There are just a few short weeks to go before one of the biggest nights of the year, as far as movies are concerned.
But before the Oscars get handed out, we have to find out which actors, films, and filmmakers will be up for the accolades and shiny gold hardware.
This year’s Oscar nominations will be announced on Thursday — and, to get you ready for the big morning, we’ve rounded up some answers to questions you could have about the announcement and this year’s Academy accolades.
What time are the Oscar nominations announced?
Nominations for the 88th Oscars will be announced on Thursday beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET (yes, that means 5:30 a.m. PT). The first batch of nominations will be announced then, followed by a second round at 8:38 a.m. ET.
How can I watch the nominations announcement?
The nominations announcement will be live-streamed on YouTube, and EW will have the broadcast embedded on our site as we cover the nominations on Thursday morning. (On television, the nominations will air on ABC.)
Who will announce the nominations?
Directors Guillermo del Toro and Ang Lee will announce the first round of nominees, which includes the categories for animated feature film, cinematography, costume design, documentary feature, documentary short subject, makeup and hairstyling, original song, animated short film, live action short film, sound editing, and sound mixing.
The second announcement will come from John Krasinski and Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs. They’ll name the nominees for actor, actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, directing, film editing, foreign language film, original score, best picture, production design, visual effects, adapted screenplay, and original screenplay.
Who’s hosting the Oscars this year?
Chris Rock. This will be his second time hosting, the last being in 2005 (if you’re wondering, the best picture winner that year was Million Dollar Baby).
Who’s nominated?
That’s what we’re waiting to find out! But in the meantime, here’s our analysis of what last weekend’s Golden Globes winners could mean for the Oscars race.
When will the Oscars be handed out?
The 88th Oscars will be presented on Feb. 28, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, airing live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. ET.