The Academy Awards, now officially known as the Oscars, are one of the most famous award shows known in the film industry. Rewarding artistic and technical merit, they are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (AMPAS). It is the oldest global entertainment awards ceremony, having amassed almost 19 million viewers at the 95^th Oscars in 2023. 

With the 1^st Academy Awards held in 1929, the second ceremony in 1930 was the first to be broadcasted by radio and the 1953 ceremony was the first one televised. It is a part of the oldest of four annual American awards, grouped with the Emmy Awards for television, the Tony Awards for Theatre, and the Grammy Awards for music – all of which are modelled from the Academy Awards.

The Ceremony

The 96^th Oscars will be held on the 10^th of March 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California and will air live on ABC starting at 7:00 pm (an hour earlier than usual), honouring the highest-rated movies from 2023. It will also be Jimmy Kimmel’s fourth time hosting the ceremony following the 2017, 2018 and 2023 Oscars.

Comedian and broadcaster Amelia Dimoldenberg, renowned for her YouTube series Chicken Shop Date, has been announced as the red-carpet correspondent and social media ambassador. This will involve participating in an Academy video production with the nominees and an ‘Oscars 96 Behind the Scenes Tour”.

Performances

Official performances for the 96^th Oscars have yet to be confirmed. However, with Billie Eilish and FINNEAS’ Academy Awards nomination of “What Was I Made For?” for Best Music (Original Song), it has been rumoured that Billie may perform the hit song from Barbie. Some fans have also had their fingers crossed for a performance by Ryan Gosling of “I’m Just Ken” also thanks to its nomination for Best Music (Original Song).

What’s Changed?

2024 will be the first year where the diversity rules for Best Picture have become mandatory. After 2020, the academy established a set of “representation and inclusion standards” that a film would requirein order to compete in the category. This includes on-screen representation of themes and narratives, audience development and industry access and opportunities.

While there have been complaints about nomination snubs such as Greta Gerwig losing out on a Best Director nomination for Barbie, along with a lack of nominations for Best Actress for Margot Robbie and Supporting Actress for America Ferrera. As well as,Fantasia Barrino inThe Colour Purple and Greta Lee inPast Lives losing out on Best Actress. Thus showing the Oscars still has a long way to go for some more diverse, female inclusion. This new mandatory rule of diversity is a clear step in the right direction.

Don’t forget to tune in on the 10^th of March to uncover the newest awarded actors and film creators, as well as unmissable live performances. Any film buff will be sad to miss it. Happy watching!