Oscars: Buckley Favorite, Actor Race Wide Open

0:00On March 15th, here's the latest in global news. Hollywood stars are getting ready for the Oscars this Sunday night, marking an exciting award season with some categories too close to predict. The best picture race boils down to the political thriller, One Battle After Another, as the favorite and the vampire horror centers, which grabbed a record 16 nominations. Director Paul Thomas Anderson could finally snag his first Oscar for directing the frontrunner. Jesse Buckley from Ireland looks like a lock for Best Actress thanks to her work in Hamnet, dominating precursors all season. Best actor stays wide open though, with Michael B. Jordan gaining steam from centers after recent wins. Other contenders include Timothy Shalame, Wagner Mora, and Moore, making it anyone's game. Supporting races have been all over the place, with Sean Penn pulling ahead for One Battle After Another and supporting actor while supporting actress. Sees Teyana Taylor, One Me Mosaku, and Amy Madigan, all in the mix.

1:01Conan O'Brien returns as host after a hit show last year, joined by presenters like Nicole Kidman, Robert Downey Jr., and last year's winners. Only two original songs will perform. I lie to you from centers and Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters, both frontrunners aimed at younger crowds. Five best picture nominees also compete in the new cast and category with more changes like stunts coming in future years. Tune in on ITV in the UK starting at 10.15 pm, Greenwich Mean Time for Red carpet, ceremony at 11 pm. In the US, it kicks off at 4 pm Pacific time, or 7 pm Eastern on ABC, streamable on Hulu. Voting wrapped up early March, so late buzz won't sway things. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor. See the episode description. Do not just listen to the podcast. Get lost in them comfortably. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com