"Oppenheimer" Anticipated to Dominate Oscars

The biopic "Oppenheimer" is favored to sweep at the Oscars this Sunday, potentially outshining "Barbie" during the 96th Academy Awards.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film could mark a triumphant night. Starting an hour earlier at 7 p.m. EDT on ABC due to daylight saving time, the ceremony will see Jimmy Kimmel host and past winners present awards.

The event will also be colored by current events, with anticipated protests regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict and Ukraine war, amidst the backdrop of the U.S. presidential election. The film industry itself faces challenges, grappling with strikes and the rise of streaming.

The Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC, with a red-carpet preshow at 6:30 p.m. EDT and streaming options available through various platforms such as Hulu Live TV and YouTube.

This year's telecast features a unique presentation of acting awards by five past winners and an all-star lineup of presenters, including Zendaya and Steven Spielberg. Additionally, all best original song nominees will perform, including Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell's "What Was I Made For" from "Barbie."

"Oppenheimer" is tipped for Best Picture, with Christopher Nolan and actors Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy favored for their respective categories. The best actress race remains competitive, with Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone as top contenders. "Barbie," despite its box office success, may take a backseat in the awards.

Supporting actress, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, is also expected to win for "The Holdovers." Composer John Williams and "Godzilla Minus One" are among the notable nominees, and for the first time, two non-English films are up for best picture.

"Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" are part of a trend where blockbuster contenders potentially boost Oscar viewership, following a 12% increase from the previous year's telecast.