L.A. fire victims and first responders to be honored during Oscars ceremony
LOS ANGELES (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - We are less than 12 hours away from the biggest night in Hollywood, and they will be honoring the LA fire victims and first responders.
The stage is set for Hollywood's biggest night, the 97th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre with host Conan O’Brien, and with a chance of rain, tents are covering the red carpet to keep the stars dry.
"What we could expect is the unexpected. Every year, there's always some big surprise, but what I love about this year right now, there are some races we just don't know who's going to win, like Best Picture," said Mark Malkin, Senior Culture and Events Editor with Variety.
Malkin is predicting an exciting night.
"Emilia Pérez" leads the nominations with 13. It's up for Best Picture alongside Universal Pictures' "Wicked," with 10 nominations, including Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande.
"The Brutalist" also has 10 nominations, while Universal Pictures' "Conclave" and "A Complete Unknown" both have eight.
The Oscars will also address L.A.'s devastating wildfires.
"Right now is to show that Los Angeles is in business, that Hollywood is in business because we have these horrible fires. We really have to show the world that guess what? Los Angeles, Hollywood is resilient," Malkin expressed.
L.A. Fire Department Captain Erik Scott says firefighters from various departments, including L.A., will make appearances during the show, and a few even have speaking parts.
"An invitation to an event like this is a testament to appreciation to first responders all over the world. It's part of the rebuilding process. We go through different phases. The department is there for the response and the mitigation, but now the road to recovery is long, but part of that is getting back on the horse, if you fall off, and L.A. coming back together and doing these shows."
The 97th Academy Awards is airing Sunday night on ABC at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time, and streaming on Hulu.
