The anticipation is palpable as Hollywood gears up to reveal the year’s top film at the prestigious Oscars ceremony. The two leading contenders, “Anora” and “Conclave,” are poised for a fierce competition on Sunday night.
The red carpet is rolled out, the champagne is chilling, and the star-studded event is about to kick off. The 97th Academy Awards gala, emceed by the charismatic Conan O’Brien, is set to commence at 4:00 pm to wrap up a tumultuous awards season marked by controversy and tragedy.
With both films vying for the coveted best picture award, the race is too close to call. As celebrities make last-minute adjustments to their attire, the tension in the air is palpable. According to Jacqueline Coley, the awards editor at Rotten Tomatoes, the battle between “Conclave” and “Anora” is neck-and-neck. The Hollywood Reporter’s awards expert, Scott Feinberg, echoes this sentiment, describing the competition as a nail-biter.
“Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, follows the story of a New York stripper who enters into a tumultuous marriage with a wealthy Russian businessman. The film, which clinched the Palme d’Or at Cannes, has garnered critical acclaim and accolades from industry insiders.
On the other hand, “Conclave,” a gripping tale about the secretive election of a new Catholic leader, has gained momentum in recent weeks. Starring Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini, the film has received accolades from the British BAFTAs and the Screen Actors Guild.
The Oscars ceremony is not without its surprises. “The Brutalist,” a dark horse contender centered around a Jewish architect fleeing post-WWII Hungary, has caught the attention of voters. Adrien Brody, who plays the lead role, is a frontrunner for the best actor award, aiming to join the elite ranks of double Oscar winners.
As the night unfolds, viewers can expect a mix of emotions and tributes. The ceremony will honor the firefighters who battled the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year. Musical performances from “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are set to captivate audiences and boost viewership ratings.
For the first time, the event will be livestreamed on Hulu, ABC, and across 200 countries worldwide. As Hollywood’s finest gather to celebrate cinematic excellence, all eyes are on the stage, waiting to see which film will emerge victorious as the best picture of the year.
