Academy Awards: What to expect

Plus, our predictions for major categories

Joash Mencias, Editor-in-Chief
February 20, 2015

Judging from recent telecasts, this year’s Academy Awards will sure contribute to the pop culture zeitgeist. The culminating event of the awards season will take place Feb. 22. Here a couple of things to look out for.

A close race for best picture

“Boyhood” seemed to be the one to beat. However, “Birdman” has raked in critical industry guild honors the past few weeks. “American Sniper” and “The Imitation Game” have also made waves at the box office. It is difficult to make a firm prediction, so we will actually have to wait until the ceremony to see which film takes home the big prize.

NPH

Host Neil Patrick Harris may not trump Ellen DeGeneres’ well-received act last year, but he’ll sure make an impressive attempt to make some buzz. Based on his previous emcee duties at the Tony and Emmy Awards, Harris use his musicality to his advantage. Harris will perform an original number written by the composers responsible for that ubiquitous song “Let It Go.”

Musical performances

Speaking of music, viewers at home can watch performances of each contender in the original song category. Perhaps the most exciting act will come from duo Tegan & Sara with parody group The Lonely Island, singing “Everything is Awesome” from “The Lego Movie.” Following their performance at the Grammy Awards, we’ll see John Legend and Common present the socially relevant song “Glory” from “Selma.”

Aside from original song nominees, multiple artists will join the ceremony for special musical numbers. Jennifer Hudson, Anna Kendrick, Jack Black and Lady Gaga are expected to appear on the Oscars stage.

Who will win and who we’re rooting for in the major categories

Picture

Will win: “Birdman”

Rooting for: “Boyhood”

Actor

Will win: Eddie Redmayne in “The Theory of Everything”

Rooting for: Eddie Redmayne

Actress

Will win: Julianne Moore in “Still Alice”

Rooting for: Rosamund Pike in “Gone Girl”

Supporting Actor

Will win: J.K. Simmons in “Whiplash”