Just kidding. Well, at least about the number of words. We can’t promise anything about the rest.
But that’s the thing about the Oscars. So much of what they present (and represent) is predictable: amusement and pageantry, self-importance about the role of movies and occasional stretches of dullness. (Well, there ARE 24 awards to give out.)
Still, you never know when the show will surprise — and even entertain.
This year, for the 87th Academy Awards, the “entertainment” portion will be helped immeasurably by the inclusion of host Neil Patrick Harris, who has proven himself to be an all-star performer with his turns at the Tonys and Emmys.
And a number of award categories — including best picture — are still undecided, unlike recent years when many top winners seemed preordained.
So grab some popcorn and an Oscar ballot. Here’s what you can expect from this year’s show.
Who should win an Oscar? Cast your vote
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Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have also promised “several musical sequences” featuring such names as Jennifer Hudson and Lady Gaga, according to the academy’s website, and “Let It Go” songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are writing a number for Neil Patrick Harris.
The unscripted moments
Did we mention John Travolta is back?
A year after he mangled singer Idina Menzel’s name as “Adele Nazeem,” Travolta has somehow been invited back to redeem himself as a presenter. (Maybe they’ll ask him to introduce best live action short film, where Oded Binnun, Hu Wei and Talkhon Hamzavi await.)
Let’s be honest: Many of us watch the Oscars not for the awards but for the high-wire risks of live TV: the fumbled speeches, the wardrobe malfunctions, the chance that someone will do or say something crazy.
Jack Black, Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey will be speaking live, too. Just saying.
