What to expect from the Oscars this Sunday
Hollywood's biggest night is almost here, and here's what's in store for the Oscars this Sunday.
Of course everyone's eager to hear exactly how host Chris Rock will skewer the celebrity attendees and Hollywood in general -- he's expected to make jokes about the #OscarsSoWhite controversy and Sean Penn's interview with Mexican drug lord El Chapo -- but he's not the only one who will be vying for laughs and attention during the telecast.
The producers of this year's Academy Awards have teased a dizzying array of presenters and performers, including previous winners, current nominees, comics and social media favorites. Viewers can expect that whatever happens, young "Room" star Jacob Tremblay will likely steal the show.
While there has been plenty of criticism and outcry about a lack of diversity in the pool of nominees this year, the list of presenters suggests an effort to not make the same mistake with who's on stage Sunday night. Notable presenters will include Morgan Freeman, John Legend, Common, Louis Gossett, Jr., Kevin Hart, Quincy Jones, Michael B. Jordan, Kerry Washington and Whoopi Goldberg.
Other presenters at the overcrowded ceremony will include J.J. Abrams, Sacha Baron Cohen, Henry Cavill, Patricia Arquette, Cate Blanchett, Emily Blunt, Louis C.K., Steve Carell, Russell Crowe, Chris Evans, Tina Fey, Ryan Gosling, Jennifer Garner, Abraham Attah, Priyanka Chopra, Jared Leto, Rachel McAdams, Julianne Moore, Olivia Munn, Benicio del Toro, Dev Patel, Eddie Redmayne, Daisy Ridley, Sofia Vergara, Margot Robbie, Jason Segel, Byung-hun Lee, Andy Serkis, Sarah Silverman, J.K. Simmons, Charlize Theron and Reese Witherspoon.
It's a wonder Rock will have any time to do anything at the ceremony besides his opening monologue.
The list of on-stage talent isn't without its own controversy, though, as the producers have decided to not allot time for performances of all five Best Song nominees.
While Lady Gaga, the Weeknd and Sam Smith will be gracing the stage, nominated singers Anohni and Sumi Jo won't be. Dave Grohl, though not nominated for an Oscar, will be performing, however. The move has prompted Anohni to boycott the ceremony, she explained on her website.
The Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 28 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Who do think will take home the gold? Vote in our Oscar polls!