Countdown to the 96th Academy Awards: Your Complete Guide for Australian Viewers

The highly anticipated 96th Academy Awards are set to grace Hollywood once again, promising a dazzling display of movie stars parading down the iconic red carpet in Los Angeles.

This year’s nominations boast an impressive lineup of the most significant releases, ranging from Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” to Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.”

For those tuning in from Australia, here’s your complete guide to what you need to know before the big event.

Viewing Guide for Australian Audiences

The Oscars are scheduled for Sunday, March 10th, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. For viewers in Australia, the event will air on Monday, March 11th, starting at 10 AM AEDT.

If you’re interested in catching the pre-show featuring red-carpet arrivals and interviews, it typically starts an hour or two before the main event. Be sure to set your alarms accordingly.

Jimmy Kimmel to Host Oscars 2024

American comedian and late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel returns as host for the night, accompanied by Emmy nominee Molly McNearney as executive producer for the second consecutive year.

Kimmel previously hosted the Oscars in 2017, notably remembered for the Moonlight and La La Land best picture mix-up, as well as in 2018 and 2023. He joins esteemed hosts like Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal, who’ve also helmed the ceremony multiple times.

Assisting in the proceedings will be a lineup of esteemed award presenters, including Emily Blunt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lawrence, Zendaya, Ryan Gosling, and Australia’s very own Chris Hemsworth.

How to Watch in Australia

For viewers opting for the big screen experience, catch the E! pre-ceremony show with red carpet arrivals live on 7Bravo from 10 AM AEDT. Switch over to Channel 7 or 7Plus once the Oscars ceremony commences.

If you’re on the move or sneaking a watch at work, tune into the livestream on the official Oscars YouTube channel.

Stay updated on social media, where major entertainment outlets will be streaming, snapping pics, and uploading content throughout the day.

All Best Original Song Nominees to Perform Live

Exciting news for movie fans who might have missed out on frequent trips to the theaters – the Oscars are bringing the magic of the big screen to your living room with live performances featuring all five of this year’s Best Original Song nominees.

First up, we have Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson teaming up to deliver a performance of “I’m Just Ken” from the film “Barbie.” This dynamic duo is sure to captivate audiences with their rendition of the catchy tune.

Next on the lineup is the immensely talented Billie Eilish, accompanied by her brother Finneas O’Connell, who will be gracing the stage to perform “What Was I Made For?” also from “Barbie.” Their mesmerizing vocals are bound to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Moving on, we have Jon Batiste, who will be enchanting audiences with his performance of “It Never Went Away” from the movie “American Symphony.” His soulful rendition is sure to strike a chord with listeners.

Adding to the musical extravaganza, Becky G will take the stage to sing “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot.” Her energetic performance promises to ignite the audience’s passion and enthusiasm.

In a historic moment for the Oscars, Scott George and the Osage Singers will be making history as the first Indigenous Native American artists to perform at the ceremony. Their performance of “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon” not only marks a significant cultural milestone but also celebrates their first-ever nomination for a music Oscar.

With such a diverse and talented lineup of performers, the Oscars are sure to deliver an unforgettable evening filled with exceptional musical performances that showcase the best of cinema’s original songs.