Can veteran Academy Awards host Billy Crystal top last year’s hot young co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco? Will Sacha Baron show up in his banned costume? These are just a few of the burning questions awaiting answers from this year’s show, beyond who will win the actual awards, and most answers can be obtained from online live-streaming of the event.
Crystal Goes for No. 9
This will be Crystal’s ninth take at hosting the Oscars, his last turn emceeing the event being in 2004. Crystal’s gag entrance highlights from previous years include riding in on a horse, rising through the stage on the bow of the Titanic and being wheeled in on a gurney as Hannibal Lector. The Oscar Blog will keep followers up-to-date on his antics, as well as the best speeches and memorable moments, in real time.
Presenters to watch for include; Christian Bale, Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Colin Firth, Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Portman and Meryl Streep (nominated).
Cirque du Soleil will be performing an exclusive act, consisting of the largest cast the troupe has ever used for one act.
Live video of Academy Awards events for the prior week can be found on Livestream.
Exclusive Coverage
Want exclusive Oscars coverage? There’s an app for that. At least there is for iPhone and iPad owners. The Apple Store, via ABC Digital, is offering the Oscars Back Stage Pass app for free. Coverage includes exclusive camera angles, red carpet footage, bonus interviews and an inside peek at the Governors Ball A-list after party.
Cameras for the show include a host cam, backstage cam and winners walk camera. The Governors Ball will also have three cameras streaming live. One will capture arrivals, another is located in the ballroom and a final camera will be focused on the awards being engraved for winners.
Red Carpet Streaming
The Oscars red carpet has by far given the most access to live online programs. The official website will be playing red carpet footage, as will E! Online. Perennial red carpet hosts Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic will be handling E!’s coverage of the stars early, beginning at 1:30 p.m. EST.
The iPhone and iPad app includes three red carpet cameras. The Host Camera will feature hosts Shira Lazar and Jake Whetter’s commentary and interviews. David Karger will welcome the stars and nominees on the Talent Announcer Cam. The Lobby Bar Cam looks over the bartenders’ shoulders for a view at celebs relaxing before the show.
Even Android users can get access to the red carpet, through the free E! Live from the Red Carpet app. Everyone else can watch 84th Annual Academy Awards television broadcast as it airs at 7 p.m. EST, on ABC.