Pre Oscars

Donald Trump's policies have created a chilling effect in Hollywood, with executives and talent hesitant to comment publicly ahead of the March 15, 2026 Oscars due to a tense political climate. Reporters note unusual difficulty securing interviews, linking it to broader industry anxieties over government impact on film production. This atmosphere overshadows predictions for frontrunners like 'Sinners,' amplifying pre-awards uncertainty. Analysts foresee potential policy shifts affecting future funding and content post-ceremony.

AI integration has led to thousands of layoffs at studios like Warner Bros. and Paramount, fueling pre-Oscars dread over job losses and creative control as of March 14, 2026. Over 5,000 positions cut industry-wide since January, with tools automating editing and VFX. Experts warn of ethical dilemmas in nominated films using AI, potentially sparking awards debates. Unions plan strikes post-ceremony to address tech displacement.

Variety chief awards editor Clayton Davis forecasts top 2026 Oscar races, predicting Best Actress frontrunners and whether Sinners could set records in a tight Best Picture field. Discussed on ABC News March 14, Davis analyzes prior awards shows like BAFTAs for predictive patterns favoring Warner Bros films. The preview comes hours before the March 15 ceremony in LA, influencing betting odds. Davis notes, 'Previous wins give strong insight into Oscar outcomes.'

Variety chief awards editor Clayton Davis forecasts strong wins for Warner Bros. films 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15 in Los Angeles, potentially breaking records amid industry turmoil from mergers and AI threats. Davis highlighted frontrunners in Best Actress based on prior awards momentum from SAG and BAFTA. The predictions come as Hollywood faces a production slump and layoffs, intensifying pre-Oscars anxiety. Experts note the ceremony's role as a PR boost for a struggling industry.

Kelley Carter, senior entertainment reporter at ESPN's Andscape, previewed her 2026 Oscars predictions on ABC News Live, highlighting frontrunners in key categories. The segment aired as Hollywood gears up for Conan O'Brien's hosting debut this Sunday at the Dolby Theatre. Carter's insights come amid widespread speculation on winners like Warner Bros' contenders. Fans anticipate surprises in best picture and acting races during the live broadcast.

Comedian Andy Richter spent a day in Hollywood preparing to livestream the 2026 Oscars on TikTok, as Conan O'Brien hosts the ceremony this Sunday. Good Morning America followed Richter's preparations amid heightened excitement for the awards show. Industry buzz focuses on predictions and red carpet prep, with ESPN's Kelley Carter sharing her Oscar forecasts on ABC News Live. Viewers can expect live coverage starting Sunday night from the Dolby Theatre.