Oscars get ready for action

“Birdman” stars Michael Keaton as a former superhero actor trying to reignite his career with a Broadway show. It’s taut, intense and occasionally frantic, with the performances set to a propulsive drum soundtrack.

“Boyhood,” on the other hand, finds its truths in small moments in the life of its central character, a 6-year-old boy (Ellar Coltrane) who was revisited in real time by director Richard Linklater over more than a decade. It’s meandering and charming where “Birdman” is in-your-face and cutting.

“Boyhood” seemed to have the early edge, but recent victories for “Birdman” — including wins at the Producers Guild Awards and Saturday’s Independent Spirit honors — have made it the frontrunner.

After that, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen. Some categories have long been considered shoo-ins for certain performers — if J.K. Simmons doesn’t win best supporting actor, jaws will fall all over Hollywood — while others, including best picture, may go down to the wire.

Just be sure to have your devices powered up. Given the Oscars’ reputation for duration, it may be a long time until the end.

The 87th Academy Awards begin at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The show airs from Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.

CNN