LOS ANGELES (AP) — “I’m Just Ken” is a tough act to comply with.
Final yr’s Oscars was by all accounts a profitable present, with memorable performances and unscripted moments (thanks partially to Emma Stone’s costume), and a profitable film that most individuals had seen. However the workforce behind final yr’s present is “aiming for the stars” as soon as extra.
“We’re feeling the pressure,” mentioned Oscars government producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor. “But we’re not ones to rest on our laurels. We always want to push the envelope.”
With simply days to go till the three-and-a-half hour stay broadcast, airing on ABC and streaming stay on Hulu Sunday, March 2, the workforce behind the present gave The Related Press a bit perception into what to anticipate.
“We want people when they watch the Oscars to be inspired by the films but also be inspired by the broadcast and feel something like it’s a show that you can watch with your friends and your family and debate on who should have won and who is winning,” Kapoor mentioned. “We want people to have all the feels when they watch the show.”
Conan O’Brien has some surprises in retailer
One of many main issues that the producers are enthusiastic about this yr is their first-time host, Conan O’Brien.
“That alone brings this fresh, invigorated energy,” Kapoor mentioned. O’Brien, he mentioned, has been a “wealth of ideas and imagination” since he accepted the gig and that he and his workforce are going to maintain writing up till the present — and as a veteran of stay tv, he is expert at in-the-moment improvisation as effectively.
“He is going to be this great, exciting, warm hug and guide us through the night,” mentioned Oscars government producer Katy Mullan. “He’s got some surprises up his sleeve, which is fantastic because we love to keep people guessing.”
There’ll nonetheless be performances
The Oscars this yr determined to nix performances of the unique songs, however there’ll nonetheless be some large names gracing the stage together with “Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo — although they’re staying mum on whether or not any gravity will likely be defied in that efficiency.
“We’ve been talking for months,” Kapoor mentioned. “And it’s a moment that’s been very special.”
Lisa of Blackpink and Doja Cat will even be a part of the printed, and the producers promised a musical second that may honor Los Angeles and filmmaking in Hollywood.
How will the present deal with the wildfires?
The wildfires, Mullan mentioned, will likely be acknowledged within the present.
“The Grammys did an incredible job with their show and how it was treated,” Mullan mentioned. “Our present being a month after that and Conan having been affected himself, we’re simply wanting on the proper approach to calibrate it in order that it looks like the proper present for March 2 — that we do acknowledge it and replicate on it but additionally enable folks the prospect to step on that stage and have their second and rejoice their expertise.”
A brand new spin on the ‘fab five’
Final yr the Oscars made a second out of what’s normally only a checklist of names by inviting previous Oscar appearing winners to talk about every of the nominees earlier than the winner was learn. This yr it is again, however developed. It received’t be the actors this time, however a few of the different classes that “maybe don’t normally get the spotlight on the Oscar stage,” Mullan mentioned.
She added: “Our theme is all about collaboration and the alchemy of filmmaking and really taking a look behind the scenes and understanding a bit more of the interconnectedness of how a film comes together.”
What should you haven’t watched all the films?
First, Mullan mentioned, it’s solely Wednesday — there’s nonetheless time to catch the various group of 10 greatest image nominees earlier than Sunday should you actually strive. However don’t fret should you’ve solely seen just a few. The present may very well be a discovery occasion.
“If you love the movies, like come to the Oscars and maybe you’ll discover things that you actually have not seen yet but will want to,” Kapoor mentioned. “Hopefully you’ll fall in love even with a few pictures while watching the show.”
Additionally? It is simply filled with main stars.
“We’ve acquired some reunions that I believe will hit folks within the coronary heart,” Mullan mentioned.
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For extra protection of this yr’s Oscars, go to: https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards
