The 96th Academy Awards are upon us and they come with a number of changes, surprises, and controversies. The first thing to note is that the event will start an hour earlier than usual, at 7:00 p.m. ET, in a bid to keep audiences engaged until the final awards are announced. To some, this might be a refreshing change; to others, another sign of the Oscars’ desperate attempts to retain relevance in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
But the biggest controversy this year isn’t about the show’s start time. It’s about the Oscars’ glaring omission of the year’s biggest film: Barbie. Despite its box office success and critical acclaim, Barbie failed to secure nominations for Best Picture and Best Director. This snub has left many film-goers and industry insiders perplexed and upset, casting a cloud over this year’s ceremony.
Who’s Hosting the 2024 Academy Awards?
With the controversies aside, let’s look at this year’s host: ABC favorite, Jimmy Kimmel. This will be Kimmel’s fourth time hosting since 2017, and his second consecutive year. Kimmel now joins an esteemed club of repeat hosts, including Whoopi Goldberg, Jack Lemmon, and Billy Crystal. But he still has a long way to go to match the record of Bob Hope, who hosted the Academy Awards an impressive 19 times.
Where to Watch the 2024 Academy Awards?
ABC is the official broadcaster of this year’s Oscars. But if you don’t have cable or satellite subscription, there are several other ways to watch the awards. One option is to use a good HD antenna to capture the broadcast over the air, which only requires a one-time equipment purchase. If you prefer to stream the event online, there are plenty of options too. From Disney+ to Hulu with Live TV, YouTubeTV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo TV, there’s a service for every budget and preference.
It’s also worth noting that the traditional red carpet is back this year, after being replaced by a champagne-hued one last year. The “Oscars Red Carpet Show” will start at 6:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with E! providing coverage of the arrivals from 4:00 p.m. ET.
Final Thoughts
Ahead of the event, it’s clear that the Oscars are trying to evolve to keep up with the times. But whether these changes will be enough to appease disgruntled film-goers and boost ratings remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: Tonight’s the night the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences learns just how angry people are about the Barbie snubs and how much they value the Oscars’ recognition.
For more insights into the world of cinema, check out IndieWire, a trusted source for independent film and TV news and reviews.
And remember, the Oscars are more than just an awards show. They’re a celebration of cinema, a showcase of the industry’s finest talents, and a reflection of our times. So, whether you’re rooting for your favorite film or simply watching for the fashion, enjoy the show!
