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Ten Reasons To Watch The Oscars!
They call it Hollywood's biggest party.
And with the 85th Academy Awards, now simply The Oscars, ceremony just two days away from giving away the most-desired prizes for excellence in all fields of filmmaking, the excitement has hit its peak.
In our extensive coverage leading up to O-Day, we've already spoken in length about nominations and predictions. But there's more to the awards then who won what.
Here then, are 10 reasons why you shouldn't miss The Oscars on February 25.
Best dressed? Worst dressed?
Believe it or not, what she wore is eventually bigger than what she won. And so fashionistas of Hollywood spend days in advance dolling up for the big day.
From following fad diets and extra hours in gym to intense discussions with stylists and designers on gowns, shoes, accessories, hairstyles, Harry Winston, the works, the girls seriously slog it out to floor the paparazzi and fashion critics with their enviable form.
Be it Audrey Hepburn's ivory lace dress by Edith Head to Halle Berry's smoldering Elie Saab, Oscar's red carpet continues its tradition to wow.
Make the host of it
Family Guy creator and voice of raunchy teddy bear Ted, Seth McFarlane turns joins the likes of Bob Hope, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, Jon Stewart and Hugh Jackman to turn first-time Oscar host.
In the last few years, the awards night TRPs took a beating prompting the Academy to change things up and woo the younger viewership with a host they could relate too.
McFarlane, with his penchant for irreverent humour, seems perfect for the task.
Surely, he'll make some snarky digs at the expense of the star-studded attendance.
And the Oscars goes to... Really?
Predictions and Oscars go hand in hand. But the real fun (and shock) lies in a least-expected contender going on to nab that shiny statuette.
From Rocky beating the likes of All the President's Men, Taxi Driver and Network for Best Film to Kathryn Bigelow (for The Hurt Locker) upstaging the (seemingly) sure-shot victory of fellow nominee and former husband James Cameron (Avatar) to take home the coveted Best Director trophy, Oscars are not quite as unsurprising as you may think.
This time, potential upsets like Argo getting back at Oscar's for its much talked-about oversight in failing to nominate the hugely-deserving Ben Affleck (Best Director) by winning Best Film is a possibility most fans are rooting for.
The age factor
The diversity within a nomination is most fascinating.
A good performance is a good performance. It doesn't have to be validated by age, gender, race or nationality. The Oscars have always celebrates these differences.
In 1993, 11-year-old old Anna Paquin went on to defeat her much senior colleagues like Holly Hunter, Winona Ryder and Emma Thompson to win Best Supporting Actress for The Piano.
This time, we have the youngest (nine-year-old Quvenzhane Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild) and oldest actor (85-year-old Emmanuelle Riva, Amour) vying for the same recognition in the Best Actress category. Let's see who beasts whom!
Starry, starry night
Of course, the real reason why everyone gathers around their TV sets and stays glued for more than couple hours is simply to watch Hollywood's biggest names at their glamorous, wittiest best.
As expected, the function is expected to be graced by nominated hotties like Anne Hathaway, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lawrence, former Oscar champs Nicole Kidman, Mark Wahlberg, John Travolta, Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, Charlize Theron and Reese Witherspoon and superstar presenters Jennifer Aniston and Kristen Stewart.
And who knows Jack Nicholson in front row wearing his trademark dark glasses?
Let's get musical!
With Tom Hooper's musical bagging as many as eight nominations, it's only fair to expect a live performance from its cast (Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter).
Look like they are more than happy to oblige.
Then there's sensational songstress Adele, her titular track from the film Skyfall is nominated for Best Original Song, expected to regale the audience with the same.
The goodie bag also includes a rendition by Shirley Bassey, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Hudson to confirm) and two-time Oscar winner Barbra Streisand.
It's the 70-year-old's first performance on Oscar stage in 36 years.
The Indian presence
Okay, so we don't have a Lagaan this year either.
Fret not, we can still find some solace with Ang Lee's Life of Pi, high on with 11 nominations, set in India and starring Delhi boy Suraj Sharma and two of Bollywood's finest actors Irrfan Khan and Tabu.
And while it is a biopic of United States' most celebrated president -- Lincoln, produced by Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks and the Indian industrialist Anil Ambani's company, Reliance Entertainment has garnered the most nominations this year.
Even though Anupam Kher had a bit role and he's definitely not nominated, one can get some cheap thrills out of multiple nominations for the romance comedy, Silver Linings Playbook.
And I would like to thank...
Most celebrities stick to mandatory gratitude for cast, crew, producers, agents and family members.
Still, there are some who thrill with a display of spontaneous wit or genuine, uncontrolled elation.
Here's proof:
Sally Field: You like me. You really like me!
Julie Andrews: You Americans are famous for your hospitality, but this is really just ridiculous.
James Cameron: I'm King of the World!
And then there are some like Adrian Brody who express their surprise and delight by smooching the unsuspecting presenter on her lips.
Remember a stunned Halle Berry?
Bond turns Gold!
Apart from awarding the best in the field, Oscars are set to celebrate 50 glorious years of the 007 franchise at its do.
With Adele and Bassey already roped in, what else?
Initially, there were reports of assembling all the James Bond actors on stage but Oscar producers have rubbished such claims saying they have something else 'very unique' and 'exciting' in the works.
Colour us curious.
Gaffes, goof-ups and controversy
Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore going public with his 'Shame on George Bush' outrage during his acceptance speech for Bowling For Columbine.
Icelandic singer Bjork's outlandish Swan dress set the benchmark for absurd.
Angelina Jolie's leg show which went on to become a Twitter account (@AngiesRightLeg).
Trust Oscars to bring in its share of wicked fun.