Oscars Countdown: Celebrities Arrive, Red Carpet Preparations Intensify
As the Oscars ceremony kicks off, A-list stars such as Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan, Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone are making their way to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the event. Sky News is providing live coverage from Los Angeles, with updates streaming in as the night unfolds.
Sky News Team Ready for the Red Carpet
The Sky News team is now en route to the venue, preparing for the day’s proceedings. The on-camera arts and entertainment correspondent, Katie Spencer, is undergoing professional styling at the hotel before heading to her assigned position. The team will split up to monitor arrivals and later attend the Elton John afterparty.
Oscars Transition to YouTube: A New Era Begins in 2029
Starting in 2029, the Oscars will shift from ABC to YouTube as part of a new partnership. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has secured exclusive global rights for the platform, which will broadcast the ceremony and related events like the Governors Ball. This change marks the first major shift in the event’s history, with YouTube set to reach over two billion users worldwide.
Bill Kramer, Academy chief executive, and Lynette Howell Taylor, president, emphasized the significance of the deal:
“We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round academy programming.”
A Legacy on ABC: The Oscars’ Longstanding Home
ABC has been the primary broadcaster of the Oscars since 1961, save for a brief period from 1971 to 1975 when NBC took over. The network’s final exclusive broadcast will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the event, offering a nostalgic send-off before the transition.
For the 2023 ceremony, ABC recorded 19.7 million viewers, a five-year peak but still far below the 57 million audience in 1998. The shift to YouTube signals a bold move toward digital expansion, aligning with evolving viewer habits.
Behind the Glamour: Stylists Prepare A-Listers
At the hotel, hair stylist Melissa and make-up artist Naisha are finalizing looks for attendees. Melissa, who has worked with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande, is handling five clients today, with Katie Spencer as her first.
“I consult about their outfits and desired style, then we collaborate on the final image,” Melissa explains. “For Katie, we’re going old-school Hollywood with waves and a classic, timeless vibe.”
Naisha, a seasoned make-up artist with nearly a decade of experience, shares:
“I love red carpet looks, but I prefer brown and smoky eyes for Katie. Black feels too heavy, and it’s still daylight out.”
The pair notes that awards weekends often involve long hours, with multiple clients needing attention throughout the event.
Gold Derby Predicts a Surprising Oscar Night
Gold Derby, a long-standing authority in entertainment forecasting, highlights this year’s unpredictability. Editor-in-chief Debra Birnbaum admits:
“Usually, by this point, the race feels settled. But this year is different—anything could happen.”
With the awards season proving unusually competitive, Birnbaum expresses confidence in Jessie Buckley’s chances:
“I feel reasonably certain about Buckley, but the entire landscape is up for grabs.”
Gold Derby’s analysis estimates Buckley’s likelihood of winning at 96.97%, underscoring her strong position among acting nominees. The event promises to be a pivotal moment in cinematic recognition.
