The 82nd annual Academy Awards, arguably Hollywood’s biggest night, is scheduled to begin tonight at 8 pm on ABC. In an effort to increase ratings, the Oscars are rolling out some changes that are aimed to bring in a wider audience. For the first time in decades, the Academy Awards will feature 10 Best Picture nominees, instead of the usual five. Musical performances from movies will be eliminated, due to time constraints. Young celebrities, such as Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner, will be presenting at the show, with the hopes of bringing in the younger crowd. Hosts Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are sure to provide laughs, but the focus will be on the individuals and films that will be honored.
“Avatar” and “The Hurt Locker” each received 9 nominations, including Best Picture. Ex-spouses James Cameron, of “Avatar,” and Kathryn Bigelow, of “The Hurt Locker,” are vying against each other in the Best Director category, where Bigelow is hoping to become the first female winner in the category. Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”) and Meryl Streep (“Julie and Julia”), the reported favorites in the Best Actress category, are facing off in what could be the closest race of the evening. Regardless of who wins in their respective categories, the best films and individuals of the year will get their due.
-Best Picture
Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker – WINNER
Inglourious Basterds
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air
-Best Director
James Cameron, Avatar
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker – WINNER
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
Lee Daniels, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air
-Best Actress in a Leading Role
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side – WINNER
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia
-Best Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart – WINNER
George Clooney, Up in the Air
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Morgan Freeman, Invictus
Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker
