Oscars Latest: Who Should Take Home the Golden Globe and What’s in the Nominees’ Unofficial £260k Goodie Bags

As the Oscars approach, Hollywood’s elite—stars like Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan, Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone—are set to grace the Dolby Theatre this evening. Sky News is providing live updates from Los Angeles, keeping fans informed every step of the way.

Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Red Carpet

The Sky News team is already in motion, heading to the ceremony. I’ll be in the interview room at the Old Dolby Theatre, where winners will reflect on their achievements post-awards. Meanwhile, Katie, Claire, and Paul are stationed at the venue to capture arrivals and later report from the Elton John afterparty.

“For Katie, we’re aiming for a classic Hollywood vibe with waves and a timeless look,” says Melissa, the hair stylist. “These can be long days, so you have to keep going through the entire weekend.”

Before heading to their posts, Katie Spencer is receiving a professional touch from her stylist, Melissa, and makeup artist, Naisha, at their hotel. The duo has experience crafting looks for high-profile events, though this year’s Oscar season feels particularly unique.

“I love the energy of red carpet prep,” adds Naisha, who has been in the industry for nearly a decade. “This time, I’m thinking of a brown, smoky eye for Katie. I avoid black because it feels too intense for the early hours.”

Evolution of the Oscars: A New Era Begins in 2029

Looking ahead, the Oscars may soon transform. Beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029, the event will transition to YouTube as its primary broadcast platform. This marks the end of ABC’s long-standing role, which has hosted the show since 1961, except for a brief stint with NBC from 1971 to 1975.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a partnership with Google-owned YouTube, granting the platform exclusive global rights for five years. This move will allow the ceremony to reach YouTube’s two billion users worldwide for free, reshaping how audiences engage with the event.

“We’re excited to partner with YouTube, ensuring the Oscars remain a global spectacle,” says Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor. “This collaboration will expand our reach and modernize the experience.”

Last year’s ceremony, broadcast on ABC, attracted 19.7 million viewers—a five-year peak but still lower than the 1998 record of 57 million. The shift to YouTube signals a significant change in the Oscars’ broadcasting strategy, with the first live stream set to debut in 2029.

Expert Predictions: A Wild Awards Season

Gold Derby, a long-time authority in entertainment forecasting, has shared insights for this year’s event. Editor-in-chief Debra Birnbaum notes that the awards season has been unusually unpredictable.

“This year’s race is unlike anything I’ve seen in years,” Birnbaum explains. “While I’m confident about Jessie Buckley, the unpredictability adds to the excitement. It’s rare for the final night to feel this open.”

Gold Derby’s analysis highlights Buckley as a strong contender, with her odds at 96.97% for victory. The platform’s predictions, based on industry experts and fans, underscore the dynamic nature of this year’s competition. As the stars take the stage, the future of the Oscars looks set to evolve dramatically.