic restrictions and will allow a crowd to flock to Hollywood for the Academy Awards.
The two films are the favorites for the Best Picture award in a red carpet ceremony that portends some changes in the industry. One of them is that a win for either film would mark a milestone in handing a statuette to a streaming service.
Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) released „The Power of the Dog,“ while „CODA“ streamed on Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) TV+.
After complaints in the past about too little diversity, two of the four acting accolades may go to people of color. Will Smith will likely win his first Oscar for „King Richard,“ according to awards analysts, just as Ariana DeBose could take home a statuette for her role in the remake of „Love Without Barriers.“
Comedians Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda (HK:3699) Sykes will host, in the first time three women have hosted the ceremony in its 94-year history. Beyonce and Billie Eilish will perform on the show.
In a bid to attract more viewers, especially young people, after years of falling ratings, the three-hour show, which will begin at 08:00 US Eastern Time (0000 GMT). It will also add two awards: the result of fan voting on Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) for Best Picture and Favorite Scene.
The ceremony, which will be broadcast live on Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) Co’s ABC Channel, will also make references to and showcase its support for Ukraine. Producers want the show to be a celebration, but said they could not ignore a conflict of such magnitude.
In the Best Picture race, success depends on whether the 9,000 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences back a gothic thriller or inspirational story.
„Experts have always said you never know who’s going to win,“ said People magazine film editor Nigel Smith. „This year, that seems to be the case,“ he added.
„The Power of the Dog,“ starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a repressed cowboy tormenting his brother’s wife, topped all other films with 12 nominations. It was considered the favorite until „CODA“ won the Screen Actors Guild and Producers Guild awards.
„CODA“ tells the story of a young girl who performs for her deaf family but longs to pursue a career in music. CODA is an acronym for „child of deaf adults.“
„I haven’t really talked to anyone who doesn’t like ‚CODA,'“ Smith said.
Ein traditionelles Hollywood-Studio könnte für eine Überraschung sorgen. Preisjournalisten tippen auf Kenneth Branaghs „Belfast“, einen Film, der von seiner Kindheit in Nordirland zu Beginn des als „The Troubles“ bekannten Sektenkonflikts inspiriert ist, oder auf Steven Spielbergs Neuverfilmung von „Love Without Barriers“.
King Richard“-Star Smith ist der Favorit auf den Preis für den besten Schauspieler, weil er den entschlossenen Vater der Tennislegenden Venus und Serena Williams spielt. Zu seinen Konkurrenten gehören Cumberbatch und Andrew Garfield für das Musical „Tick, Tick … Bumm!“.
Die Kategorie Beste Schauspielerin ist unberechenbarer. Viele Experten gehen davon aus, dass Jessica Chastain mit ihrer Darstellung der TV-Evangelistin Tammy Faye Bakker gewinnen wird, andere setzen auf Kristen Stewarts Darstellung der Prinzessin Diana in „Spencer“.
Die früheren Oscar-Preisträgerinnen Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz und Olivia Colman sind ebenfalls im Rennen um den Preis für die beste Schauspielerin.