As more cinemas reopened their doors to the public this year, our eyes were glued to the screen like never before.
What better way to appreciate the entertainment industry than by tuning into the award show that shaped it?
Here's what you need to know about the 2022 Oscars — and why it's going to be nothing like last year's.
What time are the Oscars?
The 94th Academy Awards started today at 11am AEDT.
Where are they being held?
This year's Oscars are being held in person at the event's usual location: the Dolby Theatre in the heart of Hollywood.
After 2021's pared-back ceremony, 2022's show will be a glamorous return to normalcy.
However this year, the 2,500 guests — including nominees — will be required to show proof of vaccination and at least two negative PCR tests.
Presenters and performers will also have to show proof of negative tests, but they will not be required to show proof of vaccination.
How do I watch the Oscars in Australia?
The Oscars ceremony will be live streamed in Australia on free-to-air TV on Channel Seven and its streaming platform 7Plus.
E! Entertainment's coverage of the red carpet will be broadcast on pay TV operator Foxtel from 7am.
You can also follow our live coverage of the Oscars on the ABC News live blog, where we'll bring you key interview moments, the best red carpet fashion and even some fun facts.
Who is hosting?
After three years of host-less ceremonies, this year's Oscars will have not one, but three hosts.
Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Skyes will take the stage to co-host this year's event.
Who is presenting?
Among the 30-plus stars expected to hand out awards are Zoë Kravitz, Lady Gaga, Lupita Nyong'o, Jason Momoa, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Daniel Kaluuya, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jacob Elordi, DJ Khaled, Tony Hawk and many more.
Who is performing?
Taking the stage are none other than Beyoncé, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas, Sebastián Yatra and Van Morrison.
This year's show will also feature an eclectic, all-star band starring Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, percussionist and singer Sheila E., jazz pianist Robert Glasper and Adam Blackstone, who is currently the musical director for Justin Timberlake and Nicki Minaj.
Most importantly, the Oscars will indeed be talking about Bruno.
That's right, this year we can expect to see a live performance of We Don't Talk About Bruno, the viral sensation from Disney's animated musical Encanto, which is nominated for a Best Animated Film Award.
Which films are nominated for Best Picture?
Ten films are up for the highly coveted Best Picture award at this year's Oscars:
- Belfast
- CODA
- Don't Look Up
- Drive My Car
- Dune
- King Richard
- Licorice Pizza
- Nightmare Alley
- The Power of the Dog
- West Side Story
What's the controversy about the Oscars categories?
In a nutshell: the Academy decided to sideline certain categories that aren't as popular as others.
Entertainment magazine Variety reported the Academy cut eight categories from the main telecast, including editing, sound, makeup and hair, original score, production design, documentary short, animated short and live-action short.
Instead, these categories will be awarded an hour before the show begins.
The change is happening "in order to provide more time and opportunity for audience entertainment and engagement through comedy, musical numbers, film clip packages and movie tributes," said Academy president David Rubin in a written letter addressed to members.
On Twitter, American media outlets and reporters, including USA Today's entertainment reporter, Ema Sasic, began using #PresentAll23 to express their disappointment with the Academy's favouritism.
Who is predicted to win?
Will Smith is tipped to win Best Actor for his performance as Serena and Venus Williams' father in King Richard, while Ariana DeBose's powerful character in West Side Story has everyone feeling certain she'll take home the Best Supporting Actress award.
Jane Campion is seen as the frontrunner for Best Picture and Best Director for The Power of the Dog.
But her recent comments devaluing Serena and Venus Williams's accomplishments in her Critics Choice acceptance speech might just cost her those awards.
Jessica Chastain's Best Actress nomination for The Eyes Of Tammy Faye faces-off with Kristen Stewart's critically acclaimed performance as Princess Diana in Spencer.
Predicted to break The Power of the Dog's streak is Troy Kotsur in the Best Supporting actor category for CODA. Kotsur is the first deaf male actor to win a SAG award, a Bafta and a Critics' Choice award which puts him in good stead.
