The 94th Academy Awards returned to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday night, hosted by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes. The first award of the show went to Ariana DeBose of “West Side Story,” who took home Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita.
“The Power of the Dog” led the pack with 12 nominations, including for best picture, best director and multiple acting nods. Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic “Dune” trails with 10 nominations, competing for best picture along with best cinematography, score and visual effects.
The show returned in person this year after a modified ceremony in 2021, but there are still COVID-19 protocols in place. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song from “Encanto,” tweeted on Saturday night that he would not be attending because his wife had tested positive for COVID-19.
The Honorary Oscars were awarded Saturday night at the annual Governor’s Awards to Elaine May, Samuel L. Jackson, Liv Ullmann and Danny Glover, who was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Several controversies erupted ahead of the show, included eight awards being cut from the broadcast for time, and “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler saying she was not invited. While she posted on Instagram that she would be watching at home wearing “sweatpants and probably my boyfriend’s flannel,” she was later added as a presenter.
The ceremony is airing on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
