Oscars latest: The red carpet is now open – and the stars are starting to arrive
Oscars latest: The red carpet is now open – and the stars are starting to arrive
Oscars Sunday has arrived, with stars like Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan, Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone gracing the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the ceremony today. Follow Sky News’ live coverage from Los Angeles as the event unfolds.
Lee Knight’s Film in the Spotlight
Winning an Oscar is always a significant milestone. Even Meryl Streep, a veteran of the industry, must still feel the thrill of the moment, as evidenced by her recent enthusiasm. British director and writer Lee Knight is making his Oscar debut with his short film A Friend Of Dorothy, which has been shortlisted for the first time. According to Gold Derby, experts in award predictions, Knight’s entry is a strong contender, currently ranked second with a 36.6% chance of success.
A Story of Unlikely Connections
The short film follows Miriam Margolyes as a solitary widow who forms a bond with JJ, a 17-year-old boy played by Alistair Nwachukwu. Their friendship begins when JJ accidentally kicks a football into Margolyes’ garden, sparking a heartwarming narrative. Knight has been in LA for several days, attending events leading up to the ceremony.
Red Carpet Moments
Conan O’Brien, the host for the second consecutive year, has arrived at the Dolby Theatre alongside his wife, Liza Powel O’Brien. As the red carpet opens, the first celebrities begin to make their way to the event. Sky News’ arts and entertainment reporter, Bethany Minelleis, is monitoring the arrivals and providing updates on the fashion spectacle.
“Is something going on this weekend?” my driver asked as we neared the venue. Hollywood’s constant exposure to fame means even the Oscars can feel routine for some. Yet, the significance of the night remains palpable for those involved.
Irish Pride in Killarney
Killarney, the picturesque hometown of Jessie Buckley, is abuzz with anticipation for its native star. Shop windows display flags in Kerry colors featuring Buckley’s image and banners promoting the town’s St Patrick’s Day parade, with the actress in a green coat. The town is also the birthplace of Michael Fassbender, who has been nominated twice for Oscars but has yet to win.
If Buckley secures the best actress award, she will become the first Irish woman to achieve that honor in the category. Her co-star from Hamnet, Paul Mescal, is also nominated. Regardless of the outcome, Killarney residents express unwavering support. “She’s a winner anyway—what she’s done for the town is remarkable,” said Hazel O’Malley, a local shop owner, in a
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.
Behind the Scenes
After a quick team photo, I bid farewell to colleagues as they take their places to cover arrivals and the ceremony. A brief taxi ride brought me inside the Dolby Theatre, where the show is set to begin shortly. No cameras are permitted inside, which is a disappointment since the journalists’ meal resembles a banquet.
Winners will be escorted into the room after collecting their Oscars on stage, allowing us to interview them. With many reporters in attendance, it’s a challenge to secure a spot for at least one interview. The red carpet is now active, and we’ll soon see the first wave of arrivals. Arriving early was crucial to secure seating and avoid the traffic congestion caused by road closures.
“You work so hard on something for so long and it’s all about the craft,” Lee Knight shared in a
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. “But then these awards and campaigns take over. Nothing really prepares you for it. The Oscars are the pinnacle of recognition in the arts, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”
As the countdown to the ceremony continues, the energy in the air is electric. From the red carpet to the backstage buzz, the night promises unforgettable moments for both the stars and the observers.
