The Oscars fever is in full swing now with the award ceremony kickstarting soon in the wee hours of the morning according to Indian Standard Time. So, here's all that is going down
Mumbai: The 91st Academy Awards kick off in a few hours in California and movie buffs from across the world are already rooting for their favourite flicks. This time the ceremony will be held without an official host, a first in 30 years. With growing concerns about fallen TV ratings and surveys pointing out that the viewers do not prefer the long-drawn ceremonies, here's what can be expected:
Stream it in India
In India, the live telecast will begin at 6:30 am IST on February 25 while the red carpet coverage will be live-streamed on Twitter at 5.30 am. In India, Oscars 2019 will be broadcast on Star Movies, Star Movies HD, and Star Movies Select HD. If you want a live stream, go watch on Hotstar.
Unlikely nominations
Netflix makes an appearance in the nominees' list with Roma, a first for the production house and online streaming giant. In another first, Marvel’s Black Panther is also nominated for Best Picture, making it the first Disney Movie in Oscar’s 91-year history to be in the final nomination list. A biographic telling of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody, is also in the running.
Also read: Bohemian Rhapsody: 9 things to know about Farrokh Bulsara aka Freddie Mercury
Indian entries
While Black Panther, Vice, Roma, Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star Is Born are among the top contenders, this edition will be a no-show for Indian cinemas. Rima Das' much-acclaimed Assamese film Village Rockstars did not crack the initial shortlist but the story of the real Padman, Arunachalam Muruganathan, Period. End of Sentence is nominated in the Documentary Short Subject category.
Bring out the entertainers
Without an official host, the ceremony is relying heavily on a star-studded entertainers' list to up the drama. Singers Jennifer Hudson, Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper will be performing this year’s nominated songs. The British band Queen will be opening the Academy awards with singer Adam Lambert as the lead vocalist.
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