Oscars 2022 Preview: Five big questions before Sunday’s awards

The Academy Awards have always appreciated a good comeback tale. This year’s Oscars are seeking to star in one as well.

The Academy Awards will attempt to recover from a 2021 ceremony marred by pandemic restrictions, a bungled ending, and record-low ratings on Sunday. The 94th Academy Awards will be televised live on ABC commencing at 8 pm EDT from their traditional venue, Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. With provider authentication, it is also possible to stream it live on services such as Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, and ABC.com.

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How much of the Oscars’ decline can be attributed to COVID-19? How much of it has become the new normal? These are just a few of the questions that loom over the Academy Awards, one of America’s most lasting pop-culture traditions and the most-watched yearly broadcast outside of the Super Bowl.

Can the Will Packer-produced awards overcome the pandemic, reverse years of dwindling network TV award show ratings, and unite a big-tent event for a rapidly changing cinema landscape? Many in the industry have been dubious in the long run-up to the springtime Oscars. Which brings us to the first of five questions for the show.

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Will The Latest Oscar Makeover Be Sequential?

The main storyline coming into Sunday is centred on a show that has been significantly retooled in order to arrest the ratings slump. As if to compensate for numerous years without a host, there are three this time: Amy Schumer, Regina Hall, and Wanda Sykes. Will their combined star power make a difference?

Under pressure from ABC, the academy will also present eight categories – production design, editing, sound, soundtrack, makeup and hairstyling, and three short film prizes — prior to the ceremony. Clips from their victories and speeches will be incorporated into the presentation. However, critics from throughout the business have stepped up to condemn the change. The IATSE, the largest union representing behind-the-scenes employees, condemned the decision on Monday as undermining the Oscars’ “fundamental purpose.”

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So, what will Packer do with his free time? Beyoncé and Billie Eilish will perform the tracks for which they have been nominated. An unusual lineup of presenters has also been announced, including some unexpected names like DJ Khaled, Tony Hawk, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Shaun White – so this may be the year Judi Dench learns how to do a “McTwist.” ”

Will A Streamer Win The Best Picture?

The two frontrunners are both from streaming services, none of which has ever won best picture. The main nominee, Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog,” which was nominated for 12 prizes, had long been considered the favourite, and Netflix’s greatest chance ever to win Hollywood’s highest prize.

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However, with consecutive wins from the Screen Actors Guild and the Producers Guild, Sian Heder’s deaf family drama “CODA” may have the upper hand. Apple TV+, the film’s deep-pocketed backer, has spent big to propel a feel-good underdog movie to the front of the pack. If “CODA” wins, it will be the first time a film with fewer than four nominations (“CODA” has three) has won best picture since 1932’s “Grand Hotel.” Some forecasts have been well off this year, so other nominees, such as Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast,” could still pull off an upset.

How Much Will Covid Impact The Party?

The Oscars decamped to Union Station last year for an intimate presentation with a small number of spectators and a lot of social separation. A full stage presentation and red carpet are planned for this year, but with varying COVID-19 protocols.

Attendees must present two negative tests as well as evidence of vaccination. Those presenting or performing do not need to be vaccinated, but they must have recently had negative testing. Masks will also be used for attendees sitting outside the orchestra at the Dolby, as well as media on the red carpet.

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After multiple participants acquired the illness after attending the BAFTAs on March 13 in London, several nominees, including Branagh and “Belfast” co-star Ciarán Hinds, have been quarantined. With infection and hospitalisation rates at an all-time low, Los Angeles County plans to relax several virus restrictions for indoor events on April 1, five days after the Academy Awards.

Could Will Smith Win An Oscar For The First Time?

Will Smith, who has been nominated twice for best actor (for “Ali” and “The Pursuit of Happiness”), considered to be a lock to win his first Academy Award. Smith’s portrayal of Richard Williams, Venus and Serena’s father, in “King Richard” has been the most likely pick throughout the season.

The enthusiastic 53-year-old star’s speech should be one of the most entertaining of the evening. A victory, though, will have to come against some stiff opposition, including the actor who outperformed Smith’s “Ali” performance 20 years ago: Denzel Washington, a winner for “Training Day” at the time, is now a threat for “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”

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Who Is Going To Make History?

Many of the top awards could mark significant anniversaries. Ari Wegner, cinematographer for “The Power of Dog,” could be the first woman to win the honour. Jane Campion, her director, is also on track to create history. Campion, the first woman to be nominated twice for best director, is on track to become only the third woman to win the award. It would be the first time the directing award has gone to a woman in back-to-back years, following “Nomadland” director Chloé Zhao’s win last year.

Troy Kotsur of “CODA” is set to become the first deaf male actor to win an Academy Award. If he wins, he and his “CODA” co-star Marlee Matlin will be the only deaf actors to win Academy Awards.

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And the category of supporting actress, which Ariana DeBose appears to have won for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” may see the first Afro-Latina and openly LGBTQ performer win. A win for DeBose would mark the 60th anniversary of Rita Moreno’s win for the same part, Anita, in the 1961 original. This would be the third time two actors have won for the same part, following Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker and Marlon Brando and Robert DeNiro as Vito Corleone. But we’ll have to see if DeBose’s “West Side Story” co-star Rachel Zegler is there to support her.