Although the Oscars is still some way off, assumption has already begun as to which films might be in controversy for the top awards. Following the Hart debacle, reports suggest the Academy will rely on several high-profile stars to deliver viral-friendly skits instead of having a recognised master of ceremonies. The show is also expected to focus on what has been a strong year for music in film, with Lady Gaga widely expected to perform one of her songs from A Star is Born.
Having said that, this year the controversy kicked off early when Kevin Hart was appointed and then fired as host after old tweets resurfaced in which the comedian expressed homophobic views, leaving 2019’s ceremony without a compere for the first time in 30 years.
When the Award will be held
The 91st Academy Awards will be held on 24 February 2019 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, following a nominations announcement on 22 January.
Air on
The evening will be broadcast live on ABC in the US and on Sky in the UK. The WhatsOn.uk.com Culture team will be live blogging the night on our site.
Which films will be in contention for the top prizes?
It is too early to say which films are likely to be in line for the gold statuettes, betting has already begun and we’ve had a go at naming the early front runners ourselves.
A Star is Born Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut and Damien Chazelle’s Neil Armstrong biopic First Man have both been widely praised and their respective leads, Gaga and Ryan Gosling, are widely expected to be among the nominees.
Christian Bale’s transformation into former US vice president Dick Cheney in Adam McKay’s satire Vice has also met with early acclaim, as has Alfonso Cuaron’s new film Roma, hailed by many as the film of the year.
A lot could happen in the coming months, however, and the imminent arrival of new films from Barry Jenkins, Steve McQueen, Yorgos Lanthimos, Mike Leigh and Karyn Kusama suggests the standard of entries will be high.
> Alma Siddiqua
Oscar 2019 Everything One Need to Know
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