The highly anticipated 98th Academy Awards are finally here, promising a night filled with glamour, sharp wit, and ambitious surprises. Conan O’Brien returns to host for the second consecutive year, building on his successful previous stint. Viewers across Nigeria and Africa can tune in live on DStv Channel 101 (M-Net), with the Red Carpet Live special commencing at 11:30 PM WAT on Monday, March 16, followed by the main ceremony promptly at midnight. For those on the go, the full show can be streamed via the DStv Stream app, and a repeat broadcast will be available on M-Net on Saturday, March 21, at 9:00 PM.

The cinematic competition this year is particularly intense. Ryan Coogler’s film, “Sinners,” has already achieved a historic milestone with a record-breaking 16 nominations. Hot on its heels is Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” which secured an impressive 13 nominations. A moment of immense anticipation centers around the Best Supporting Actress category, where Wunmi Mosaku, fresh from her significant ‘Double Crown’ victories at the BAFTAs and NAACP Image Awards, is nominated for her powerful portrayal of Annie in “Sinners.” This marks her first Academy Award nomination.

The stage is set to welcome a stellar lineup of A-list presenters, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Paul Mescal, Robert Downey Jr., Nicole Kidman, and Pedro Pascal, ensuring a night of star-studded appearances. Adding a touch of nostalgic charm, there are whispers of a special reunion of the cast of “Bridesmaids” – Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Melissa McCarthy – to commemorate the film’s 15th anniversary.

Musical performances are also poised to be as captivating as the films themselves. The audience can look forward to a high-energy fusion of traditional Korean dance and pop for the song “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. Additionally, a massive, soul-stirring tribute is planned for “I Lied To You” from “Sinners,” featuring the talents of Miles Caton, Raphael Saadiq, and the incredible Misty Copeland, promising an unforgettable segment.