Will stars be back in black for Oscar’s big night?
A-listers set to ditch fashion statement but will still train spotlight on harassment at 90th Academy Awards
Stars on Oscar’s red carpet tonight might not be in black but Hollywood’s sexual harassment scandal is certain to dominate the movie industry’s big night.
Academy bosses have urged guests to celebrate the movies and not focus on the raging debate provoked by the Harvey Weinstein scandal as the awards mark their 90th anniversary.
At the Golden Globes and BAFTAS, many actresses wore black to signal support for the #Metoo and Time’s Up campaigns against sexual harassment.
But it’s likely there will be a different look on the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood where the big stars will include Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan and Meryl Streep.
It’s thought celebrities have been briefed that black needn’t be the colour of the night, but it would be appreciated if they wore a Time’s Up lapel pin.
“We certainly want to honour and respect Time’s Up and allow that message to be heard,” said Channing Dungey, of US broadcaster ABC who are televising the Academy Awards.
“But we’re trying to make it more planned than spur of the moment — so it doesn’t overshadow the artists and films being honoured.”
It was unclear yesterday if any co- ordinated sartorial protest would take place but most sources suggested there would not be a repeat of the black-out on the red carpet.
Stars are likely to wear badges and white roses to show support for the campaign, however.
The winners’ speeches are also likely to be peppered with support for women in the industry.
La-based showbiz reporter and
Sunday Post columnist, Ross King said: “The Golden Globes was the place where statements were made, so the organisers certainly want the Oscars to be more of a celebration.
“There are new people being named every other day for sexual harassment cases so it is still a very raw topic out here.”
The ceremony will be hosted for the second year by US chat show host Jimmy Kimmel, known for his strong political stance.
Kimmel said there would be no jokes about # M e To o but promised, otherwise, no one would be safe.
Frances Mcdormand won a Bafta last month for her role in Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri and is tipped to repeat her victory tonight.
Gary Oldman is similarly odds- on favourite to pick up Best Actor for his portrayal of Sir Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
Three Billboards’ closest rival for Best Film is expected to be The Shape of Water.
Meanwhile Scots broadcaster Shereen Nanjiani will be hoping for some family success.
H er se c o nd co u s i n , American comedian and filmmaker Kumail Nanjiani, is up for Best Original Screenplay for his film The Big Sick.