by Lottie Reeder, Gabriel Humphreys Follow Gabriel Humphreys on Twitter & Caterina Bragoli

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Going live from 9pm, Vulture Editors Gabriel Humphreys and Caterina Bragoli and Editor Lottie Reeder will be bringing you coverage of the 92nd Academy Awards. The awards celebrate the best of every element of cinema from the last 12 months, from acting to visual effects and editing, and bring to a close the three month long slog of film awards season. So grab your coffee and settle in for a long night as the biggest night of the film calendar gets underway! 

4:36am 

The ceremony has finally come to a close, the stars will be jetting off to their parties, while we will very soon be crawling into bed. 

It's been a momentous night, with a bumper set of wins for Parasite. Otherwise it has been a fairly predictable set of winners; presenters held the show together admirably, with only a few shaky moments, and the musical performances were by-and-large impressive. 

We hope you've enjoyed our coverage, see you at next year's ceremony...!

4:34am 

That's four wins for Parasite - Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film, Best Director and the much-coveted Best Feature! 

This is a pretty momentous moment, historic even, a foreign language film taking home Best Feature for the first time in the award show's 92 year history. This is a huge moment for international film makers, and hopefully, in the words of Bong Joon Ho, will encourage viewers to "overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles."

There have also been three wins for 1917, with two a piece for Ford vs. Ferrari and Joker. 

4:32am 

The entire cast and crew of Parasite take to the stage to accept their deserved award. The team never imagined this would ever happen - and neither did we, following the success of 1917. This is an opportune moment in history. They expressed their deep gratitude and respect to members of the Academy for making this decision. Director Boon Jong Ho is praised for his hair, his walk and his direction - an all round wonderful creative! 

Their Korean film audience was heaped with praise, for making their historic Oscar win possible. A moment to remember forever. 

4:27am - BEST PICTURE

And the most anticipated award of the night goes to....PARASITE!

The first ever film not in the English language to win, and a majorly unexpected twist! After Boon Jong Ho's win for Best Director, we had some indication that Parasite might take Best Picture, but it still felt like an outside chance with the amount of hype and the volume of other awards received by fellow nominee 1917.

4:22am 

Jane Fonda takes to the stage to present the night's most coveted award, Best Picture. 

4:19am 

Just one more ad break...and we'll have the winner of Best Picture! 

4:19am 

Winner Renee Zellweger takes to the stage, thanking the film team for giving her one of the most wonderful experienes of her life. She thanks the team that has worked with her for her 25 year career. She mentions her immigrant 'folks' for believing in the American Dream. She praises Judy Garland, and the ability that our heroes have to unite. 

4:14am - BEST ACTRESS 

And the Oscar goes to Renée Zellweger, for her tender portrayal of the tortured genius Judy Garland.

This is another predicted win, as Zellweger took home both the BAFTA and the Golden Globe.

4:12am 

Rami Malek takes to the stage to introduce the Best Actress in a Leading Role. 

4:11am 

Joaquin Phoenix takes to the stage to accept his long-awaited Oscar. This is his first Oscar and fourth nomination. He tells the crowd to 'Stop' in their applause. He doesn't feel elevated above his fellow nominees as they all share a love of film. He wants to use his voice for the voiceless, and he has thought about the distressing issues we are facing. We are made to feel like we champion different causes, but Phoenix sees commonality. Queer rights, indigenous rights, fighting against the idea that one species can exploit another - these were all themes in his speech. He thanks the whole room for giving him a second chance after being a 'scoundrel' in the past, and ends his speech choked up over a lyric written by his late brother River - "run to the rescue with love and peace will follow"

4:07am - BEST ACTOR 

The award goes to Joaquin Phoenix.

No surprise here, Joaquin has been clearing up this award season!

4:04am 

Olivia Coleman takes to the stage present Best Actor. Remember, we predicted Joaquin!

4:03am 

Before we head into the biggest awards of the evening - Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture - here's Laura Dern's take on the Gerwig snubbing situation...

3:57am 

Steven Spielberg takes to the stage to introduce the most sombre section of the evening - the In Memoriam, with a live underscoring by Billie Eilish singing Yesterday.

It's a beautiful, delicate, piano-only version, showing an acoustic side we rarely see from Eilish.

3:56am 

Unexpected winner Bong Joon Ho takes to the stage to deliver his speech. He said he thought he was done for the day and was ready to relax, but no, he was in for a shock, like us all! A fabulous shock. 'What is the most personal is the most creative' is the saying Joon Ho carved into his heart as a young student, and this sentiment has rung true. He also credits Martin Scorsese and the influential role that his films have played in his life. He also takes the time to thank Tarantino. He wishes he could split the Oscar into 5 so he could share it with his fellow nominees. He will be drinking until the next morning - and good for him! Well deserved. 

3:54am - BEST DIRECTOR

The much-coveted award goes to Bong Joon Ho!

A big, big shock there, but huge cheers from the audience in LA and here in the office! It was pretty much seen as guaranteed that Sam Mendes would be taking home the award, having previously taken both the BAFTA and Golden Globe.

3:52am 

Academy award winner Spike Lee takes the stage to introduce Best Director. Let's not forget - all male nominees. 

3:51am 

As we hit yet another ad break, here is a brilliant moment from Janelle Monae's performance earlier

3:49am 

Sir Elton John takes the stage to give his second winning Oscar speech. Starting with 'Well this doesn't suck' feels slightly stilted. Elton thanks leading actor Taron Egerton for his startling performance. He ends with 'Daddy loves you', directed to his boys in Sydney.

3:47am - BEST ORIGINAL SONG

Meanwhile, the award for Best Original Song goes to Elton John for I’m Gonna Love Me Again from Rocketman.

A predictable win, and a possibly disappointing one, especially given Cynthia Erivo's absolutely min-blowing performance earlier tonight. 

3:45am 

Hildur, winner for her score from Joker, takes the stage. She thanks her fellow nominees, 'masters of their craft'. She thanks director Todd Philips for inviting her on this journey with him. She thanks her beautiful family. She addresses young women, whether they are mothers or daughters, who hear the 'music bubbling from within' to 'speak up', as we need their voices. 

3:43am - BEST ORIGINAL SCORE 

The award goes to Hildur Gudnadottir for Joker.

This is her first win, and also the first win for an Icelandic nominee! This was the favourite to win, after wins at the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs.

3:43am 

The three actresses take the stage again to present the award of Best Musical Score.

3:42am 

"All women are superheroes"

3:40am 

Gal Gadot, Brie Larson and Sigourney Weaver are standing united as female superheroes. They take to the stage to introduce the first female conductor leading the orchestra for this year's nominated best original score. 

3:32am 

Us in the Varsity office sitting through ten ad breaks a minute.

3:29am 

And our ears are - somewhat - graced by the talent that is Elton John, an English legend. Fashioning a dazzling purple suit, he performs amidst a characteristically colourful set. 

3:28am 

Winner Bong Joon Ho takes to the stage, as the first South Korean film to be nominated for and win an Oscar. Joon Ho calls it a 'great honour', and he's happy to be the first recipient of this award under its new category name. He applauds and supports the direction that this change symbolises. The room erupts into applause for the cast members. 

3:27am - BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

And the awards goes to...Parasite! 

A much, much deserved win for the widely praised and hugely successful South Korean film. This probably suggests that Parasite won't also be taking home Best Film, likely leaving the way clear for 1917 to snatch the trophy.

3:25am 

Just casually stashing my Oscar, don't mind me.

3:24am 

As we head towards the end the show, the much anticipated Best International Feature is coming up soon, seen as an indicator as to whether Parasite will take home the most coveted Best Film. 

3:19am 

Winners Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker take to the stage. They thank their entire teams and their families. They give their heartfelt thanks to Charlize Theron, who had the 'compassion' to make this film possible. They were able to set a new bar within the makeup industry through their breaking of boundaries and experimentation. 

3:18am - ACHIEVEMENTS IN HAIR & MAKE-UP

The awards goes to Bombshell, which also took home the BAFTA for the same category.

The team transformed Charlize Theron flawlessly  into the tv anchor Megyn Kelly.

3:17am 

Sandra Oh and Ray Romano present the award for Makeup and Hair Styling. 

"Joe Pesci would come in and say: Get the fuck out of my chair" 
"I think they're gonna bleep that, not everything is on Netflix"

3:16am 

Winners Guilliame Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy from the film 1917 take the stage. They call the film a chance to challenge what we call visual effects. It was an 'epic journey'. 

3:16am - ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS

The award goes to...Cats! Just kidding. It actually goes to 1917.

3:14am 

James Corden and Rebel Wilson take to the stage, dressed in hideous cat costumes. They are introducing Achievement in Visual Effects.

3:09am 

Erivo's vocal performance is stunning, her voice is flawless and effortless, and clearly shows off her background in musical theatre. 

That high note, that stare down the camera - stunning.

3:04am 

Cynthia Erivo is taking the stage to perform the Best Original Song nominee Stand Up from Harriet. 

3:04am 

"I am Spartacus!"

And with that, Tom Hanks announces the opening date for The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures - 14th December 2020. 

This promises to be an exciting archive of the history of film and cinema - if you can make it to LA, definitely worth it.

2:58am 

Michael and Andrew of Ford vs Ferrari take to the stage, thanking the Academy and their fellow nominees. They thank their picture and sound crew. They thank their families. 

2:56am - ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM EDITING

The award goes to Ford vs Ferrari, also known as Le Mans '66.

Another fairly secure win here, with the film taking home the corresponding award at the BAFTAs.

2:56am 

Will and Julia stay on to present Achievements in Film Editing.

2:55am 

Winner Roger Deakins wins his second Oscar for '1917'. He thanks his wonderful fellow nominees, and credits his wife Jane who worked alongside him on the film. 

2:53am - ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

The award for cinematography goes to 1917. 

This is a beautifully shot film, exquisitely crafted to appear as though it was filmed in one continuous take. A predictable but much deserved win.

2:52am 

Will Ferrel and Julia Louis-Dreyfus present the award of Achievements in Cinematography. They happily perform a bit, saturated in sarcasm, about the role of the cinematographer. 

2:44am 

We now have a musical interlude - I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away by Randy Newman. This is taken from Toy Story 4. He also composed the original 'You've Got a Friend in Me'.

2:43am 

Mark and Stuart thank the entire team and their families. They especially thank director Sam Mendes. 

2:42am - ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING

The award goes to Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson, from the film 1917, tipped to win big this evening.

2:40am 

Achievement in Sound Mixing is presented by Oscar Isaac and Salma Hayek.

2:40am 

Winner Donald Sylvester takes to the stage, calling this film a 'marriage' of sound and picture. He calls this film the last film to be made by 20th Century Fox. He thanks his wife for giving up her career to help his, and credits both his kids for not being politicians. 

2:39am - ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND EDITING

The award goes to Ford Vs Ferrari's Donald Sylvester. His first nomination. 

2:37am 

Oscar Isaac and Salma Hayek take to the stage to introduce Achievements in Sound Editing.

2:33am 

And the audience is ON. THEIR. FEET. 

And there is a tiny round of applause in the office.

2:31am 

It's a surprise performance of the Oscar-winning Lose Yourself by Eminem himself, oh damn.

2:27am 

Anthony Ramos introduces Lin-Manuel Miranda, who takes the stage to introduce the music awards.

2:21am 

Winner Laura Dern takes to the stage, for her performance in Marriage Story. Her first Oscar win, out of three nominations. She thanks her fellow nominees. She credits the 'vision and magic' of director Noah. It's about 'breeching divisions' for our homes, family and environment. She thanks her 'heroes', her acting parents. 

2:19am - BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

The award goes to Laura Dern - a pretty secure shoe-in for her impressive performance, which has garnered many awards this season.

2:17am 

Mahershala Ali presents Best Supporting Actress, who we predicted Laura Dern to win.

2:16am 

First time winners Carol Dysinger and Elena take to the stage. Their extensive team is thanked, and emotions are running high. This movie is a love letter to the brave young women living in Afghanistan. Girls are taught courage at school, and this is a powerful message behind the documentary. Female empowerment is running high. 

2:16am - BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM

The award does to Learning To Skateboard In A Warzone.

2:14am 

Mark Ruffalo presents Best Documentary Short Film.

2:13am 

First time winners Steven Bognor and Julia and Jeff Reichert take to the stage, crediting their sister and brother documentary makers for paving the way. Their film is from Ohio and China, but 'could be from anywhere' - there is something universal about the power of documentaries. 'Workers of the world, unite' is the main statement to draw from this powerful speech.

2:11am - BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

After a short interlude on the power of documentary film, the award for Documentary Feature Film goes to American Factory.

Many had thought the moving and thought-provoking For Sama would win, so this is a slight surprise.

2:09am 

It's now time for Documentary Feature Film. Taking to the stage is Academy Award Nominee Mark Ruffalo. He tells us that four of these features were directed by women - slightly tokenistic?

2:06am 

Another hilarious moment as we briefly lose camera stability on the front row.

2:06am 

Best reaction so far with Billie Eilish taking on Maya and Kristen's singing with a vicious the f*ck look

2:03am 

Now for a musical interlude, I'm Standing With You, nominee for Best Original Song, performed by Chrissy Metz.

2:02am 

Jacqueline Durran wins her second Oscar for Little Women's costume design. She thanks her family, and Greta Gerwig's 'courage and brilliance': at least someone is honouring Greta. 

2:01am - ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN

The award goes to Little Women!

2:00am 

Kristen and Maya take the stage again to award Achievement in Costume Design. 

1:58am 

Barbara Ling and Nancy Haigh take to the stage to accept their awards for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, defying expectation. They express their gratitude to Tarantino, for creating an 'epic masterpiece'. 

1:58am - ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN

The award goes to Once Upon A Time In Hollywood!

1917 took this award home at the BAFTAs earlier this month, amongst its slew of other awards, but The Hollywood Golden Age aesthetic seems to have convinced the voting panel.

1:56am 

Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph take the stage to present the award for Achievement in Production Design. They perform a hilarious skit proving their worth as 'serious' actresses. 

1:50am 

Marshall Curry takes to the stage, dedicating his award to his mum, who was 'the best story teller he ever knew'. He prompts us to 'love each other a little more'. 

1:50am - LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

The Oscar goes to The Neighbour's Window.

A slightly unexpected win, as many touted Brotherhood or Saria for the award.

1:48am 

Zack Gottsagen and Shia LaBeouf presents the award for Live Action Short Film. 

1:48am 

Adorable reaction shots from Bong Joon Ho

1:47am 

Taika Waititi takes to the stage to accept his award for Best Adapted Screenplay. 'Amazing', he remarks. He thanks his mother, especially for giving him the book that he adapted. The award is dedicated to the indigenous children in the world, as they are the original story tellers. 

1:46am - BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The wind and rain may be raging outside...but the award goes to JoJo Rabbit.

1:44am 

Timothée Chalamet and Natalie Portman take to the stage to introduce Best Adapted Screenplay. Let's not forget the 2018 Oscars, where James Ivory won this award for Call Me By Your Name.

1:42am 

Bong Joon Ho takes to the stage after winning Best Original Screenplay. 'Writing a script is such a lonely process, and we never write to represent our countries', says Joon Ho. We are given an insight into the writing process, from this underdog winner. 

1:40am - BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

After a rambling introduction, the award goes to Parasite!

The crowd certainly seems to be on side, as a significant proportion of attendees take to their feet, including Sandra Oh. The film picked up the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay, as well as many others throughout this awards season. Could this been a sign of further awards for the film to come tonight?

1:38am 

Diane Keaton and Kenau Reeves introduce the award for Best Original Screenplay. Remember, our prediction was Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, although there is a level of buzz around Parasite too. 

1:32am 

Idina Menzel and the rest of the Frozen cast perform Into the Unknown. Frozen is a cult classic, and we're going for ice princess realness with this staging. The multi-lingual performance of this Best Original Song nomination is special, but also a little shaky, and lacks the global appeal of Let it Go.

1:28am 

Matthew A Cherry and Karen Rupert Tolibver take to the stage. They believe that 'representation matters deeply', 'especially in cartoons' as this is the first format of film that we are exposed to. This addressing of representation, and the 'normalising of black hair' in cartoons, rings true, especially at this year's ceremony. The hashtag OscarsSoWhite is what we need to be reminded of at this point in the ceremony. 

1:26am - BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM

The award for Best Animated Short Film goes to Hair Love.

A safe win for this short, that showcased diverse representation in  heart-warming story.

1:26am 

Toy Story 4 wins, and Josh Cooley and the rest of the team give their speeches. They call it a 'love letter to their families', as family remains at the heart of their film-making process. It's a family affair when watching Toy Story. 

1:25am - BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

The award for Best Animated Feature Film goes to Toy Story 4.

A slight shock there, as Toy Story 4 won neither BAFTA or Golden Globe in this category, Klaus or Missing Link were thought to be more certain winners. Perhaps the nostalgic element of this franchise was enough to swing it with voters.

1:23am 

Best Animated Feature Film is being introduced by Mindy Kaling. Remember, our prediction was Missing Link.

1:19am 

Best Supporting Actor, Brad Pitt, gives his speech. Pitt says it's incredible, and an 'honour of honours'.   He credits Tarantino as 'one of a kind', and commends his artistry. Pitt would 'ride on Leo's coat tails any day' - so would I, Brad, so would I. 

He also used his speech to draw attention to the impeachment trial, saying he'd been given 45 seconds to speak, "more than the Senate gave John Bolton this week." The former National Security Adviser's testimony was blocked during Trump's impeachment trial, and the impeachment was dismissed much earlier than expected. 

Pitt ultimately dedicates his award to his kids. 

1:15am - BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

The first award of night goes to Brad Pitt for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood!

1:13am 

First category up is Best Supporting Actor, presented by Regina King. Remember, our prediction is Brad Pitt for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

1:10am 

"Harriet did such a good job in Harriet hiding black people, the Academy got her to hide all the black nominees" 

The first jokes about the Academy's nominee inequality are coming thick and fast, and we can only hope they're shocking enough to make an impact.

1:08am 

It's all political jokes about Kevin Hart, police profiling, the super-rich and the Iowa Caucus with first presenter-hosts Steve Martin and Chris Rock.

1:07am 

"I'm proud to be a black, queer artist telling stories"

A powerful vocal performance to open, with a powerful message. 

1:04am 

A feature from Billy Porter, looking more iconic than on the runway...?

1:01am 

And the ceremony is a go, with Janelle Monae's "special performance", with an altered version of Come Alive, made into a tribute to the art of cinema, with back dancers dressed as Jokers, Little Women, Midsommar celebrants and Second World War British soldiers (...) 

12:59am 

The beautifully down-to-earth Cynthia Erivo is absolutely serving total glam in shocking white. 

Speechless.

12:57am 

There's no nice way of saying this. Kristen Wiig does indeed look like a cuttlefish. 

Get better friends who'll tell you not to wear this, oh dear. 

12:54am 

Maya Rudolph is giving me a little bit of 70s comedienne, perhaps a Carol Channing or a Phyllis Diller. 

Dripping in sequins, this is a glamorous but ultimately simple offering. 

12:49am 

Natalie Portman has been an enduring vocal proponent for the #MeToo movement, and her political beliefs have been brought to the fore with this Dior gown. 

Whilst I initially thought the dress was unflattering, and a little priesty, the sentiment behind this gown is unquestionable. Embroidered on the outer garment's trimmings are the names of the female film makers that weren't recognised by the Academy. 

Maria Grazia Chiuri reinvigorated Dior with feminist spirit, and it feels fitting that Dior is the brand to champion Portman's beliefs. 

12:45am 

Just fifteen minutes to go until the ceremony gets started! We're finishing off our fashion analysis, and soon getting into the awards themselves! 

12:44am 

Brad Pitt sticks to a fairly classic suited and booted outfit, as do so many of the male guests and nominees. 

Chalamet and Porter are transgressing traditional, otherwise fairly unexciting, as usual.

12:43am 

Margot Robbie underwhelms in a navy, off-the-shouder gown. 

The centre-piece of this otherwise plain dress is the brooch that looks like it's been taken from the shelves of Anthropology. 

Not even the bold, orange-red lip can recover this. We expected more from Margot, who appears to have favoured the same neckline from last year's ceremony.

Time to shake it up, Margot?

12:37am 

Caterina is raging with jealousy over Timothée's flagrant flirtation with Margot Robbie. Shocking. 

12:37am 

Caterina Bragoli has died in the office. 

Timothée Chalamet is the King of every red carpet, but has been catapulted to new heights as he reworks the traditional silhouette of the suit. His beloved curled tresses have been gelled back, as Timmy transforms from boy to man. 

Speechless. I have been rendered speechless.

12:31am 

Meme-worthy moments again from the red carpet. This is me finding my friends again in Cindies.

12:25am 

Saoirse Ronan, nominated for Best Actress for her performance as Jo March in Little Women, has shocked us here at the Varsity offices.

How could your breath not be taken away by this monochrome at the top, lilac at the bottom extravaganza. The ivory frill is sculptural, and origami-esque, somehow reminiscent of both the renaissance and Balenciaga. 

The accompanying make up treads the fine line between dramatic and minimal with ease, as she sports a fluttery winged eye liner, and peach lip. 

Take me to church, Saoirse. 

12:24am 

I think I just saw Brad Pitt vaping? Should I be shook?

12:23am 

A controversial one here. Caterina hates it. Gabriel loves it. Is this the hill they're both willing to die on?

It all comes down to whether those unmistakeable ruffles are heinously OTT, or just the right level of slightly camp and well draped. 

But we can all agree on one thing: we hate the shows 

12:16am 

Saoirse Ronan has been spotted getting out of a minibus. We're already speechless over this dress, hold for further breaking fashion news.

12:14am 

A devastatingly simple number from Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Opinions are divided at the office as to whether we love it or hate it.

Personally I'm all for the simple, stripped-back look; the colour choice is unspeakably flattering, and the whole ensemble is tailored to within an inch of its life.

That being said, I do not enjoy the choice of necklace, its blending with the neckline is jarring to say the least. Still, this comedy heavyweight is bringing it. 

12:09am 

Now, here's for a fashion highlight.

Sandra Oh, famed for her role on Killing Eve, took inspiration from Villanelle's wardrobe with her exaggerated sleeves and ruffled trim, in an ode to the glamour of Marilyn Monroe. 

Tied together with a bold gold bow, Sandra Oh wins the fashion Oscars (so far). 

12:00am 

Absolute (behind the) scenes.

11:59pm 

Greta Gerwig snubs the Oscars right back with her underwhelming Dior gown. The olive, strapless number features an Elie Saab-esque belt that fails to hit the mark. The peak of this dress is the fringe-trimmed bottom, resembling a rug more than a gown.

Little Women was a triumph, no doubt, but this dress was not. 

11:58pm 

Hailee Steinfeld bringing ethereal beauty in tumbling layers of sheer fabric. It's a little bit Ariana Grande Met Gala, a little bit Beyoncé pregnancy shoot. 

I might not like the back ruffles, but this treads the perfect line between classic style and sexy and sleek.

11:38pm 

It's Janelle Monàe time. And she hasn't disappointed. 

A hooded, bejewelled silver gown, harping back to Priyanka Chopra at the Met Gala 2018, with her hooded Ralph Lauren gown.

The silver number is ethereal, with its exaggerated a-line silhouette, and breaks free from the confines of tradition, playing on religious imagery to depict Monàe as a real-life angel.

11:38pm 

My favourite look of the night so far comes from legendary Grammy winner Billie Eilish. 

A revolutionary twist on a classic Chanel suit. It brings together traditional haute couture and her carefully manufactured avant-garde streetwear vibe. Not a heel in sight, and a slouchy, over-sized jacket that is the absolute antithesis of traditional red carpet fashion. Brilliant.

11:19pm 

Nominees have now started to arrive, and here's Supporting Actress nominee Laura Dern. 

This is an amazing show of corsetry, her waist brutally cinched to give a stunningly pinched silhouette. 

It's on subtler side, but we love to see a pastel-black contrast, and although the tassels could look a little Follies Bergère, there's something fun in amongst the refinement.

Here's hoping the rest of the nominees really push the boat out.

11:17pm 

Spike Lee is the first star, and last-year winner, to commemorate the recent, tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and other passengers on board the helicopter. The purple and yellow suit, with the number 24 emblazoned on the back and lapels, pay tribute to Byrant's stellar basketball career. 

A look that is both fashionable, and filled with sentiment. 

11:09pm 

A fabulous moment of Dior in emerald green showcases another 60s silhouette - a free and flowing shape we've been seeing more and more frequently on the red carpet, and that was a running theme at last year's Oscars. 

Monochrome is always impactful, and the neckline feels like an ode to the swooping cuts of the 50s and 60s. There is something a little bit Neoclassical Grecian about the rope belting that we're not sold on, but we'll let it go for now. 

11:02pm 

Let's cast the spotlight onto Best Actor nominee Joaquin Phoenix. In a statement that favours the popular movement of sustainability, Phoenix has vowed to wear the same suit for the entirely of this awards season, designed by Stella McCartney. McCartney comments on behalf of Phoenix, claiming 'he chooses to make choices for the future of the planet and all of its creatures'. 

This has generated much talk, both good and bad. Whilst people are revelling in the environmental promotion of such a choice, it also feels tokenistic. Rewearing garments more than once is a generally accepted practice, so this feels almost comical in its lauding. 

10:58pm 

First up in our red carpet review is the inimitable Billy Porter. 

And frankly, we're disappointed. I feels like The Firebird met Gianna Versace and their capsule collection is just about to drop.

Each individual element of the outfit, in theory, I love. But they feel deeply disjointed, and although the stunning platforms marry with the armour-like bodice, the glorious flowing skirt seems totally out of place. This is unfortunately far from last year's amazing, gender-bending dress-suit, and a particular disappointment after the much memed mechanical BAFTAs hat. 

10:45pm

Looks like we’ve had our first viral-worthy moment of the evening, with Jason Derulo absolutely stacking it down the stairs. That’s got to hurt. 

10:44pm 

This year's ceremony is once again without a main host - a new tradition born just last year when vicious controversy spiralled around the intended host, Kevin Hart, when homophobic tweets from his past surfaced. 

Instead, this year's show will once again be carried by a broad team of presenters, punctuated by live performances from Best Original Song nominees, including Cynthia Erivo and Elton John, alongside pop sensations Billie Eilish and Janelle Monae. Some have been fantasising over whether Eilish might premier her new Bond theme, but the exact nature of her and Monae's "special performance" remains a mystery. 

Amongst the presenters are a slew of previous nominees and winners and Hollywood royalty, including Mahershala Ali, Olivia Colman, Regina King, Rami Malek, Timothée Chalamet, Will Ferrell, Gal Gadot, Mindy Kaling, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Ruffalo, Kristen Wiig, Penélope Cruz, Diane Keaton, Shia LaBeouf, Steve Martin, Keanu Reeves, Maya Rudolph, Sigourney Weaver, Salma Hayek, Brie Larson, Spike Lee, Ray Romano, Rebel Wilson, Jane Fonda, Josh Gad, Tom Hanks, Oscar Isaac, Sandra Oh, Natalie Portman, Chris Rock, and Taika Waititi. 

10:43pm 

5. Lucy Boynton never fails to impress on a red carpet, with her 1960s flair. Her Oscars debut saw her in a violet Louis Vuitton number, playing with a combination of a traditional feminine silhouette and the 1960s.

10:38pm 

4. There's no combination like Charlize Theron and Dior Haute Couture. This sky blue number oozed elegance, whilst foreshadowing the halter-neck trend of 2020. The open back was daring and sophisticated simultaneously, and the dress is an ode to the Golden Age of Hollywood, fitting for this year's acclaimed film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

10:28pm 

3. No one can ignore Billy Porter, no matter what the ceremony. Porter's onslaught of fabulous looks was birthed at last year's ceremony, with his half-tuxedo, half-dress concoction questioning traditional ideas of gendered formal dressing. 

10:23pm 

2. Next up is Gemma Chan in Valentino Couture. We all know that neon was a key trend in 2019, and Chan elevated this to another level, sporting a shockingly bright pink that rendered the classic red of the Oscars irrelevant. The oversized silhouette was avant-garde and Rick Owens-esque, and created a fashion moment that will not easily be forgotten. 

10:18pm 

Whilst we wait for the ceremony to commence, let's remind ourselves of the top 5 most memorable outfits of last year's Oscars. 

1. Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen

Gaga reached new heights with her Academy award nomination for Best Actress in A Star is Born. It was only fitting that she wore a dress to match, with her billowing McQueen number. Gaga's take on a clean, refined black dress was mesmerising, and harks back to Dior's New Look. It felt understated for Gaga, but maybe that was the desired intent: to mark her first venture into the world of cinema. 

10:08pm 

Live coverage has now begun with E!'s Live From The Red Carpet, hosted predictably by Ryan Seacreast. We'll be running through our favourite picks from last year, as well as giving you our hot takes on the outfits of this year's cohort.

10:05pm 

Another key controversy to acknowledge is the lack of diversity within the nominations - yet again. The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite has been trending in the days leading up to the ceremony, but it wasn't created recently. In fact, the hashtag has been in circulation for five years, calling into question why the Academy are turning a blind eye to progressing times. 

Let's trace the history of this hashtag back. The first person of colour to win an Academy award was Hattie McDaniel in 1940. The ceremony was held in a hotel with a 'no blacks' policy. After winning her award, McDaniel was forced to sit on a segregated table, away from the rest of the cast of Gone With the Wind.

The academy has chosen to honour one woman of colour in this year's ceremony. Cynthia Erivo has been nominated for Best Actress for Harriet. If she wins tonight, she will be the youngest Egot winner. 

One nomination is not enough to represent entire marginalised groups of people. The Academy should be catering towards the masses, listening to clamouring voices, and adapting the ceremony to the progressive times we are living in. 

#OscarsSoWhite

9:57pm 

Here is Natalie Portman iconically calling out The Academy for its all-male Best Director nominees in 2018, and with Portman listed as a presenter again this year, some have been speculating if she'll make another viral statement of solidarity. 

9:48pm  

The New York Times aptly reminds us of the moment where Issa Rae scathingly remarks: 'Congratulations to those men'. This is the perfect introduction into one of the latest Oscar scandals as, yet again, there is male-only list of directorial nominees. As seen at both the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs, deserving female directors have been shunned from cinema's most exclusive list, which has caused increasing levels of anger. This exclusionist stance combats the aims of the #MeToo movement, and has even led some to call into question the enduring relevance of the ceremony. 

The nominees for Best Male Director are:

Martin Scorsese, The Irishman
Todd Philips, Joker
Sam Mendes, 1917
Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
Bong Joon Ho, Parasite

The most notable snub is Greta Gerwig, for her acclaimed adaptation of famed novel Little Women, staring the likes of Timothee Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan. 

Many stars have spoken out against the Academy, with Charlize Theron calling the move 'really, really ridiculous'. Rebecca Goldman, from the Time's Up foundation, promises that 'Time's Up will continue to fight until talented female directors get the opportunities and recognition they deserve'.

Recent statistics cast a spotlight on the void between female and male directors. In 2018, female directors directed only 8% of the top 250 US domestic grossing films. Shockingly, since 2000, only 4 women have been nominated by the Academy for best director, a stark contrast to the surplus of 100 men. Only one woman, Kathryn Bigelow, has won, and that was for The Hurt Locker, a war film.

9:12pm 

First up, a little reminder of all the nominees, and our predictions for who'll be taking home the Oscar in each category.

BEST PICTURE

Ford v Ferrari

Jojo Rabbit

Little Women

1917

Marriage Story

Once Upon A Time in Hollywood

Parasite

Joker

Our prediction: 1917

The fiercest race of the film awards season never disappoints, and 1917 has pulled impressively out in front with healthy wins across the board, including Best Picture at both the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes. Some have wondered if the Best Picture voting system could lead to an unexpected winner, but our bet is still with 1917.

BEST DIRECTOR

Martin Scorsese, The Irishman

Todd Philips, Joker

Sam Mendes, 1917

Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood

Bong Joon Ho, Parasite

Our prediction: Sam Mendes, 1917

There is a kind of impressive technical auteurism to 1917 that consistently impresses Oscars voters, and Mendes' performance at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs have pretty much sealed the deal.

LEADING ACTRESS

Cynthia Erivo, Harriet 

Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story 

Saoirse Ronan, Little Women

Charlize Theron, Bombshell

Renee Zellweger, Judy

Our prediction: Renee Zellweger, Judy

Another brilliant awards season performance for an actress much maligned in the mid-noughties with type casting post Bridget Jones. A much deserved critical change of heart.

LEADING ACTOR

Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory 

Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood

Adam Driver, Marriage Story 

Joaquin Phoenix, Joker

Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes

Our prediction: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker

The SAG Awards, the BAFTAs, the Golden Globes, Joaquin has been on a massive upswing this awards season, with acceptance speeches to match. It would be the shock of the night for this to go to anyone else, whether you think he deserves it or not. 

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell

Laura Dern, Marriage Story 

Scarlett Johannson, Jojo Rabbit

Florence Pugh, Little Women

Margot Robbie, Bombshell

Our prediction: Laura Dern, Marriage Story

Another shoe-in with consistent performance at awards shows this year. 

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes

Al Pacino, The Irishman 

Joe Pesci, The Irishman 

Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Our prediction: Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Someone's been writing his killer jokes this award season, and it's been paying off, with a slew of wins. Another obvious winner, in spite of his high-calibre companions in this category.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Knives Out

Marriage Story 

1917 

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Parasite

Our prediction: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The Irishman

Jojo Rabbit

Joker

Little Women

The Two Popes

Our prediction: Jojo Rabbit

LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

Brotherhood

Nefta Football Club

The Neighbors’ Window

Saria

A Sister

Our prediction: Brotherhood

ANIMATED SHORT FILM

Dcera

Hair Love

Kitbull

Memorable

Sister

Our prediction: Hair Love

ORIGINAL SCORE

Joker

Little Women

Marriage Story

1917

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Our prediction: Joker

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

Corpus Christi

Honeyland

Les Miserables

Pain and Glory

Parasite

Our prediction: Parasite

SOUND MIXING

Ad Astra

Ford v Ferrari

Joker

1917

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Our prediction: 1917

COSTUME DESIGN

The Irishman

Jojo Rabbit

Joker

Little Women

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Our prediction: Little Women

DOCUMENTARY SHORT

In the Absence

Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone

Life Overtakes Me

St Louis Superman

Walk Run Cha-Cha

Our prediction: Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

American Factory

The Cave

The Edge of Democracy

For Sama

Honeyland

Our prediction: For Sama

ACHIEVEMENTS IN PRODUCTION DESIGN

The Irishman

Jojo Rabbit

1917

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 

Parasite

Our prediction: 1917

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FILM EDITING

Ford v Ferrari

The Irishman

Jojo Rabbit

Joker

Parasite

Our prediction: Ford v Ferrari

ACHIEVEMENTS IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

The Irishman

Joker

The Lighthouse

1917

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Our prediction: 1917

ACHIEVEMENTS IN VISUAL EFFECTS

1917

Avengers: Endgame

The Irishman

The Lion King

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Our prediction: 1917

ACHIEVEMENTS IN HAIR & MAKE-UP

Bombshell

Joker

Judy

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil 1917

Our prediction: Bombshell

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

I Lost My Body 

Klaus

Missing Link

Toy Story 4

Our prediction: Missing Link

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away, Toy Story

I’m Gonna Love Me Again, Rocketman

I’m Standing With You, Breakthrough

Into the Unknown, Frozen II

Stand Up, Harriet

Our prediction: I’m Gonna Love Me Again, Rocketman

9:01pm The time has finally arrived! After weeks of mounting anticipation, cinema's most coveted awards will be handed out to the best of film. From a run down of last year's best dressed, to the important acknowledgement of #oscarssowhite and the lack of female directorial representation, Varsity has the highlights of the night covered!

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