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AP® English Literature

Ap® english literature exam faq: everything you need to know for 2024.

  • The Albert Team
  • Last Updated On: January 29, 2024

Everything You Need to Know FAQ

Are you hoping to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the 2024 AP® English Literature exam? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ll cover how difficult the AP® English Literature exam is, how the exam is scored, strategies for passing the exam, and much more. Let’s get started!

What We Review

Is AP® English Literature Easy? What Can Make It Hard?

The AP® English Literature exam is not considered easy. A review of passing rates over the last few years has shown it to be one of the more difficult tests to pass. That level of difficulty will be increased if reading, writing, and analyzing texts are not academic strengths for you or if you cannot succeed in a class designed to teach at a college level. 

In 2021, the AP® English Literature exam had a passing rate of 43.9% and a mean score of 2.47 . Both of these statistics showed that, in 2021, the AP® English Literature exam was harder than the average AP® exam for students to pass.

However, the 2022 AP® English Literature exam results showed a major jump in passing rate!

In 2022, the AP® English Literature and Composition exam had a passing rate of 77.9% and a mean score of 3.31 . These are both significant improvements over previous years! This growth likely results from hard work from students and improved instructional focus from teachers.

The passing rate percentages for the 2022 AP® English Literature exam are based on an average total of 339,401 test takers. That number makes the AP® English Literature exam the third most popular AP® exam, behind AP® US History and AP® English Language. The high number of test takers provides a higher level of reliability to the passing percentages for this exam. 

In order to do your best on the AP® English Literature exam, you will want to know how the content units are weighted in the exam. For the AP® English Literature exam, the units are divided into three categories: short fiction, poetry, and longer fiction or drama. 

Of these sections, short fiction makes up 42-49% of the exam. Poetry accounts for 36-45%, and longer fiction or drama makes up 15-18% of the exam questions. Understanding these weightings can help you create a study plan to prepare for the AP® English Literature exam. 

You can increase your chances of passing by knowing how many questions you need to answer correctly on the exam in order to pass. This can help you to know if you need to devote valuable time to tough questions or if it is safe to skip them.

Albert provides an AP® English Literature score calculator that can provide information on how many questions you need to get right to achieve the score you want. For example, if you want to score a 3, you need something like the score breakdown shown below:

AP® English Literature score calculator

Return to the Table of Contents

Is AP® English Literature Worth It?

The AP® English Literature exam is worth taking for a variety of reasons, from academic to financial. When you successfully complete an AP® course, you can know that you are prepared for the increased pace and academic rigor that is required of college-level courses. This knowledge will increase your confidence as you move into this new phase of academic life. 

Passing the AP® English Literature exam can also help you with the college admissions process. AP® courses send a signal to admissions counselors that you are prepared for college and that you approached your high school education with ambition and determination. 

Perhaps the most important benefit of AP® courses is in their ability to save you money. Graduating from high school with college credits means that those are classes you won’t need to pay for in college. You can either bank those savings or use the freed-up credit hours to explore earning a minor or other classes outside your major. 

This chart shows just a few of the colleges that will allow you to use your passing AP® English Literature score for college credit and the estimated savings you could see from that decision.

As you can see from the chart, there is a real financial savings opportunity when you take and pass AP® English Literature. These savings, combined with the academic benefits of AP® exams, show that taking AP® English Literature is worth it.

When is the 2024 AP® English Literature Exam?

The 2024 AP® English Literature exam will be given in person using paper-and-pencil tests. The AP® English Literature and Composition exam will take place on:

Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 8am local time

Curious about when other AP® exams are happening in 202 4? View or download the complete AP® exam schedule here .

Is the 2024 AP® English Literature test a digital exam?

Schools can take the 2024 AP® English Literature exam as a traditional paper-and-pencil test or as an in-school digital exam on computers. More information on the digital option is available here .

You should check with your teacher and AP® Coordinator to know if you’ll take a paper-and-pencil or digital version.

When do AP® English Literature scores typically come out?

According to the latest update from the College Board exam season timeline , students will receive their AP® scores in July 2024. Historically, the College Board typically releases AP® scores early in the month of July.

You’ll be able to access your AP® scores online with your College Board account username and password.

How is AP® English Literature Scored? What’s the Weighting of Different Questions?

The chart below outlines the scoring breakdown for the AP® English Literature exam:

This breakdown is somewhat unusual among AP® courses. Most AP® courses put at least half, and often over half, of the scoring percentage in the multiple choice question. Over half of the points in the AP® English Literature course will come from the free response questions .

  • The multiple-choice portion of the AP® English Literature exam consists of 55 questions that will need to be answered within 60 minutes. 
  • The questions will be grouped in 5 sets with 8 – 13 questions per set. Each of the sets will relate to a supplied passage of prose fiction, drama or poetry. There will be a minimum of 2 prose fiction and two poetry passages.
  • The free-response section consists of three questions. You will have 2 hours to answer these questions. Two of the questions will cover the literary analysis of a poem and a passage from prose fiction (both supplied). The third question will require an analysis of a concept, issue, or element in a literary work.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to let your own belief system show in your essays. These can add weight and personality to your argument.

You can view the chart below to see how the individual units from the course are reflected in the exam questions. You can see how these weightings translate to the overall exam score with Albert’s free AP® English Literature score calculator .

What Happens If You Fail AP® English Literature Exam?

ap literature essay 2023

If you happen to fail the AP® English Literature exam, don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world, and you can minimize the impact on your academic future in several ways.

As far as your high school grades go, failing the AP® English Literature exam won’t have any impact on your GPA. Your school will use your academic year coursework to determine your grade in AP® English Literature. Your AP® exam grade is separate and not factored into your course grade.

If you want to use the AP® English Literature exam for college credit, you will need to retake the exam. Most colleges won’t award credit for any score lower than 3. Some schools require a 4 or even a 5 for college credit. 

Luckily, you can retake the AP® English Literature exam as often as you want. You can retake it to achieve a passing score or reach a higher score. You will need to pay the exam fee each time you take the exam, but there are no penalties for retaking it.

You also get to choose who sees your AP® exam scores. If you scored lower than you want on the AP® English Literature exam, you could choose not to share that score with colleges. If you send in a score and then score higher at a retake, you can also ask the college to substitute your higher score for the earlier lower score.

When Do Students Typically Take AP® English Literature? When is Best?

AP® English Literature is typically taken during your junior or senior year in high school. Technically, the course has no prerequisites, so you could theoretically take it earlier. 

However, this course is considered one of the more time-consuming AP® courses, so students typically wait until they have more time management experience before taking it.

AP® English Literature is an extremely reading and writing-intensive course. You should wait to take this course until you feel confident you can spend long periods of time reading complex texts. 

You should also have enough writing experience to feel comfortable crafting a written argument about the assigned texts and meeting the page requirements.

If you want to take AP® English Literature, you should consider all of these factors and decide when it feels right for you to take it. You will want to be sure to balance AP® English Literature with any other AP® courses you may want to take. 

As with all academic decisions, you may want to consult your guidance counselor and get advice from some of the AP® teachers before deciding when to take AP® English Literature.

Where Can I find Past AP® English Literature Exams?

Reviewing past AP® exam questions can be a very useful study strategy. The College Board has made the FRQs from the last 20 years of AP® English Literature exams available to you via the AP® Central website .

While this year’s test won’t be likely to reuse questions from past exams, the questions will likely cover the same general concepts and require the same skills to answer. You should review the past free-response exam questions from the last 5 years to get an idea of the types of questions they will ask to test your knowledge of the material covered in the course.

You can access those past free-response questions using the links below:

  • 2023 AP® English Literature Free-Response Questions
  • 2022 AP® English Literature Free-Response Questions
  • 2021 AP® English Literature Free-Response Questions
  • 2019 AP® English Literature Free-Response Questions
  • 2018 AP® English Literature Free-Response Questions
  • 2017 AP® English Literature Free-Response Questions
  • 2016 AP® English Literature Free-Response Questions
  • 2015 AP® English Literature Free-Response Questions

You’ll also want to spend some time studying for the multiple-choice portion of the exam. The College Board has also provided a few sample multiple choice questions on the AP® English Literature Course and Exam Description. The number of questions is pretty limited, so you’ll want to add in more practice questions.

You can find additional multiple-choice practice questions on Albert’s AP® English Literature website . Albert’s team has designed these questions to ensure that they cover the units as they are weighted on the exam. 

The College Board’s AP® English Literature website offers some really useful information from past exams. You should really take the time to look over the resources they have provided. Reviewing the links below will make you more prepared and confident going into this year’s exam. 

  • AP® English Literature Scoring Guidelines 2023 / 2022 / 2021 / 2019
  • AP® English Literature Chief Reader Reports 2023 / 2022 / 2021 / 2019
  • AP® English Literature Scoring Reports 2023 / 2022 / 2021 / 2019

The Scoring Guidelines report lets you view previous free-response questions along with a detailed breakdown of the rubric used to determine the points awarded for each question. Your questions might be different, but you may find some common elements in past questions that would be useful for this year’s exam. 

The Chief Reader report is one you should not ignore when preparing for this year’s AP® English Literature exam. Chief Readers are experts in the field of the AP® exam and provide their expert analysis of past exam answers. These reports detail what elements were included in a strong answer and where weak answers went wrong. 

Understanding the weaknesses and strengths of past answers can ensure that you focus your study in those areas and are prepared to address often overlooked concepts and arguments. 

For example, in the 2019 Chief Reader report, the reader noted that some of the best essays incorporated the student’s beliefs about concepts such as “idealism” and allowed those beliefs to permeate their discussion of the work and the concept.

The sample responses can also provide useful information from past exams. The College Board provides three sample responses for each past exam question: a strong answer, an average answer, and a weak answer. Each response is graded, and an explanation of that grade is included.

While the free-response portion takes most of the exam time and accounts for over half of your score, don’t forget to prepare for the multiple-choice section. It makes up 45% of your score and can’t be your downfall if you aren’t prepared. Check out Albert’s AP® English Literature practice page for multiple-choice practice before the exam.

Who Should Take AP® English Literature? What Sort of Students May Like It More Than Others?

ap literature essay 2023

Not everyone will excel at AP® English Literature, so you should consider how the course aligns with your academic strengths before deciding to take it. The decision should also be based on your academic goals after high school.

If you plan to major in English in college, taking AP® English Literature is an easy choice. If you enjoy reading, AP® English Literature could be a good choice, as long as you are equally comfortable with analyzing what you read and writing a cohesive essay about that analysis. 

Unlike AP® English Language, AP® English Literature focuses primarily on poetry and fiction. There is a significant amount of reading, so you will also need to possess the ability to read for large stretches of time. The course overview can shed more light on what to expect from the course.

Non-English majors can also benefit from taking AP® English Literature. The course teaches how to read texts critically, which can be useful for various disciplines. It also relies heavily on classroom discussion, which can benefit future college classes.

The passing rate for the AP® English Literature exam is fairly low, at 49.7% for 2019. This factor should be considered if you plan to use the course for college credit. If your goal is to score a 4 or 5 on this exam, you’ll want to devote extra study time to accomplish that goal. In 2019, only 21.9% of students scored a 4 or 5 on the AP® English Literature exam.

Taking AP® English Literature is a personal decision only you can make. You’ll want to review the course overview and decide if this course is a good fit for your academic talents and if it is a course that would interest you. You might also want to consult with your guidance counselor and your parents before making this decision. 

How Do Students Typically Score On AP® English Literature? What’s the Score Distribution?

The AP® English Literature exam is one that has a wide variety in score distribution. As one of the most popular AP® exams, past scores reflect a variety of factors, such as how well students studied for the exam, their writing aptitude and their ability to do well at the advanced placement level. The score distributions for the AP® English Literature exam for the last three years are below.

Until the 2022 exam cycle, the AP® English Literature exam had averaged a passing rate of slightly below 50%. In 2022, there was a significant jump in the pass rate for the exam — nearly 78% passing!

The exam typically attracts around 400,000 exam takers each year.

In 2023, the mean score among all 356,043 AP® English Literature exam test takers was 3.26 .

Need Help Preparing For Your AP® English Literature Exam?

AP® English Literature Practice Questions

Albert has hundreds of AP® English Literature multiple-choice practice questions, free-response questions, and full-length practice tests to try out.

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📚 AP English Literature

📌 exam date: may 8, 2024.

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AP English Lit Study Guides by Unit

Unit 1 – intro to short fiction.

Unit 1 Overview: Introduction to Short Fiction

ChristineLing

written by ChristineLing

Interpreting the role of character in fiction

Identifying and interpreting setting

Understanding how a story’s structure affects interpretations

Understanding and interpreting a narrator’s perspective

Reading texts literally and figuratively

Unit 2 – Intro to Poetry

Unit 2 Overview: Introduction to Poetry

Ariella Ramjohn

written by Ariella Ramjohn

Identifying characters in poetry

Understanding & interpreting meaning in poetic structure

Analyzing word choice to find meaning

Identifying techniques in poetry to analyze literary works

Unit 3 – Intro to Longer Fiction & Drama

Unit 3 Overview: Introduction to Longer Fiction and Drama

Minna Chow

written by Minna Chow

Interpreting character description and perspective

Character evolution throughout a narrative

Conflict and plot development

Interpreting symbolism

Identifying evidence and supporting literary arguments

Unit 4 – Character, Conflict, & Storytelling in Short Fiction

Unit 4 Overview: Character, Conflict, and Storytelling

Protagonists, antagonists, character relationships, and conflict

Character interactions with setting and its significance

Archetypes in literature

Types of narration like stream of consciousness

Narrative distance, tone, and perspective

Unit 5 – Structure & Figurative Language in Poetry

Unit 5 Overview: Structure and Figurative Language

Traits of closed and open structures in poetry

Use of techniques like imagery and hyperbole

Types of comparisons in poetry including personification and allusion

Identifying and interpreting extended metaphors

Unit 6 – Literary Techniques in Longer Works

Unit 6 Overview: Literary Techniques in Longer Works

Interpreting foil characters

Understanding and interpreting character complexity

Understanding nonlinear narrative structures like flashbacks and foreshadowing

The effect of narrative tone and bias on reading

Characters as symbols, metaphors, and archetypes

Unit 7 – Societal & Historical Context in Short Fiction

Unit 7 Overview: Societal and Historical Context

Sudden and more gradual change in characters

Epiphany as a driver of plot

Relationships between characters and groups

Character interactions with changing and contrasting settings

The significance of the pacing of a narrative

Sylvia Rodriguez

written by Sylvia Rodriguez

Unit 8 – Advanced Techniques in Poetry

Unit 8 Overview: Advanced Techniques in Poetry

Looking at Punctuation and Structural Patterns

Interpreting juxtaposition, paradox, and irony

How ambiguity can allow for various interpretations

Identifying symbols, conceits, and allusions

Learning proper attribution and citation in literary analysis

Unit 9 – Nuanced Analysis in Longer Works

Unit 9 Overview: Nuanced Analysis

Looking at a character’s response to the resolution of a narrative

Suspense, resolution, and plot development

Narrative inconsistencies and contrasting perspectives

Additional Resources

Study tools.

2024 AP English Literature Exam Guide

15 min read

Emery

written by Emery

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Frequently Cited on the AP English Literature Exam

What Is Poetry and How Can It Be Analyzed?

AP Lit Reading List

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What is Classic Literature?

How Can I Be Prepared for the AP English Literature FRQs?

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Best AP English Literature Quizlet Decks by Unit

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AP Lit Prose Analysis Practice Essays & Feedback

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Short Fiction Overview

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AP English Literature Multiple Choice Help (MCQ)

AP Lit: Poetry Overview

AP Lit Prose Analysis Practice Prompt Answers & Feedback: Fahrenheit 451 (Diction)

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FRQ 2: Prose Analysis

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🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Long Fiction I

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AP English Literature Cram Unit 2: Poetry I

AP English Literature Cram Unit 3: Longer Fiction or Drama I

Live Cram Sessions 2020

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Lit Cram 3 - Slides

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Intro to AP Lit for Teachers

What Lit Is: Exam and Course Overview

What Lit Is: Exam and Course Overview - Slides

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, ap literature reading list: 127 great books for your prep.

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Advanced Placement (AP)

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A lot of students wonder if there's a specific AP English reading list of books they should be reading to succeed on the AP Literature and Composition exam. While there's not an official College-Board AP reading list, there are books that will be more useful for you to read than others as you prepare for the exam. In this article, I'll break down why you need to read books to prepare, how many you should plan on reading, and what you should read—including poetry.

Why Do You Need to Read Books for the AP Literature Test?

This might seem like kind of an obvious question—you need to read books because it's a literature exam! But actually, there are three specific reasons why you need to read novels, poems, and plays in preparation for the AP Lit Test.

To Increase Your Familiarity With Different Eras and Genres of Literature

Reading a diverse array of novels, poetry and plays from different eras and genres will help you be familiar with the language that appears in the various passages on the AP Lit exam's multiple choice and essay sections. If you read primarily modern works, for example, you may stumble through analyzing a Shakespeare sonnet. So, having a basic familiarity level with the language of a broad variety of literary works will help keep you from floundering in confusion on test day because you're seeing a work unlike anything you've ever read.

To Improve Your Close-Reading Skills

You'll also want to read to improve your close-reading and rhetorical analysis skills. When you do read, really engage with the text: think about what the author's doing to construct the novel/poem/play/etc., what literary techniques and motifs are being deployed, and what major themes are at play. You don't necessarily need to drill down to the same degree on every text, but you should always be thinking, "Why did the author write this piece this way?"

For the Student Choice Free-Response Question

Perhaps the most critical piece in reading to prepare for the AP Lit test, however, is for the student choice free-response question. For the third question on the second exam section, you'll be asked to examine how a specific theme works in one novel or play that you choose. The College Board does provide an example list of works, but you can choose any work you like just so long as it has adequate "literary merit." However, you need to be closely familiar with more than one work so that you can be prepared for whatever theme the College Board throws at you!

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Note: Not an effective reading method.

How Many Books Do You Need to Read for the AP Exam?

That depends. In terms of reading to increase your familiarity with literature from different eras and genres and to improve your close-reading skills, the more books you have time to read, the better. You'll want to read them all with an eye for comprehension and basic analysis, but you don't necessarily need to focus equally on every book you read.

For the purposes of the student choice question, however, you'll want to read books more closely, so that you could write a detailed, convincing analytical essay about any of their themes. So you should know the plot, characters, themes, and major literary devices or motifs used inside and out. Since you won't know what theme you'll be asked to write about in advance, you'll need to be prepared to write a student choice question on more than just one book.

Of the books you read for prep both in and out of class, choose four to five books that are thematically diverse to learn especially well in preparation for the exam. You may want to read these more than once, and you certainly want to take detailed notes on everything that's going on in those books to help you remember key points and themes. Discussing them with a friend or mentor who has also read the book will help you generate ideas on what's most interesting or intriguing about the work and how its themes operate in the text.

You may be doing some of these activities anyways for books you are assigned to read for class, and those books might be solid choices if you want to be as efficient as possible. Books you write essays about for school are also great choices to include in your four to five book stable since you will be becoming super-familiar with them for the writing you do in class anyways.

In answer to the question, then, of how many books you need to read for the AP Lit exam: you need to know four to five inside and out, and beyond that, the more the better!

book-112117_640.jpg

Know the books. Love the books.

What Books Do You Need to Read for the AP Exam?

The most important thing for the student choice free-response question is that the work you select needs to have "literary merit." What does this mean? In the context of the College Board, this means you should stick with works of literary fiction. So in general, avoid mysteries, fantasies, romance novels, and so on.

If you're looking for ideas, authors and works that have won prestigious prizes like the Pulitzer, Man Booker, the National Book Award, and so on are good choices. Anything you read specifically for your AP literature class is a good choice, too. If you aren't sure if a particular work has the kind of literary merit the College Board is looking for, ask your AP teacher.

When creating your own AP Literature reading list for the student choice free-response, try to pick works that are diverse in author, setting, genre, and theme. This will maximize your ability to comprehensively answer a student choice question about pretty much anything with one of the works you've focused on.

So, I might, for example, choose:

A Midsummer Night's Dream , Shakespeare, play, 1605

Major themes and devices: magic, dreams, transformation, foolishness, man vs. woman, play-within-a-play

Wuthering Heights , Emily Bronte, novel, 1847

Major themes and devices: destructive love, exile, social and economic class, suffering and passion, vengeance and violence, unreliable narrator, frame narrative, family dysfunction, intergenerational narratives.

The Age of Innocence , Edith Wharton, novel, 1920

Major themes and devices: Tradition and duty, personal freedom, hypocrisy, irony, social class, family, "maintaining appearances", honor

Wide Sargasso Sea , Jean Rhys, novel, 1966

Major themes and devices: slavery, race, magic, madness, wildness, civilization vs. chaos, imperialism, gender

As you can see, while there is some thematic overlap in my chosen works, they also cover a broad swathe of themes. They are also all very different in style (although you'll just have to take my word on that one unless you go look at all of them yourself), and they span a range of time periods and genres as well.

However, while there's not necessarily a specific, mandated AP Literature reading list, there are books that come up again and again on the suggestion lists for student choice free-response questions. When a book comes up over and over again on exams, this suggests both that it's thematically rich, so you can use it to answer lots of different kinds of questions, and that the College Board sees a lot of value in the work.

To that end, I've assembled a list, separated by time period, of all the books that have appeared on the suggested works list for student choice free-response questions at least twice since 2003. While you certainly shouldn't be aiming to read all of these books (there's way too many for that!), these are all solid choices for the student choice essay. Other books by authors from this list are also going to be strong choices. It's likely that some of your class reading will overlap with this list, too.

I've divided up the works into chunks by time period. In addition to title, each entry includes the author, whether the work is a novel, play, or something else, and when it was first published or performed. Works are alphabetical by author.

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Warning: Not all works pictured included in AP Literature reading list below.

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Ancient Works

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The Queen of AP Literature surveys her kingdom.

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Don't get trapped in a literature vortex!

1990-Present

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Don't stay in one reading position for too long, or you'll end up like this guy.

ap literature essay 2023

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An Addendum on Poetry

You probably won't be writing about poetry on your student choice essay—most just aren't meaty enough in terms of action and character to merit a full-length essay on the themes when you don't actually have the poem in front of you (a major exception being The Odyssey ). That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be reading poetry, though! You should be reading a wide variety of poets from different eras to get comfortable with all the varieties of poetic language. This will make the poetry analysis essay and the multiple-choice questions about poetry much easier!

See this list of poets compiled from the list given on page 10 of the AP Course and Exam Description for AP Lit, separated out by time period. For those poets who were working during more than one of the time periods sketched out below, I tried to place them in the era in which they were more active.

I've placed an asterisk next to the most notable and important poets in the list; you should aim to read one or two poems by each of the starred poets to get familiar with a broad range of poetic styles and eras.

14th-17th Centuries

  • Anne Bradstreet
  • Geoffrey Chaucer
  • George Herbert
  • Andrew Marvell
  • John Milton
  • William Shakespeare*

18th-19th Centuries

  • William Blake*
  • Robert Browning
  • Samuel Taylor Coleridge*
  • Emily Dickinson*
  • Paul Laurence Dunbar
  • George Gordon, Lord Byron
  • Gerard Manley Hopkins
  • John Keats*
  • Edgar Allan Poe*
  • Alexander Pope*
  • Percy Bysshe Shelley*
  • Alfred, Lord Tennyson*
  • Walt Whitman*
  • William Wordsworth*

Early-Mid 20th Century

  • W. H. Auden
  • Elizabeth Bishop
  • H. D. (Hilda Doolittle)
  • T. S. Eliot*
  • Robert Frost*
  • Langston Hughes*
  • Philip Larkin
  • Robert Lowell
  • Marianne Moore
  • Sylvia Plath*
  • Anne Sexton*
  • Wallace Stevens
  • William Carlos Williams
  • William Butler Yeats*

Late 20th Century-Present

  • Edward Kamau Brathwaite
  • Gwendolyn Brooks
  • Lorna Dee Cervantes
  • Lucille Clifton
  • Billy Collins
  • Seamus Heaney
  • Garrett Hongo
  • Adrienne Rich
  • Leslie Marmon Silko
  • Derek Walcott
  • Richard Wilbur

fire-1075162_640.jpg

You might rather burn books than read them after the exam, but please refrain.

Key Takeaways

Why do you need to read books to prepare for AP Lit? For three reasons:

#1 : To become familiar with a variety of literary eras and genres #2 : To work on your close-reading skills #3 : To become closely familiar with four-five works for the purposes of the student choice free-response essay analyzing a theme in a work of your choice.

How many books do you need to read? Well, you definitely need to get very familiar with four-five for essay-writing purposes, and beyond that, the more the better!

Which books should you read? Check out the AP English Literature reading list in this article to see works that have appeared on two or more "suggested works" lists on free-response prompts since 2003.

And don't forget to read some poetry too! See some College Board recommended poets listed in this article.

What's Next?

See my expert guide to the AP Literature test for more exam tips!

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ap literature essay 2023

How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay + Examples

What’s covered:, what is the ap language argument essay, tips for writing the ap language argument essay, ap english language argument essay examples, how will ap scores impact my college chances.

In 2023, over 550,148 students across the U.S. took the AP English Language and Composition Exam, and 65.2% scored higher than a 3. The AP English Language Exam tests your ability to analyze a piece of writing, synthesize information, write a rhetorical essay, and create a cohesive argument. In this post, we’ll be discussing the best way to approach the argumentative essay section of the test, and we’ll give you tips and tricks so you can write a great essay.

The AP English Language Exam as of 2023 is structured as follows:

Section 1: 45 multiple choice questions to be completed in an hour. This portion counts for 45% of your score. This section requires students to analyze a piece of literature. The questions ask about its content and/or what could be edited within the passage.

Section 2: Three free response questions to be completed in the remaining two hours and 15 minutes. This section counts for 55% of your score. These essay questions include the synthesis essay, the rhetorical essay, and the argumentative essay.

  • Synthesis essay: Read 6-7 sources and create an argument using at least three of the sources.
  • Rhetorical analysis essay: Describe how a piece of writing evokes meaning and symbolism.
  • Argumentative essay: Pick a side of a debate and create an argument based on evidence. In this essay, you should develop a logical argument in support of or against the given statement and provide ample evidence that supports your conclusion. Typically, a five paragraph format is great for this type of writing. This essay is scored holistically from 1 to 9 points.

Do you want more information on the structure of the full exam? Take a look at our in-depth overview of the AP Language and Composition Exam .

Although the AP Language Argument may seem daunting at first, once you understand how the essay should be structured, it will be a lot easier to create cohesive arguments.

Below are some tips to help you as you write the essay.

1. Organize your essay before writing

Instead of jumping right into your essay, plan out what you will say beforehand. It’s easiest to make a list of your arguments and write out what facts or evidence you will use to support each argument. In your outline, you can determine the best order for your arguments, especially if they build on each other or are chronological. Having a well-organized essay is crucial for success.

2. Pick one side of the argument, but acknowledge the other side

When you write the essay, it’s best if you pick one side of the debate and stick with it for the entire essay. All your evidence should be in support of that one side. However, in your introductory paragraph, as you introduce the debate, be sure to mention any merit the arguments of the other side has. This can make the essay a bit more nuanced and show that you did consider both sides before determining which one was better. Often, acknowledging another viewpoint then refuting it can make your essay stronger.

3. Provide evidence to support your claims

The AP readers will be looking for examples and evidence to support your argument. This doesn’t mean that you need to memorize a bunch of random facts before the exam. This just means that you should be able to provide concrete examples in support of your argument.

For example, if the essay topic is about whether the role of the media in society has been detrimental or not, and you argue that it has been, you may talk about the phenomenon of “fake news” during the 2016 presidential election.

AP readers are not looking for perfect examples, but they are looking to see if you can provide enough evidence to back your claim and make it easily understood.

4. Create a strong thesis statement

The thesis statement will set up your entire essay, so it’s important that it is focused and specific, and that it allows for the reader to understand your body paragraphs. Make sure your thesis statement is the very last sentence of your introductory paragraph. In this sentence, list out the key points you will be making in the essay in the same order that you will be writing them. Each new point you mention in your thesis should start a paragraph in your essay.

Below is a prompt and sample student essay from the May 2019 exam . We’ll look at what the student did well in their writing and where they could improve.

Prompt: “The term “overrated” is often used to diminish concepts, places, roles, etc. that the speaker believes do not deserve the prestige they commonly enjoy; for example, many writers have argued that success is overrated, a character in a novel by Anthony Burgess famously describes Rome as a “vastly overrated city,” and Queen Rania of Jordan herself has asserted that “[b]eing queen is overrated.”

Select a concept, place, role, etc. to which you believe that the term “overrated” should be applied. Then, write a well-developed essay in which you explain your judgment. Use appropriate evidence from your reading, experience, or observations to support your argument.

Sample Student Essay #1:

[1] Competition is “overrated.” The notion of motivation between peers has evolved into a source of unnecessary stress and even lack of morals. Whether it be in an academic environment or in the industry, this new idea of competition is harmful to those competing and those around them.

[2] Back in elementary school, competition was rather friendly. It could have been who could do the most pushups or who could get the most imaginary points in a classroom for a prize. If you couldn’t do the most pushups or win that smelly sticker, you would go home and improve yourself – there would be no strong feelings towards anyone, you would just focus on making yourself a better version of yourself. Then as high school rolled around, suddenly applying for college doesn’t seem so far away –GPA seems to be that one stat that defines you – extracurriculars seem to shape you – test scores seem to categorize you. Sleepless nights, studying for the next day’s exam, seem to become more and more frequent. Floating duck syndrome seems to surround you (FDS is where a competitive student pretends to not work hard but is furiously studying beneath the surface just like how a duck furiously kicks to stay afloat). All of your competitors appear to hope you fail – but in the end what do you and your competitor’s gain? Getting one extra point on the test? Does that self-satisfaction compensate for the tremendous amounts of acquired stress? This new type of “competition” is overrated – it serves nothing except a never-ending source of anxiety and seeks to weaken friendships and solidarity as a whole in the school setting.

[3] A similar idea of “competition” can be applied to business. On the most fundamental level, competition serves to be a beneficial regulator of prices and business models for both the business themselves and consumers. However, as businesses grew increasingly greedy and desperate, companies resorted to immoral tactics that only hurt their reputations and consumers as a whole. Whether it be McDonald’s coupons that force you to buy more food or tech companies like Apple intentionally slowing down your iPhone after 3 years to force you to upgrade to the newest device, consumers suffer and in turn speak down upon these companies. Similar to the evolved form of competition in school, this overrated form causes pain for all parties and has since diverged from the encouraging nature that the principle of competition was “founded” on.

The AP score for this essay was a 4/6, meaning that it captured the main purpose of the essay but there were still substantial parts missing. In this essay, the writer did a good job organizing the sections and making sure that their writing was in order according to the thesis statement. The essay first discusses how competition is harmful in elementary school and then discusses this topic in the context of business. This follows the chronological order of somebody’s life and flows nicely.

The arguments in this essay are problematic, as they do not provide enough examples of how exactly competition is overrated. The essay discusses the context in which competition is overrated but does not go far enough in explaining how this connects to the prompt.

In the first example, school stress is used to explain how competition manifests. This is a good starting point, but it does not talk about why competition is overrated; it simply mentions that competition can be unhealthy. The last sentence of that paragraph is the main point of the argument and should be expanded to discuss how the anxiety of school is overrated later on in life. 

In the second example, the writer discusses how competition can lead to harmful business practices, but again, this doesn’t reflect the reason this would be overrated. Is competition really overrated because Apple and McDonald’s force you to buy new products? This example could’ve been taken one step farther. Instead of explaining why business structures—such as monopolies—harm competition, the author should discuss how those particular structures are overrated.

Additionally, the examples the writer used lack detail. A stronger essay would’ve provided more in-depth examples. This essay seemed to mention examples only in passing without using them to defend the argument.

It should also be noted that the structure of the essay is incomplete. The introduction only has a thesis statement and no additional context. Also, there is no conclusion paragraph that sums up the essay. These missing components result in a 4/6.

Now let’s go through the prompt for a sample essay from the May 2022 exam . The prompt is as follows:

Colin Powell, a four-star general and former United States Secretary of State, wrote in his 1995 autobiography: “[W]e do not have the luxury of collecting information indefinitely. At some point, before we can have every possible fact in hand, we have to decide. The key is not to make quick decisions, but to make timely decisions.”

Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Powell’s claim about making decisions is valid. 

In your response you should do the following:

  • Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position. 
  • Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning. 
  • Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning. 
  • Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

Sample Student Essay #2:

Colin Powell, who was a four star general and a former United States Secretary of State. He wrote an autobiography and had made a claim about making decisions. In my personal opinion, Powell’s claim is true to full extent and shows an extremely valuable piece of advice that we do not consider when we make decisions.

Powell stated, “before we can have every possible fact in hand we have to decide…. but to make it a timely decision” (1995). With this statement Powell is telling the audience of his autobiography that it does not necessarily matter how many facts you have, and how many things you know. Being able to have access to everything possible takes a great amount of time and we don’t always have all of the time in the world. A decision has to be made with what you know, waiting for something else to come in while trying to make a decision whether that other fact is good or bad you already have a good amount of things that you know. Everyone’s time is valuable, including yours. At the end of the day the decision will have to be made and that is why it should be made in a “timely” manner.

This response was graded for a score of 2/6. Let’s break down the score to smaller points that signify where the student fell short.

The thesis in this essay is clearly outlined at the end of the first paragraph. The student states their agreement with Powell’s claim and frames the rest of their essay around this stance. The success in scoring here lies in the clear communication of the thesis and the direction the argument will take. It’s important to make the thesis statement concise, specific, and arguable, which the student has successfully done.

While the student did attempt to provide evidence to support their thesis, it’s clear that their explanation lacks specific detail and substance. They referenced Powell’s statement, but did not delve into how this statement has proven true in specific instances, and did not provide examples that could bring the argument to life.

Commentary is an essential part of this section’s score. It means explaining the significance of the evidence and connecting it back to the thesis. Unfortunately, the student’s commentary here is too vague and does not effectively elaborate on how the evidence supports their argument.

To improve, the student could use more concrete examples to demonstrate their point and discuss how each piece of evidence supports their thesis. For instance, they could discuss specific moments in Powell’s career where making a timely decision was more valuable than waiting for all possible facts. This would help illustrate the argument in a more engaging, understandable way.

A high score in the “sophistication” category of the grading rubric is given for demonstrating a complex understanding of the rhetorical situation (purpose, audience, context, etc.), making effective rhetorical choices, or establishing a line of reasoning. Here, the student’s response lacks complexity and sophistication. They’ve simply agreed with Powell’s claim and made a few general statements without providing a deeper analysis or effectively considering the rhetorical situation.

To increase sophistication, the student could explore possible counterarguments or complexities within Powell’s claim. They could discuss potential drawbacks of making decisions without all possible facts, or examine situations where timely decisions might not yield the best results. By acknowledging and refuting these potential counterarguments, they could add more depth to their analysis and showcase their understanding of the complexities involved in decision-making.

The student could also analyze why Powell, given his background and experiences, might have come to such a conclusion, thus providing more context and showing an understanding of the rhetorical situation.

Remember, sophistication in argumentation isn’t about using fancy words or complicated sentences. It’s about showing that you understand the complexity of the issue at hand and that you’re able to make thoughtful, nuanced arguments. Sophistication shows that you can think critically about the topic and make connections that aren’t immediately obvious.

Now that you’ve looked at an example essay and some tips for the argumentative essay, you know how to better prepare for the AP English Language and Composition Exam.

While your AP scores don’t usually impact your admissions chances , colleges do care a lot about your course rigor. So, taking as many APs as you can will certainly boost your chances! AP scores can be a way for high-performing students to set themselves apart, particularly when applying to prestigious universities. Through the process of self-reporting scores , you can show your hard work and intelligence to admissions counselors.

That said, the main benefit of scoring high on AP exams comes once you land at your dream school, as high scores can allow you to “test out” of entry-level requirements, often called GE requirements or distribution requirements. This will save you time and money.

To understand how your course rigor stacks up, check out CollegeVine’s free chancing engine . This resource takes your course rigor, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, to determine your chances of getting into over 1600 colleges across the country!

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Home News Highlights Best of the Week Powerful personal essay adds depth to coverage of Ralph Yarl shooting

Best of the Week

Powerful personal essay adds depth to coverage of Ralph Yarl shooting

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By Kia Breaux

Kia Breaux, director of Midwest regional sales, lives nearby, and her 17-year-old son, John, attends the same high school. When she heard about the shooting, Breaux realized it was a version of her worst nightmare. “It could have been my child,” she thought.

Like Ralph, Breaux’s son is also an honors student and could have just as easily been picking up his younger brother. She has experienced subtle racism in this predominantly white neighborhood, where she has lived for 17 years. She knows how addresses can get mixed up easily. She teaches her boys to be careful and watch what they do, knowing the simplest error can put them in harm’s way.

Breaux, a longtime AP journalist before moving into revenue, began helping the Kansas City staff report from the ground. It soon became clear that one of the best stories to tell would be her own.

Breaux was on board from the start and wrote a story that resonated with readers of all races, because in its basic form it was about a mother who loves her kids and wants them to be safe. Her personal, reflective and heartfelt words were read by many — including more than 100,000 people on Twitter alone.

Breaux also gave readers a glimpse into her home and family, and allowed AP’s Charlie Riedel to take photos that captured the essence of her family life. She also shared an audio essay in her own words and helped coordinate a video piece, in which her son took part. It was a true multiformat package.

The story set AP’s coverage apart because it was something no other outlet could match. The story was shared hundreds of times and played prominently on Google and Yahoo! News, and was used in multiple papers around the United States, including the Los Angeles Times.

A sample of the response she received:

“I read and understand. I wish I could do more to help. But be encouraged as far as this reader’s take on your essay. I understood. I understand. I am sorry.

“Please forgive this unexpected message from a person you don’t know … Please know if you ever stop in Clinton, I will throw open the doors for all of you. Your boys will have safety and be welcomed. You — and every Black mother — are all wrapped around my heart.

For being willing to be vulnerable to a global audience in the service of helping the public understand the impact behind the news, Kia Breaux receives this week’s Best of the Week — Second Winner.

Visit AP.org to request a trial subscription to AP’s video, photo and text services. For breaking news, visit apnews.com .

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A rainbow LGBTQ+ pride flag and a transgender pride flag flap in the breeze on a pole in Wilton Manors, Fla on Jan. 17, 2024 (AP)

A rainbow LGBTQ+ pride flag and a transgender pride flag flap in the breeze on a pole in Wilton Manors, Fla on Jan. 17, 2024 (AP)

Grace Abels

If Your Time is short

Florida and LGBTQ+ advocates on March 11 settled a lawsuit over whether the state’s 2022 Parental Rights in Education Act is constitutional. Detractors referred to the law as “Don’t Say Gay.''  

The settlement clarifies that the bill’s reach is limited to “classroom instruction” of LGBTQ+ topics. It says that, by the bill’s framing, teachers and students aren’t prohibited from “mere discussion” of LGBTQ+ topics or from referring to their families. It says literary references to gay or transgender people do not violate the law, but books should not be used to teach about sexual orientation or gender identity.

The settlement pertains only to a single statute. Other laws prohibiting gender-affirming pronouns and regulating library materials remain in effect.  

Two years after Florida’s governor received national attention over a new law restricting LGBTQ+ instruction in schools, the state reached a settlement with plaintiffs who said the law was unconstitutional .

Critics and some media outlets panned the law, nicknaming it "Don’t Say Gay." LGBTQ+ advocates sued over the measure, saying it was vague enough that classroom teachers feared being targeted and fired for merely mentioning their gay partners or for discussing LGBTQ+ identity in the classroom. 

As news of a settlement over the Parental Rights in Education Act broke March 11, both sides appeared to proclaim victory. "After nearly 2 years of fighting DeSantis’ ​"Don’t Say ​Gay or Trans" law in the courts, we’ve reached a historic settlement with the state that puts an end to some of the most dangerous impacts of ​this law for students, parents, & teachers," statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy group Equality Florida , one of the plaintiffs, said on X. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office, meanwhile, issued a press release declaring the settlement "a major win against the activists who sought to stop Florida’s efforts to keep radical gender and sexual ideology out of the classrooms." "Their judicial activism has failed," the press release said. "Today’s mutually agreed settlement ensures that the law will remain in effect."

DeSantis signed the legislation into law in March 2022. It prohibited "classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity" in kindergarten to third grade "or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards." The Florida Board of Education later expanded the law’s applicability through grade 12 . When LGBTQ+ advocates and others dubbed the measure " don't say gay ," Republicans pushed back. The bill never says the word "gay" is not allowed in school, although advocates argued the law would send a message that could extend beyond lesson plans and assigned readings into what teachers can say about their families, what photos can be displayed in classrooms or what books can be on shelves. 

The eight-page court settlement does not change the statute’s text, but seeks to clarify what falls under its purview. The state in filings to plaintiffs had already argued many of the points the court settlement expanded upon. The settlement requires all Florida school boards to receive a copy. One LGBTQ+ advocate noted, however, that the settlement does not require districts to reexamine or change policies they may have already enacted in response to the law. 

Here are four things we learned from reading the settlement:

The settlement says the "statute restricts only teaching on the topics of sexual orientation and gender identity in a classroom setting," not "mere discussion of them."

"Typical class participation and schoolwork are not ‘instruction,’" it says.

Teachers may not use books to teach about sexual orientation or gender identity. But they would be "free to ‘respond if students discuss … their identities or family life,’" and "provide grades and feedback," if a student, for example, writes an essay about their LGBTQ+ identity, the settlement says. Students and teachers can refer to a person’s family. And the law does not prohibit gay teachers from keeping photos of their spouses on their desks.

"Just as no one would suggest that references to numbers in a history book constitute ‘instruction on mathematics," the statute does not prohibit "incidental references in literature" to LGBTQ+ identity, the settlement says. Such references do not violate the statute "any more than a math problem asking students to add bushels of apples is ‘instruction on’ apple farming," the settlement says.

The law does not prevent school employees from intervening in bullying cases that target  LGBTQ+ students. Employees need not remove "safe space stickers," because they do not amount to classroom instruction. Gay-Straight Alliance clubs are not prohibited either under this statute.

The law applies equally to instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity, whether it is LGBTQ+ or not.

"The statute does not target ‘sexual orientations and gender identities that differ from heterosexual and cisgender identities,’" the settlement says. "For example, it would violate that statute to instruct students that heterosexuality is superior or that gender identity is immutable based on biological traits."

Attorney Simone Chriss, director of the Transgender Rights Initiative at Southern Legal Counsel Inc., who is in litigation with the state over other LGBTQ+ matters, told PolitiFact that she is concerned that the settlement’s language is contradicted by another legislative measure that became law in 2023. H.B. 1069 says , "It shall be the policy of every public K-12 educational institution that is provided or authorized by the Constitution and laws of Florida that a person's sex is an immutable biological trait and that it is false to ascribe to a person a pronoun that does not correspond to such person's sex."

Although the Parental Rights in Education Act may not pertain to library books because they aren’t in themselves "classroom instruction," the settlement clarifies that other sections of Florida law that govern these materials remain in effect. 

The settlement doesn’t affect 2022 legislation that has been used to remove books from libraries, for example . Also, H.B. 1069, prohibits the use of gender-affirming pronouns and honorifics in schools. That means transgender teachers still face limitations on how they communicate with students. 

Our Sources

Interview with Simone Chriss, a lawyer and the director of the Transgender Rights Initiative at the Southern Legal Counsel, March 12, 2024

The Associated Press, " Florida teachers can discuss sexual orientation and gender ID under 'Don't Say Gay' bill settlement ," March 11, 2024

The New York Times, " Florida Settlement Clarifies Reach of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law - The New York Times " March 11, 2024 

The Washington Post, " Settlement in Florida ‘don’t say gay’ lawsuit says it’s OK to say gay ," March 11, 2024 

CBS News, " Gender ID, sexual orientation can be talked about in Florida classrooms after lawsuit settlement ," March 11, 2024 

Reuters, " Settlement allows Florida teachers to 'say gay' in classroom ," March 12, 2024 

The Hill, " Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law upheld after settlement in federal court ," March 11, 2024 

Pink News, " Florida classrooms can discuss sexual orientation and gender after 'Don't Say Gay' law challenged ," March 12, 2024 

Florida Senate, " HB 1557: Parental Rights in Education ," March 29, 2022

X post , March 11, 2024

Office of Governor Ron DeSantis, " Florida Wins: Lawsuit Against Parental Rights in Education Act to Be Dismissed; Law Remains in Effect ," March 11, 2024

The Florida Statutes, " 1001.42 Powers and duties of district school board ," accessed March 13, 2024

ABC News, " So-called 'Don't Say Gay' rules expanded through 12th grade in Florida ," April 19, 2023

NBC News, " DeSantis signs 'Don't Say Gay' expansion and gender-affirming care ban ," May 17, 2023

The New York Times, " What’s in House Bill 1557, Which Opponents Call ‘Don’t Say Gay’ ," March 18, 2022

PolitiFact, " ‘Don’t say gay’ vs. ‘parental rights': Fact-checking claims about Florida’s HB 1557 ," March 23, 2022

NBC News, " Here's what Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill would do and what it wouldn't do ," March 16, 2022

Time, " LGBTQ Teachers Struggle to Navigate Florida's So-Called 'Don't Say Gay' Law ," August 25, 2022

NPR, " Florida teachers can discuss LGBTQ topics under 'Don't Say Gay' law, settlement says ," March 11, 2024

NBC Miami, " Expanded ‘don’t say gay’ law creates more confusion for teachers: Critics ," June 28, 2023

The Washington Post, " Can Florida’s gay teachers show photos? The White House claimed not ," April 25, 2023

NPR, " Florida is investigating a teacher who showed Disney movie with a gay character ," May 16, 2023

Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP, " Settlement Agreement ," March 11, 2024

Equality Florida v. Florida State Board of Education, " First Amended Complaint ," May 25, 2022

Court Listener, " Equality Florida v. Florida State Board of Education Docket ," accessed March 13, 2024

Equality Florida v. Florida State Board of Education, " State Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss ," June 27, 2022

Equality Florida v. Florida State Board of Education, " Motion to Dismiss Second Amended Complaint ," November 30, 2024

Florida Statutes, " 1006.28 Duties of district school board, district school superintendent; and school principal regarding K-12 instructional materials ," accessed March 12, 2024

The Florida Senate, " House Bill 1467 ," March 28, 2022

PolitiFact, " Ron DeSantis said that not ‘a single book’ was banned in Florida. Districts have removed dozens ," May 31, 2023

Florida Statutes, " Section 1000.071 - Personal titles and pronouns ," accessed March 13, 2024

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2024 Oscars | Highlights, winners, red carpet looks

A look at the highlights from the 96th Academy Awards. The bio-pic “Oppenheimer,” which became an unlikely billion-dollar box-office sensation, was crowned best picture and Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. also took home acting honors for the film. (March 11)

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The 2024 Oscars may be over, but there’s lots to catch up on. See what you missed below and follow the AP’s latest coverage.

“Oppenheimer,” the biopic that became an unlikely box-office sensation, was crowned best picture at the 2024 Oscars — and took home six other awards, including best actor for Cillian Murphy , best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr. and best director for Christopher Nolan .

Here’s what else we covered:

  • Winners: “Poor Things” was next behind “Oppenheimer” with four wins, including a best actress title for Emma Stone . See the AP’s full list of winners.
  • Performances: Ryan Gosling delivered hilarious surprises while singing “I’m Just Ken.” A dozen drummers danced in a circle for “Wahzhazhe.” And in a memorable presenters’ bit, John Cena crossed the stage wearing only an envelope.
  • Red carpet looks: A show of black , red and metallics dominated as stars arrived for Hollywood’s big night . Check out a few of the AP’s favorite candid photos.

Emma Stone accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "Poor Things" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The Academy Awards were full of sure-things, long-awaited anointments and easy predictions. The “Oppenheimer” romp . Ryan Gosling’s Ken stealing the show. That put even more focus on the category that was hardest to call: best actress.

When Emma Stone was announced as the winner , a ceremony light on surprise got a genuine shock, perfectly illustrated by Stone’s stunned expression. Stone’s win, for her sensational performance in “Poor Things,” was hard not to cast as a defeat for Lily Gladstone. The “Killers of the Flower Moon” actress had been picked by most prognosticators and — as everyone knew — history hung in the balance. Her win would have been the first for a Native American in the nearly century-long history of the Oscars.

It was a difficult to define result. It wasn’t quite an upset — Stone’s performance, equally favored, was too good to call it that. But it still stung, particularly for Native Americans watching across the country – a community that has watched Hollywood for most of its existence overlook its stories and performers.

▶ Read more on the result and ramifications of the best actress contest.

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cillian Murphy in a scene from "Oppenheimer." (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cillian Murphy in a scene from “Oppenheimer.” (Universal Pictures via AP)

We have you covered with where to watch and stream the movies that clinched gold at the Oscars.

Pedro Pascal arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal arrives at the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Pedro Pascal accepts the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series for “The Last of Us” during the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Pedro Pascal, left, and Lux Pascal arrive at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Pedro Pascal, left, and Bella Ramsey arrive at the AFI Awards on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Pedro Pascal, a cast member in “Freaky Tales,” poses at the premiere of the film at Eccles Theatre during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Few could make an arm sling as sexy as “The Last of Us” star did. At the Golden Globes, Pedro Pascal’s sling came with nail art that spelled “ouchy,” the best accessory of the night. He wore the sling, actually for a shoulder injury, with black trousers and a matching turtleneck that had a white yarn knot design, all by Bottega Veneta. Swipe to see some of his best recent looks.

▶ Read more about Pascal’s style and see our other MVPs.

Essence Senior Content Director Nandi Howard shares her take on the best Oscars fashion including Colman Domingo, Gabrielle Union and Emma Stone. (March 11)

Barry Keoghan arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Barry Keoghan arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Barry Keoghan arrives at the Governors Awards on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at the Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Barry Keoghan arrives at the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Barry Keoghan arrives for the Givenchy Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear fashion collection presented Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 in Paris. (AP Photo/Vianney Le Caer)

Barry Keoghan poses for photographers upon arrival at the Burberry Winter 2024 fashion show on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 in London. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Callum Turner, from left, Barry Keoghan, and Austin Butler pose for photographers upon arrival at the UK premiere of the television series ‘Masters of the Air’ in London, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Micheal Ward, left, and Barry Keoghan attend the Burberry Spring Summer 2024 fashion collection on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023 in London. (Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Callum Turner, left, Barry Keoghan, center, and Austin Butler, cast members in “Masters of the Air,” pose together at the world premiere of the Apple TV+ miniseries, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Adventurous is the “Saltburn” star’s middle name when it comes to fashion. Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Givenchy were among Barry Keoghan’s go-tos. He mixed patterns in a red Vuitton evening jacket and trouser set for the Golden Globes. Keoghan loves his bling, accessorizing his red-on-red moment with a golden belt chain, pearl necklace and Tiffany & Co. jewel earring. A little punk. A lot fab. Swipe for his best reecnt looks.

▶ Read more about Keoghan’s style and see our other MVPs.

Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol,” a harrowing first-person account of the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, won the best documentary Oscar on Sunday night.

Ayo Edebiri accepts the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for "The Bear" during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Ayo Edebiri accepts the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for “The Bear” during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Ayo Edebiri poses in the press room with the awards for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series and outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series for “The Bear” during the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Ayo Edebiri poses in the press room with the award for best performance by an actress in a television series, musical or comedy for “The Bear” at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Charles Melton, left, and Ayo Edebiri attend the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Jeremy Allen White, left, winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a television series, musical or comedy for “The Bear,” and Ayo Edebiri, winner of for best performance by an actress in a television series, musical or comedy for “The Bear”, pose in the press room at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Ayo Edebiri arrives at the BAFTA Tea Party on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Ayo Edebiri accepts the award for best actress in a comedy series for “The Bear” during the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The co-star of “The Bear” was on a red-hot fashion streak, earning official “It” girl status. There was her black 3D molded custom Louis Vuitton petal dress for the Emmys. And her smashing red custom Prada strapless gown with a floor-length train at the Golden Globes. The dress fell playfully, and youthfully, just above her ankles. Never underestimate young Hollywood. Swipe to see some of her best looks.

▶ Read more about Edebiri’s style and see our other MVPs.

Jessica Lange, right, adjusts Emma Stone's dress during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Jessica Lange, right, adjusts Emma Stone’s dress during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

From a late start to a killer speech to gratitude for a “terrible childhood,” here are the moments that stood out at the Oscars.

Greta Lee arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Greta Lee arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Greta Lee arrives at the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Greta Lee arrives at the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Greta Lee, left, and Andrew Scott presents the award for best international film during the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Greta Lee arrives at the BAFTA Tea Party on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Greta Lee attends the Academy Women’s Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Greta Lee arrives at the Governors Awards on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at the Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

In the color of the season, red, and with lots of help from Loewe and some from Bottega Veneta, the co-star of “Past Lives” was a fashion sensation. The latter designed Greta Lee’s futuristic red sculptural mood for the Governors Awards. She paired the dress with silver metallic heels. Swipe to see some of her best recent looks.

▶ Read more about Lee’s style and see our other MVPs.

Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Ryan Gosling performs the song “I’m Just Ken” from the movie “Barbie” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The same woman was behind two of the most iconic concerts of our recent times: Ryan Gosling and many Kens’ performance of “I’m Just Ken” at the Oscars — and Taylor Swift’s ongoing Eras tour.

The choreographer for both is Mandy Moore , not to be confused with the “This Is Us” actor of the same name.

Moore has three Emmys and, according to her bio, became the first to choreograph the Golden Globes, Oscars, Emmys and Grammys all in the same year (2017). She’s also worked with Gosling before, having choreographed him and Emma Stone in “La La Land.”

Ryan Gosling performs "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Cillian Murphy poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film ‘Oppenheimer’ on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in London. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Actor Cillian Murphy poses at the 76th DGA Awards, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Cillian Murphy arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Yvonne McGuinness, left, and Cillian Murphy arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Cillian Murphy poses for a portrait during the 96th Academy Awards Oscar nominees luncheon on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Cillian Murphy, winner of the leading actor award for ‘Oppenheimer’, poses for photographers at the 77th British Academy Film Awards, BAFTA’s, in London, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Cillian Murphy, winner of the awards for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role and outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture for “Oppenheimer,” poses in the press room during the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Cillian Murphy, from left, Emily Blunt, and Robert Downey Jr. arrive at the 35th Annual Producers Guild Awards on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at The Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Is the “Oppenheimer” star the anti-Ken? Look no further than Cillian Murphy’s sheer shirt and black pinstripe Saint Laurent suit at the film’s London premiere. More dark pinstripes from the same design house followed at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, this time with a loose bow at the neck. The man loves a pinstripe. In lots of neutrals, he’s been the perfect counter to all that sugary pink over at “Barbie.” Swipe for his best looks from this awards season.

▶ Read more about Murphy’s style and see our other MVPs.

Volodymyr Nikulin, Mariupol police officer who helped AP journalists during the siege of the city said “I am very happy for my friends, for the team that received an Oscar, for our country.” (AP video shot by Anton Shtuka)

Da'Vine Joy Randolph poses in the press room with the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "The Holdovers" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph poses in the press room with the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for “The Holdovers” at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph poses with the award for the breakthrough performance for “The Holdovers” in the press room at the 35th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Palm Springs, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph arrives at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph arrives at the Governors Awards on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at the Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph poses in the press room with the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role in any motion picture for “The Holdovers” at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, recipient of the Supporting Actress Award - Film for her performance in “The Holdovers,” poses at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph poses for photographers upon arrival at the 77th British Academy Film Awards, BAFTA’s, in London, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph accepts the award for best supporting actress for “The Holdovers” during the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph arrives at the 96th Academy Awards Oscar nominees luncheon on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Da’vine Joy Randolph poses in the press room with the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role for “The Holdovers” during the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Da’vine Joy Randolph attends the Gotham Independent Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

It was a draped ivory mermaid gown with 3D roses at the neck at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for this longtime lover of fashion and co-star of “The Holdovers.” It was by Valdrin Sahiti. At the British Film Academy Awards, Da’Vine Joy Randolph wowed in a colorblock peach-and-black body-hugger by Robert Wun. The fashion spotlight has been soaking up Randolph and the drama she has provided. She picked up a supporting actress Oscar in a custom Louis Vuitton gown in pale blue with oversize, fringed sleeves. Swipe to see some of her best looks.

▶ Read more about Randolph’s style and see our other MVPs.

The humble In-N-Out burger.

Just won an Oscar? Want to let loose in an almost ... animal style? The Vanity Fair afterparty might be the perfect stop for you, with its overflowing trays of Southern California’s beloved In-N-Out burgers.

AP’s Andrew Dalton is a regular attendee of the fetes through the years, and makes sure to note the easily scarfable staple’s presence in his dispatches.

Stars including Christopher Nolan, Florence Pugh, Margot Robbie, Michelle Yeoh, Cardi B, Charlize Theron, Chris Evans, Camila Cabello hit up the Vanity Fair party after the Oscars. (March 11)

This year, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas found a couch near the dance floor with their two children and their statuettes in tow. They were immediately met by a woman bearing a tray of burgers, Dalton reported.

Last year, he saw Daniel Scheinert , with none of the three Oscars he won nor his partner Daniel Kwan in sight, standing outside and eating a burger as he bopped up and down to House of Pain’s “Jump Around.”

Back in 2018, Dalton bore witness to best actress winner Frances McDormand struggling to get through her burger because of well-wishers that included a fawning Jon Hamm. Her husband, Joel Coen, had an easier time chowing down nearby.

Lily Gladstone arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lily Gladstone arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lily Gladstone, left, and Leonardo DiCaprio arrive at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lily Gladstone arrives at the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Actor Lily Gladstone poses at the 26th Costume Designers Guild Awards at NeueHouse Hollywood, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Lily Gladstone presents the Robert Altman award during the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Best actress honoree for “Killers of the Flower Moon” Lily Gladstone attends the New York Film Critics Circle Awards at Tao Downtown on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Lily Gladstone accepts the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role for “Killers of the Flower Moon” during the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Best Actress nominee Lily Gladstone is photographed during a celebration of the 10-time Academy Award-nominated film “Killers of the Flower Moon” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Lily Gladstone arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Robert De Niro, from left, Martin Scorsese, Lily Gladstone, and Leonardo DiCaprio, winners of the vanguard award for “Killers of the Flower Moon”, pose in the press room at the 35th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Palm Springs, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lily Gladstone arrives at the 96th Academy Awards Oscar nominees luncheon on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

The Indigenous actor and recent British Vogue cover star has approached her red carpet coming-out with intention, supporting Indigenous jewelry designers while promoting “Killers of the Flower Moon.” At the Golden Globes , Lily Gladstone paired her Valentino gown and cape with beaded earrings by Lenise Omeasoo, who is Blackfeet and Cree. Swipe to see her best looks from this awards season.

▶ Read more about Gladstone’s style and see our other MVPs.

Al Pacino presents the award for best picture during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Al Pacino presents the award for best picture during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

His Oscars presentation may have seemed to some a little off this year, but Al Pacino has had plenty of time to polish up a long-awaited project.

The celebrated actor has a memoir coming out Oct. 8, Penguin Press announced Monday.

The publisher is called the book “an astonishingly revelatory account of a creative life in full,” including his account of such classics as “The Godfather,” “Serpico” and “Dog Day Afternoon.”

Pacino, 83, said in a statement, that he wanted “to express what I’ve seen and been through in my life.”

Colman Domingo arrives at the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Colman Domingo arrives at the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Colman Domingo arrives at the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Colman Domingo arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Colman Domingo arrives at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Colman Domingo, winner of the spotlight actor award for “Rustin”, left, and Lenny Kravitz pose in the press room at the 35th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Palm Springs, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Colman Domingo, left, and Fantasia Barrino pose for photographers upon arrival at the 77th British Academy Film Awards, BAFTA’s, in London, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Colman Domingo arrives at the 96th Academy Awards Oscar nominees luncheon on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Hannah Waddingham, left, and Colman Domingo present the Governors Award during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Colman Domingo arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Whether it’s a textured gold coat and mustard yellow suit by Valentino Haute Couture at the Critics Choice Awards or a custom black Louis Vuitton tuxedo and brooches at the Emmys, the star of “Rustin” has left no fashion crumbs. Colman Domingo has offered a new vision of how a leading man can dress. Swipe to see his best looks from this awards season.

▶ Read more about Domingo’s style and see our other MVPs.

Florence Pugh arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Emma Stone was out in the lobby bar with a glass of champagne in hand when her film “Poor Things” won best production design. She yelped out and jumped up and down and attentively watched the speech.

She then turned to Florence Pugh, standing nearby and the two talked animatedly about Pugh’s “sprinkled dress.”

John Cena presents the award for best costume design during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

John Cena presents the award for best costume design during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

All of a sudden, Pugh laughed and looked up at the monitor to see an almost naked John Cena. “Oooh it’s because he looks like the Oscar!”

A few seconds later “Poor Things” also won for costume design and Stone jumped and screamed again.

“I’m missing all of them,” she cried. “It’s not OK, it’s bad, I’m going home.”

▶ Read more about what you couldn’t see on the telecast, as well as the craft that went into “Poor Things.”

So you took a spin through our film writers’ Oscars prediction interactive before the big show. Maybe you used it to fill out your own ballot. Let’s see how our predictions stacked up with the results.

Of the 23 categories, Lindsey Bahr correctly predicted 16 and Jake Coyle correctly predicted 18. While their picks mostly aligned with each other, Lindsey alone correctly called best actress, animated film and sound. Jake got the edge on the screenplay categories, production design, visual effects and documentary short. The only misses for both were in makeup and hairstyling and animated short.

Arthur Harari, left, and Justine Triet accept the award for best original screenplay for "Anatomy of a Fall" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Arthur Harari, left, and Justine Triet accept the award for best original screenplay for “Anatomy of a Fall” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Of the six couples up for Oscars together, two pairs came away with statuettes. Here’s how these marriage (or, in one case, partnership) stories played out:

  • Original screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, the longtime partners and co-parents behind “Anatomy of a Fall”
  • Best picture: Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, the married producing partners of “Oppenheimer.” Nolan also won best director, making it a couple of trophies for the couple

OTHER NOMINEES

  • Adapted screenplay: Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach for “Barbie”
  • Best picture: Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley for “Barbie”
  • Original screenplay: Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik for “May December”
  • Animated short: Jerusha Hess and Jared Hess for “Ninety-Five Senses”

America Ferrera, left, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph take a selfie during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

America Ferrera, left, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph take a selfie during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

There is a whole other show that happens offscreen at the Oscars that the home audience doesn’t see on television. Here’s a selection of what The Associated Press saw :

  • Martin Scorsese, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were among the last to take their seats, while Carey Mulligan missed the cutoff and spent the beginning of the show standing off to the side.
  • At the first commercial break, longtime friends Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence found each other, while Greta Gerwig beelined to her stars Robbie and America Ferrera .
  • About a half hour before Gosling turned the Oscars into a wildly fun concert, the Kens were out in the lobby warming up. Clad in cowboy hats, some were stretching, some running in place, and all were finding their Kenergy.
  • On the way to the Governors Ball, Cord Jefferson was beaming as he walked through the lobby, jumping and clutching his Oscar. Kate McKinnon had a moment with Marlee Matlin and Steven Spielberg made his way out in a mask.

▶ Read more about what you missed inside the Oscars.

Mstyslav Chernov accepts the award for best documentary feature film for "20 Days in Mariupol" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Ukraine awoke Monday to another day of war — Russian drones blasted buildings in the Kharkiv and Odesa regions — but also the news it had won its first Oscar.

The best documentary victory for Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol,” a harrowing first-person account by The Associated Press journalist of the early days of Russia’s invasion in 2022, was bittersweet.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “The horrors of Mariupol must never be forgotten. The entire world must see and remember what the inhumane Russian invasion brought to our people.”

Volodymyr Nikulin, a police officer featured prominently in the film: “Right now, we may be facing a similarly challenging moment. But this film has shown that we can defend our country, that we are united.”

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights chief: “This awards ceremony is an opportunity to address millions of people. This is what the film director did by mentioning the occupation, prisoners of war, killing of Ukrainians by Russia, and illegal abduction of civilians.”

▶ Read more on the reaction inside Ukraine to the Oscar win.

Lily Gladstone arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lily Gladstone arrives at the Oscars. (AP Photo/John Locher)

This year’s red carpet season failed to disappoint, fashion-wise. There was plenty of drama, personal style and new takes on Old Hollywood.

Among the standouts were Colman Domingo, Lily Gladstone, Ayo Edebiri and Greta Lee. Each made their fashion moments their own, with many collecting trophies along the way.

▶ See who else stood out on the red carpet

Mark Ruffalo arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Mark Ruffalo arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

On the red carpet, Mark Ruffalo, Billie Eilish, Ramy Youssef, Ava DuVernay and others donned red pins in support for a cease-fire in Gaza.

The bold design features a single hand holding a heart and was organized by the group Artists4Ceasefire.

▶ Read more about the moments that made this year’s Oscars.

The “Oppenheimer” crowd were hardly the hardest partiers at the Vanity Fair post- Oscars party on Sunday night, but they hardly needed to be, their hardware did all the preening for them.

Christopher Nolan, fresh off his best director win for “Oppenheimer” and his wife, producer Emma Thomas, holding her own statuette for best picture , found a couch near the dance floor with their two children. They were immediately met by a woman bearing a tray of In-N-Out burgers, the signature food at the signature Oscars after-party where end-of-award-season decadence is the norm.

Matthew McConaughey, from left, Jennifer Lawrence, and Camila Alves arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Lawrence, and Camila Alves arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

The party’s guest list always extends well beyond Hollywood into music, fashion, literature and sports.

Serena Williams and LeBron James , who both have had a hand in producing in recent years, each hung out on the party’s patio.

▶ Read more about the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party.

Messi the dog from the film "Anatomy of a Fall" appears in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Messi the dog from the film “Anatomy of a Fall” appears in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Was Messi there? Was Snoop?

The Oscars on Sunday were probably the only place in the world where one would have been disappointed to see arguably the world’s most famous footballer or a beloved rapper as an answer to those questions.

In the leadup to the awards, the question was whether awards season darling Messi, who played Snoop in “Anatomy of a Fall,” would grace the Dolby Theatre with his presence. There were rumors he was unwelcome after stealing the show at the Oscars luncheon.

Messi the dog from the film "Anatomy of a Fall" appears in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

But there were gasps of delight, at least in this newsroom, when the cameras cut to the border collie in the audience during host Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue. And it wasn’t a trick of CGI. The canine star himself was there.

(We spent a considerable amount of time trying to divine what exactly was happening in the second photo, only to realize we were seeing the movie magic behind the paw clap. We were going to ask for your theories, but now we will welcome your amusing captions at [email protected] . They may be included later today in this very blog.)

Emma Thomas, from left, Christopher Nolan, and Charles Roven pose in the press room with the award for best picture for "Oppenheimer" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Scroll through this live feed — or read our story wrapping up the night: ‘Oppenheimer’ crowned best picture at an Academy Awards shadowed by war

FILE - In this May 11, 2003, file photo, protesters lie on the pavement opposed to the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear storage facility and weapons testing after crossing the line into the Nevada Test Site at Mercury, Nev., and were arrested for trespassing about 70 miles north of Las Vegas. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is renewing the push to expand a federal compensation program for radiation exposure following uranium mining and nuclear testing carried out during the Cold War. Advocates have been trying for years to bring awareness to the lingering effects of nuclear fallout surrounding the Trinity Site in southern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation, where more than 30 million tons of ore were extracted over decades to support U.S. nuclear activities. (AP Photo/Joe Cavaretta,File)

FILE - In this May 11, 2003, file photo, protesters lie on the pavement opposed to the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear storage facility and weapons testing after crossing the line into the Nevada Test Site at Mercury, Nev., and were arrested for trespassing about 70 miles north of Las Vegas. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is renewing the push to expand a federal compensation program for radiation exposure following uranium mining and nuclear testing carried out during the Cold War. Advocates have been trying for years to bring awareness to the lingering effects of nuclear fallout surrounding the Trinity Site in southern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation, where more than 30 million tons of ore were extracted over decades to support U.S. nuclear activities. (AP Photo/Joe Cavaretta,File)

With the victories notched by “Oppenheimer” on Oscar night, expect a renewed interest in the real-life fallout of the Manhattan Project.

In July, ahead of the movie’s release, New Mexico correspondent Susan Montoya Bryan wrote a story about the impact on the community downwind from the testing site.

“They’ll never reflect on the fact that New Mexicans gave their lives. They did the dirtiest of jobs. They invaded our lives and our lands and then they left,” Tina Cordova, a cancer survivor and founder of a group of New Mexico downwinders, said of the scientists and military officials who established a secret city in Los Alamos during the 1940s and tested their work at the Trinity Site some 200 miles (322 kilometers) away.

FILE - This photo shows an aerial view after the first atomic explosion at the Trinity Test Site near Alamogordo, N.M., on July 16, 1945. The New Mexico site where the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated is expecting thousands of visitors Saturday due to the popularity of the movie, "Oppenheimer." Trinity Site, a designated National Historic Landmark, only opens to the public twice a year. (AP Photo, File)

FILE - This photo shows an aerial view after the first atomic explosion at the Trinity Test Site near Alamogordo, N.M., on July 16, 1945. The New Mexico site where the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated is expecting thousands of visitors Saturday due to the popularity of the movie, “Oppenheimer.” Trinity Site, a designated National Historic Landmark, only opens to the public twice a year. (AP Photo, File)

While film critics celebrated “Oppenheimer” and officials in Los Alamos prepared for the spotlight to be on their town, downwinders remained frustrated with the U.S. government — and the movie’s producers — for not recognizing their plight.

The Tularosa Basin Downwinders planned to protest outside the gates of the Trinity Site in October, when a record turnout was expected amid the success of “Oppenheimer.”

Just last week, though, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would compensate Americans exposed to radiation by the government by renewing a law initially passed more than three decades ago, AP’s Mary Clare Jalonick and Jim Salter wrote.

“You know, we are ground zero,” Cordova said then. “We’re where it all started. The origins of the whole nuclear program are in New Mexico, and we were the first people exposed to radiation as a result of an atomic bomb and to be left out for 79 years is just truly unacceptable.”

“People have been waiting for justice for far too long, and it’s just simply time to do the right thing,” she added.

Will Smith, right, hits presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Emma Stone had a dress mishap (it was repaired), Al Pacino might have forgotten to list a few best picture nominees (we all knew who the winner was anyway), and John Cena took the stage wearing sandals and evidently nothing else (it was planned).

These Oscars had moments.

But no slaps — and not even a reference to The Slap, either.

Will Smith’s strike of Chris Rock toward the end of the Oscars two years ago wasn’t even mentioned Sunday night, despite being invoked five times during last year’s telecast. There was perhaps one cryptic reference — host Jimmy Kimmel referred to how a streaker at the Oscars 50 years ago “used to be the craziest moment in Oscar history.” He didn’t say what replaced the streaker as the craziest moment; everyone knew what he meant.

But he never said slap. And nobody else on stage did, either. Maybe everyone has moved on.

Michelle Yeoh describes the scene outside the Oscars, where protesters took to the streets calling for a Gaza cease-fire.

This image released by A24 shows Greta Lee in a scene from "Past Lives." (Jon Pack/A24 via AP)

Forty acting performances were recognized at this year’s Oscars, but there were a host of other standouts you may have missed last year, thanks to a combination of the dual strikes and a plethora of great movies.

Here are some non-nominated performances worth revisiting from last summer and last fall :

  • Greta Lee in “Past Lives”
  • Xolo Maridueña in “Blue Beetle”
  • Pom Klementieff in “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part I”
  • X Mayo in “The Blackening”
  • Jake Ryan in “Asteroid City”
  • Molly Gordon in “Theater Camp”
  • Dominic Sessa in “The Holdovers”
  • Jamie Foxx in “The Burial”
  • Gael García Bernal in “Cassandro”
  • Eve Hewso n in “Flora and Son”
  • Aaron Pierre in “Foe”
  • Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich in “Fair Play”
  • Marshawn Lynch in “Bottoms”

Finneas, left, and Billie Eilish perform "What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Finneas, left, and Billie Eilish perform “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

There was talk of war — past conflicts, and current ones — and pleas for peace. There was a painful reminder of the recent death of Alexei Navalny. There were protests outside the Dolby Theatre, calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. And there was a bit of election-year politics, too, from host Jimmy Kimmel.

But the Oscars telecast is always a chaotic mix of moods and tones, and so even on a night ruled by somber themes, where the academy crowned a film about the the atomic bomb, there was also a jolt of joyful silliness when Ryan Gosling took the stage (with a slew of fellow Kens) to sing “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie.”

▶ Read more about the highlights from the 2024 Oscars

Stars and creators - incuding Cilian Murphy and Zendaya - gathered on the red carpet Sunday for Hollywood’s biggest night, the Academy Awards (March 11)

Hollywood’s big night in Los Angeles included few fashion risks, with many sticking to classic silhouettes, black and other standard colors. Others offered an under-the-sea-vibe in soft seafoam colors with mermaid crystals and shell-like designs.

▶ Read our fashion roundup here.

Raney Aronson-Rath, from left, Vasilisa Stepanenko, Mstyslav Chernov, Evgeniy Maloletka, Michelle Mizner, and Derl McCrudden accept the award for best documentary feature film for "20 Days in Mariupol" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Raney Aronson-Rath, from left, Vasilisa Stepanenko, Mstyslav Chernov, Evgeniy Maloletka, Michelle Mizner, and Derl McCrudden accept the award for best documentary feature film for “20 Days in Mariupol” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The Associated Press and PBS’ “Frontline” each won their first Oscar with the victory of “20 Days in Mariupol” in the best documentary category.

Here, read some of the coverage from the besieged Ukrainian port city that won the Pulitzer Prize and formed the basis for the now Oscar-winning documentary.

20 days in Mariupol: The team that documented city’s agony

‘why why why’ ukraine’s mariupol descends into despair, ap evidence points to 600 dead in mariupol theater airstrike, captive medic’s bodycam shows firsthand horror of mariupol.

Cillian Murphy, winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "Oppenheimer," from left, Robert Downey Jr., winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "Oppenheimer," Da'Vine Joy Randolph, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "The Holdovers," and Emma Stone, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "Poor Things," pose in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Cillian Murphy, winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for “Oppenheimer,” from left, Robert Downey Jr., winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for “Oppenheimer,” Da’Vine Joy Randolph, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for “The Holdovers,” and Emma Stone, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for “Poor Things,” pose in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Robert Downey Jr., winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "Oppenheimer," from left, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "The Holdovers," Emma Stone, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "Poor Things," and Cillian Murphy, winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "Oppenheimer," pose in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Robert Downey Jr., winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for “Oppenheimer,” from left, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for “The Holdovers,” Emma Stone, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for “Poor Things,” and Cillian Murphy, winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for “Oppenheimer,” pose in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows director Christopher Nolan, center, and Cillian Murphy, right, on the set of "Oppenheimer." (Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows director Christopher Nolan, center, and Cillian Murphy, right, on the set of “Oppenheimer.” (Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures via AP)

It’s no secret that Christopher Nolan made “Oppenheimer” to be seen on the big screen . But not all big screens are created equal.

That’s part of the reason why Universal Pictures has made “Oppenheimer” tickets available early for over a thousand “premium large format” (or PLF) screens, with options including IMAX 70mm, 70mm, IMAX digital, 35mm, Dolby Cinema and more.

Knowing that even those words can get overwhelming and technical, Nolan went a step further: In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, he offered a guide to his favorite formats, explaining why it matters and even where he likes to sit so that audiences don’t feel like they need a film school degree (or one in theoretical physics) before settling on a theater.

▶ Read Nolan’s tips for movie-watching.

Martin Scorsese, left, and Francesca Scorsese arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Martin Scorsese, left, and Francesca Scorsese arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” was shut out at the Oscars after receiving 10 nominations. It’s not an unfamiliar feeling for the legendary director: His 2019 Netflix film “The Irishman” and his 2002 “Gangs of New York” similarly went 0-for-10 at the Academy Awards.

Celine Song’s “Past Lives” and Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” were similarly shut out, despite earning best picture nods.

Kylie Jenner arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Kylie Jenner arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jeff Goldblum, left, and Emilie Livingston arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Lauren Sanchez, left, and Jeff Bezos arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Riko Shibata, left, and Nicolas Cage arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Kylie Minogue arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jessica Lange arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Chloe Sevigny arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Cameron Douglas, left, and Michael Douglas arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Joan Collins arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Emily Ratajkowski arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jessica Biel, left, and Justin Timberlake arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

John Waters arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Kerry Washington arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Sabrina Carpenter arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Monica Lewinsky arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Usher arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jennifer Coolidge arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Emily Blunt, left, and John Krasinski arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Salma Hayek, left, and François-Henri Pinault arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Swipe to see arrivals from the likes of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to an amorous Jeff Goldblum to a nonchalant John Waters to Chloë Sevigny to Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel to Joan Collins — and more.

Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol,” a harrowing first-person account of the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, won the best documentary Oscar on Sunday. A joint production of The Associated Press and PBS’ “Frontline,” statuettes were awarded to Chernov, producer and editor Michelle Mizner and producer Raney Aronson-Rath. The Oscar — and nomination — was a first for both Chernov, an AP video journalist, and the 178-year-old news organization.

President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Janet Yang, left, and CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Bill Kramer poses for a portrait during the 96th Academy Awards Oscar nominees luncheon on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Janet Yang, left, and CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Bill Kramer poses for a portrait during the 96th Academy Awards Oscar nominees luncheon on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

For a few years, the Oscars looked to be hanging on by a thread. Viewership was plummeting . The pandemic didn’t help. And the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind Hollywood’s biggest night, kept finding itself on the wrong side of the conversation, whether it be #OscarsSoWhite , envelope-gate , the blip that was the popular Oscar , the untelevised awards or the slap .

Then a funny thing happened: Interest started increasing both in and outside the academy. It seemed people were excited about the movies and, they hope, the Oscars again.

“It’s been an amazing year for film in general,” film academy CEO Bill Kramer said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “Our art form has never been more relevant.”

▶ Read more about the film academy’s renaissance.

Emma Stone said she “blacked out” after winning best actress for her role in “Poor Things.” It was her second career victory in the category.

Watch as Taiwanese American filmmaker Sean Wang celebrates with his team and grandmothers as his “Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó" is nominated for an Academy Award in the documentary short category. (Jan. 23)

That would be 96-year-old Yi Yan Fuei and 86-year-old Chang Li Hua, the stars of the Oscar-nominated documentary short “Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó.”

The film, made by up-and-coming filmmaker Sean Wang, documents his maternal and paternal grandmothers living together. They’re in-laws but act more like sisters — singing songs, arm wrestling, watching “Superbad.” In an earlier interview, they said they thought their grandson was just joking around.

Sean Wang, from left, Chang Li Hua, Sam A. Davis, and Yi Yan Fuei arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Sean Wang, from left, Chang Li Hua, Sam A. Davis, and Yi Yan Fuei arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

“But now that we made this movie and it’s going to the Oscars,” said Chang, “we do kind of feel like movie stars.”

▶ Read more about the documentary short.

There is a whole other show that happens offscreen at the Oscars that the home audience doesn’t see on television.

Among the moments The Associated Press saw that the cameras did not capture: the prep for the epic “I’m Just Ken” performance and how late arrivers like Carey Mulligan were left waiting in the wings to take their seats.

Although “Barbie” didn’t take home many awards (just original song), the film and its stars were a force at the Oscars. Director Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie and America Ferrera were frequently seen chatting with other guests during breaks in the show.

On her way out of the show, Gerwig offered her review of the “I’m Just Ken” performance, calling it “legendary.”

Lindsay Lohan arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Lindsay Lohan arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

At the Vanity Fair post-Oscars party, Christopher Nola n stood casually holding his best director Oscar and accepting waves of congratulations. His wife, “Oppenheimer” producer Emma Thomas, held her best picture statue and did most of the talking for the pair.

They found a couch near the dance floor with their two children and were immediately met by a woman bearing a tray of In-N-Out burgers, the signature food at the party where end-of-award-season decadence is the norm.

Sydney Sweeney arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

The party in Beverly Hills was in full swing earlier than usual after the ceremony started an hour early and ran on time.

At the entrance, Anya Taylor-Joy greeted Matteo Bocelli, who sang during the ‘In Memoriam’ segment with his father Andrea.

“Were you nervous to sing you did such a beautiful job,” she said.

“Grazie,” he answered.

Others at the party included Usher , Jason Bateman , and John Mulaney and partner Olivia Munn , who held hands as they walked the carpet.

Billie Eilish, Ramy Youssef, Ava DuVernay and other celebrities wore red pins at the Oscars in support for a cease-fire in Gaza. The design featured a single hand holding a heart and was organized by the group Artists4Ceasefire.

Robert Downey Jr., winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "Oppenheimer," attends the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Robert Downey Jr., winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for “Oppenheimer,” attends the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Cillian Murphy, winner of the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for “Oppenheimer,” left, poses with Mstyslav Chernov, winner of the award for best documentary feature film for “20 Days in Mariupol” at the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Greta Gerwig, center, attends the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Mark Ruffalo, center, and Sunrise Coigney attend the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Holly Waddington, left, winner of the award for best costume design for “Poor Things,” and Shona Heath, winner of the award for best production design for “Poor Things,” attend the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Steven Spielberg attends the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

James Price, winner of the award for best production design for “Poor Things,” attends the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Emma Stone, left, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for “Poor Things,” and Dave McCary attend the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Ben Proudfoot, left, and Kris Bowers, winners of the award for best documentary short film for “The Last Repair Shop,” attend the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Colman Domingo attends the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Tatsuji Nojima, from left, Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, and Masaki Takahashi, winners of the award for best visual effects for “Godzilla Minus One,” attend the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Mstyslav Chernov, winner of the award for best documentary feature film for “20 Days in Mariupol,” left, and Christopher Nolan, winner of the awards for best director and best picture for “Oppenheimer” pose at the Governors Ball after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Scroll through for photos of Greta Gerwig taking a selfie, Mstyslav Chernov with Cillian Murphy , Emma Stone getting a kiss from husband Dave McCary , and more.

Michelle Yeoh, left, and Ke Huy Quan take a selfie during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Michelle Yeoh, left, and Ke Huy Quan take a selfie during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Jennifer Lawrence, left, and Emma Stone speak during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Colman Domingo, from left, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Danielle Brooks speak during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Lily Gladstone, left, and America Ferrera take a selfie during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Charlize Theron, center, and Issa Rae speak during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Robert Downey Jr. reacts as the cast and crew of “Oppenheimer” accept the award for best picture during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

▶ Read more about how AP Photographer Chris Pizzello gets the perfect shot , every Oscars.

Cillian Murphy took home his first-ever Oscar on Sunday after winning best actor for his role in “Oppenheimer.”

Emma Stone cheers for the Phoenix Suns. Turns out, the Phoenix Suns cheer for Emma Stone as well.

The NBA team sent the now two-time best actress winner a congratulatory post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday night after she won her Oscar. It was a video clip of Stone, wearing a Suns hat, sitting courtside at a game between Phoenix and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Congrats, Emma Stone, on winning Best Actress at the #Oscars ! pic.twitter.com/52LAmhaG99 — Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 11, 2024

The fandom makes sense. Stone is from Scottsdale, Arizona — and hasn’t been shy about cheering for the Suns and making it known which team she backs. She has personalized jerseys, has grabbed photos with Suns stars and even got some on the team bench to giggle when she waved goodbye to Phoenix guard Grayson Allen when she left a game earlier this season.

FILE - Elton John performs on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2022. John has achieved EGOT status. The famed British singer-pianist secured an Emmy Award on Monday night, Jan. 15, 2024, for best variety special (live) for “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,” a three-hour concert documentary that streamed on Disney +. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

FILE - Elton John performs on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2022. John has achieved EGOT status. The famed British singer-pianist secured an Emmy Award on Monday night, Jan. 15, 2024, for best variety special (live) for “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,” a three-hour concert documentary that streamed on Disney +. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

There are no newly minted EGOT winners tonight, but there couldn’t have been any, anyway.

The feat that summarizes winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony is rarely achieved and a prized club. No one nominated tonight would have closed the gap on the grand slam.

There was an EGOT forged this year — that would be for Elton John, who won an Emmy to claim his title back in January.

FILE - In this July 12, 2021 file photo Bill Murray, from left, Owen Wilson, director Wes Anderson, Tilda Swinton, and Adrien Brody pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The French Dispatch' at the 74th international film festival, Cannes, southern France. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

FILE - In this July 12, 2021 file photo Bill Murray, from left, Owen Wilson, director Wes Anderson, Tilda Swinton, and Adrien Brody pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘The French Dispatch’ at the 74th international film festival, Cannes, southern France. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Wes Anderson thanked the family of Roald Dahl, the team at Netflix and the cast and crew in a statement on behalf of himself and Steven Rales.

“And also I would have said: If I had not met Owen Wilson in a corridor at the University of Texas between classes when I was 18 years old, I would certainly not be receiving this award tonight — but unfortunately Steven and I are in Germany and we start shooting our new movie early tomorrow morning, so I did not actually receive the award or get a chance to say any of that.

“20 Days in Mariupol” director Mstyslav Chernov says the film shows the “reality” and “urgency” of the war in Ukraine.

Jada Pinkett Smith, from left, Willow Smith, Will Smith, Jaden Smith and Trey Smith arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jada Pinkett Smith, from left, Willow Smith, Will Smith, Jaden Smith and Trey Smith arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

AP entertainment writer Andrew Dalton is a regular attendee of the Vanity Fair party after the Oscars. Here are some of his highlights from years past:

Often, the biggest news from the Vanity Fair party is which Oscar losers are hugging which winners. But some bring notable moments.

Partygoers in 2017 got to sympathize with best-picture presenter Faye Dunaway after the “La La Land”-“Moonlight” fiasco .

In 2018, well-wishers mobbed Frances McDormand , partly because she’d won best actress and partly because the Oscar she’d had stolen earlier that evening was back in her hands.

And in 2022, the slap was in the air, as it was everywhere. Will Smith grooved to his own songs on the dance floor, along with his family and best actor Oscar.

The scene after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julie Pace)

The scene after the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julie Pace)

Julie Pace, AP’s executive editor and senior vice president, is attending the Oscars for the first time in support of “20 Days in Mariupol.” She has been providing occasional updates from a guest’s perspective:

Following the show, nominees like Lily Gladstone and previous winners including Nicolas Cage joined the rest of the crowd to wait for their cars. Some huddled by heaters that dotted the red carpet and recapped the night.

“Ticket 1221! You win a ride to wherever you’re going. Have a blast,” an announcer called out as a lucky group headed to their waiting car.

Christopher Nolan won his first Oscar on Sunday night for directing “Oppenheimer” and then another for best picture. The 53-year-old British filmmaker has garnered critical acclaim throughout his career, but had never won at the Oscars until now.

Emma Thomas, left, and Christopher Nolan accept the award for best picture for "Oppenheimer" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Emma Thomas, left, and Christopher Nolan accept the award for best picture for “Oppenheimer” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

“I think any of us who make movies know you kind of dream of this moment … but it seemed so unlikely that it would ever happen,” “Oppenheimer” producer Emma Thomas said.

Thomas is Christopher Nolan’s producing partner — and also his wife.

When nominations were announced back in January, she was asked whether “Oppenheimer” felt like the culmination of the couple’s collaboration.

“It definitely feels like a film that was made with all the things we’ve learned together over the years. It all came together on this film,” she told the AP. “But I’m hoping it’s not the culmination. I’m hoping that we’ll get to make another one. (Laughs) We’re at the midway point!”

Emma Stone accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "Poor Things" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Emma Stone accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for “Poor Things” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Backstage, best actress winner Emma Stone says she was sewn back into her dress after it broke.

She explained her dress had come apart in the opening to her acceptance speech.

“I think I blacked out,” Stone said of her win. “I’m very surprised.”

▶ Read more about Stone’s best actress win.

Of the four acting winners, three were newly minted Oscar honorees.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph , Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy each claimed their first statuettes. Downey, though, had been nominated twice before.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "The Holdovers" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Emma Stone was the only repeat winner, picking up her second career Oscar and second best actress trophy. Stone joins Frances McDormand and Hilary Swank as the only two-time best actress winners this century.

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cillian Murphy in a scene from "Oppenheimer." (Universal Pictures via AP)

“American Fiction” ★★★ “Anatomy of a Fall” ★★★★ “Barbie” ★★★ “The Holdovers” ★★★.5 “Killers of the Flower Moon” ★★★★ “Maestro” ★★.5 “Oppenheimer” ★★★★ “Past Lives” ★★★.5 “Poor Things” ★★★.5 “The Zone of Interest” ★★★★

Michelle Yeoh, left, winner of the Oscar for lead actress, and Florence Pugh arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Michelle Yeoh, left, winner of the Oscar for lead actress, and Florence Pugh arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Oscar winners, and even stars who aren’t at the ceremony, flock to the Vanity Fair party after the show is over.

The AP will livestream stars arriving beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on YouTube.

Vanity Fair throws the afterparty of afterparties after the Oscars.

The guest list at the magazine’s Beverly Hills bash is AAA-list, with athletes, authors and rock stars joining movie stars and newly minted Oscar winners, who earn an instant invite.

The dress code could be called “loosened black tie.” Many remain in ceremony finery, but you might see Jason Momoa in a tuxedo jacket over a bare chest , or Greta Gerwig kicking off high heels and pulling on checkered Vans.

The food is high-end lowbrow, or low-end highbrow. In-N-Out Burger abounds, often chased with Dom Perignon.

With the best picture win for “Oppenheimer,” it’s the highest-grossing best picture winner since “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in 2003.

According to distributor Universal, it’s also the first best picture winner released theatrically in July since 1994’s “Forrest Gump” and the first film to win Oscars for best picture, actor and supporting actor in more than 60 years. The last film to do that was “Ben-Hur” in 1960.

The reviews are in ... and Al Pacino got some attention for how best picture was unveiled at the end of the Oscars.

“I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see ‘Oppenheimer,’” Pacino said.

It seemed to catch the Dolby Theatre off-guard, as if the other nine nominees were to be announced as well.

One social media post that quickly went viral simply said: “Al Pacino should have given out every award tonight.”

This image released by ABC shows Quinta Brunson in a scene from "Abbott Elementary." (Ser Baffo/ABC via AP)

This image released by ABC shows Quinta Brunson in a scene from “Abbott Elementary.” (Ser Baffo/ABC via AP)

It wasn’t nominated for the Oscars only by virtue of being a television show. But awards darling “Abbott Elementary” is still making its presence felt on Oscar night, with a brand-new episode following the telecast on ABC.

There was no new episode this past Wednesday, it’s usual airdate.

And the episode opened with an Oscars — and Philadelphia — tie-in: a guest spot from multiple nominee Bradley Cooper .

AP photographer Chris Pizzello has been shooting the Oscars for more than a decade. Here, he describes the background work that goes into getting the historic shots:

It’s very helpful to follow the entirety of awards season and have a feel for the likely winners at the Oscars.

Mark Ruffalo reacts in the audience after "Spotlight" won the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Mark Ruffalo reacts in the audience after “Spotlight” won the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

You should take note of where the big nominees are sitting in the audience. When they are about to announce the winner of a category, you should have your lens trained on the nominee you think is going to win. If you guess right, that person’s instant reaction upon realizing they just won an Oscar usually makes for a great photo.

Several acceptance speeches — from animated short to best picture — referenced the fact that it’s Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom.

If any Americans are panicking, Mother’s Day in the U.S. isn’t until May 12.

It was slated to start an hour earlier, and despite a late start, it did have a slightly shorter runtime than last year’s telecast.

The credits rolled by 7:25 p.m. PDT. Last year’s telecast hovered around 3.5 hours.

It was the year of” Oppenheimer” at the Oscars, and the final prize was no surprise.

“Oppenheimer” won best picture, the last statuette awarded during the show and capping a seven-Oscar haul for the story of a theoretical physicist who oversaw the Manhattan Project and the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

“I think any of us who make movies know you kind of dream of this moment … but it seemed so unlikely that it would ever happen,” producer Emma Thomas said.

Oppenheimer also won for best director (Thomas’ husband Christopher Nolan), best actor (Cillian Murphy), best supporting actor (Robert Downey Jr.), best cinematography (Hoyte van Hoytema), best film editing (Jennifer Lame) and best original score (Ludwig Göransson).

Emma Stone acknowledged each of her fellow nominees for best actress, through tears.

“The other night I was panicking as you can kind of see happens a lot, that maybe something like this could happen. And (‘Poor Things’ director) Yorgos (Lanthimos) said to me, ‘Please take yourself out of it and he was right, because it’s not about me. It’s about a team that came together to make something greater than the sum of its parts and that is the best part about making movies.”

ap literature essay 2023

Guys, make sure we tear up that envelope so there’s no confusion with best picture.

Infamously, an extra envelope with Stone’s best actress win was responsible for the confusion over the best picture win in 2017. That trophy belonged to “Moonlight” but “La La Land” was initially called.

FILE - This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Ryan Gosling, left, and Margot Robbie in a scene from "Barbie." The United Arab Emirates announced Thursday, Aug. 4, 2023, that it has approved the release of the “Barbie” movie after a delay of over a month over possible content issues. (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP, File)

Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie in “Barbie.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP, File)

Biggest box office: “Barbie” by far. Its $1.4 billion global total was more than the other nine combined, even counting co-blockbuster “Oppenheimer,” which itself made more than the bottom eight combined.

Lowest box office earner: “Maestro,” probably. The low-end figures are murky, but it got only a tiny theatrical release before dropping on Netflix

Longest: “Killers of the Flower Moon,” 3 hours, 26 minutes

Shortest: “Past Lives” and “The Zone of Interest,” 1 hour, 46 minutes apiece

This image released by A24 shows Greta Lee in a scene from "Past Lives." (Jon Pack/A24 via AP)

Greta Lee in “Past Lives.” (Jon Pack/A24 via AP)

Earliest U.S. release: “Past Lives,” June 2

Latest U.S. release: “American Fiction” and “The Zone of Interest,” Dec. 15

Only Christmas movie: “The Holdovers,” arguably the first in the category since “It’s a Wonderful Life” in 1947

Only film with a dog in a major role: “Anatomy of a Fall”

Only film with dog-goose hybrids: “Poor Things”

Ranked choice voting, also known as preferential voting, is only employed at the Oscars to select the best picture winner.

Voters order the 10 nominees by preference: Their favorite is ranked first, their runner-up second and so on, with their least favorite at 10.

If one movie manages to capture more than 50% of the first-place votes in the first round, the contest is over. That’s the winner.

But if no movie crosses that threshold, the one with the fewest first-place votes is eliminated and the votes for that movie are reallocated to those voters’ second choices. On it goes until one movie wins a majority.

Proponents of the voting system, which is used in some other elections, argue it’s more representative.

Oscars statue cutouts rest on a table along the red carpet ahead of the 96th Academy Awards Friday, March 8, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Oscars statue cutouts rest on a table along the red carpet ahead of the 96th Academy Awards Friday, March 8, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

AP entertainment writer Andrew Dalton has reported from many an Oscars ceremony. He even used to occupy a perch above the fray.

The first thing you’ll notice is how many people you don’t recognize.

The 3,000-or-so people at the Dolby Theatre are mostly industry insiders and others who are plenty prominent, but not famous.

The closer you get to the stage, the higher the percentage of household names. You often end up in a restroom stall next to a Denzel , a Meryl , a Tom or a Tom .

You’ll be part of a Hollywood crowd that is outstanding at playing the role of “audience,” not needing applause signs to know when to start and stop clapping, or when an ovation is merited.

My dress is broken. I think it happened during ‘I’m Just Ken.’

Ascending the stage to claim her second best actress trophy, Stone turned around, pointing to her back as she motioned to the presenters, who looked to see if they could help.

She then opened her speech by explaining what happened.

“Don’t look at the back of my dress!” she said, closing the speech.

ap literature essay 2023

Christopher Nolan has won his first Oscar, and it’s the sixth of the night for “Oppenheimer.”

Nolan was his usual staid-and-subdued self when he accepted, thanking the cast and crew.

He showed a bit of emotion when he thanked his wife and producing partner “Emma Thomas,” laughing after calling her “producer of all our films and all our children.”

Lily Gladstone is named after her great-grandmother.

The elder Lily bore many similarities to Gladstone’s character in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Mollie Burkhart. Both women, born 10 years apart in the late 19th century, were traditional in nature, well-loved by their Native communities and devout Catholics.

Growing up between Seattle and the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, Gladstone was familiar with the stories of older generations of Native women — of their encounters with a fast-modernizing America and the brutal attempts to extract resources from tribal lands.

Lily Gladstone poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in New York. Gladstone has been named one of The Associated Press' Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023. (Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP)

(Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP)

The Osage murders of the early 20th century , a reign of terror in which the Osage were targeted for the headrights to their oil-rich land, took place many miles away, in Oklahoma. But as a tragedy about the sinister exploitation of Native people, “Killers of the Flower Moon” told a tale Gladstone knew intimately.

“I carry my family’s legacy. And I’m expected to carry my family legacy, in a way,” Gladstone said in a recent interview. She added: “Even though I’m not Osage, it did very much feel like it was in my blood.”

▶ Read more from our profile of Lily Gladstone, one of AP’s 2023 Breakthrough Entertainers.

Actor Cillian Murphy said he was a “little overwhelmed” when he took the stage after winning an Oscar for his portrayal of the title character in the movie “Oppenheimer.”

The movie is about the man who drove the creation of nuclear weapons.

“For better or for worse we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world so I would really like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere,” said Murphy.

The five past winners presenting the category:

  • Sally Field
  • Jennifer Lawrence
  • Michelle Yeoh
  • Charlize Theron

Christopher Nolan accepts the award for best director for "Oppenheimer" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Christopher Nolan accepts the award for best director for “Oppenheimer” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

▶ Read more about Nolan’s win.

Lily Gladstone reflected on the chaotic awards circuit and the ways she’s been able to find friendships throughout it, including with “Poor Things” star Emma Stone, a competitor in the Oscars best actress category.

The best actress Oscar to be awarded shortly is seen as a tight race betwee n Lily Gladstone for “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Emma Stone for “Poor Things.”

Most experts have given the slight edge to Gladstone , who won the SAG Award, but say it could easily go to Stone, who won the BAFTA.

The two have become friends during award season. Gladstone says they call themselves “The Infinity Stones.”

It would be the first Oscar for Gladstone and the second for Stone, who won best actress for “La La Land.”

The other nominees are Annette Bening for “Nyad,” Sandra Hüller for “Anatomy of a Fall” and Carey Mulligan for “Maestro.”

Cillian Murphy accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "Oppenheimer" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Cillian Murphy accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for “Oppenheimer” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

ap literature essay 2023

It’s 7:01 p.m. PDT, which is just over three hours after the Oscars were slated to began (they did get off to a late start).

There are still three categories to go.

Andrea Bocelli, left, and Matteo Bocelli arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Andrea Bocelli, left, and Matteo Bocelli arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

On a stage bathed in blue Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli sang his signature song “Time to Say Goodbye” along with his son Matteo during the Oscars’ memorial segment.

The Bocellis and a string quartet paid tribute to movie luminaries who died since the last Oscars, including Harry Belafonte, Paul Reubens, Tina Turner, Ryan O’Neal, Carl Weathers and Robbie Robertson, a nominee this year for best score for “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

The montage also included several people best known for TV, including Matthew Perry and Richard Lewis.

The telecast included a QR code for a longer list of the dead.

ap literature essay 2023

The five past winners presenting best actor:

  • Nicolas Cage
  • Matthew McConaughey
  • Ben Kingsley
  • Forrest Whitaker
  • Brendan Fraser

This grab taken from video shows flowers and a portrait of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny that Lyudmila Navalnaya, mother of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, put to pay tribute to her son at the at the memorial to victims of political repression, in Salekhard, 1937 km (1211 miles) northeast of Moscow, Russia, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. Russians across the vast country streamed to ad-hoc memorials with flowers and candles to pay tribute to Alexei Navalny, the most famous Russian opposition leader and the Kremlin's fiercest critic. Russian officials reported that Navalny, 47, died in prison on Friday. (AP Photo)

This grab taken from video shows flowers and a portrait of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny that Lyudmila Navalnaya, mother of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, put to pay tribute to her son at the at the memorial to victims of political repression, in Salekhard, 1937 km (1211 miles) northeast of Moscow, Russia, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. Russians across the vast country streamed to ad-hoc memorials with flowers and candles to pay tribute to Alexei Navalny, the most famous Russian opposition leader and the Kremlin’s fiercest critic. Russian officials reported that Navalny, 47, died in prison on Friday. (AP Photo)

A clip of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny opened the in memoriam segment.

Navalny, who died last month while imprisoned, was the subject of the eponymous documentary directed by Daniel Roher that won the Oscar for documentary feature last year.

“Alexei, I am dreaming of the day you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love,” his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, said at the 2023 ceremony.

Navalny had learned of the Oscar win during a court hearing, something his spokesperson at the time called “the most remarkable announcement of an (Oscar) win in history.”

▶ Read more about Navalny’s life and death.

Cillian Murphy arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

The best actor Oscar will be handed out soon, and most prognosticators will be very surprised if it’s not handed to Cillian Murphy for “Oppenheimer.”

The 47-year-old Irish actor got his first nomination for playing the title role in Christopher Nolan’s film, and won most of the major precursor awards.

If anyone is expected to challenge him, it’s Paul Giamatti for “The Holdovers.” It would also be his first Oscar.

The other nominees are Bradley Cooper for “Maestro,” Colman Domingo for “Rustin” and Jeffrey Wright , “American Fiction.”

It was Barbie vs. Barbie. And, well, Barbie won.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won the best song Oscar for “What Was I Made For?” which was widely expected to grab the statuette.

“I had a nightmare about this last night,” Eilish said. She added, “I just didn’t think this would happen.”

The only song most thought could beat it also was from “Barbie,” that being Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt’s “I’m Just Ken.”

Ryan Gosling, reprising his role as Ken, got into his pink suit and performed Ronson and Wyatt’s song just before the winner was introduced — getting a standing ovation, just as Eilish did when she performed her song about an hour earlier.

Billie Eilish is the youngest person by far to have won two career Oscars. She took her trophy for best original song for “What Was I Made For” from “Barbie” at age 22.

That beats a very old record set by Luise Rainer, who won her second best actress Oscar at 28 in 1938.

The second youngest is now Eilish’s 26-year-old brother and co-writer Finneas. The pair won their first Oscar for “No Time to Die” in 2021.

Hilary Swank and Jodie Foster — a best supporting actor nominee this year — are the only others to win two before 30.

ap literature essay 2023

In this Nov. 15, 2018 photo, Swedish composer Ludwig Goransson poses for a portrait in New York (Photo by Christopher Smith/Invision/AP)

Ludwig Göransson won the Academy Award for original score for his work on “Oppenheimer.” It is his second Oscar and third nomination, having previously won in the category in 2019 for “Black Panther.”

“Oppenheimer” is director Christopher Nolan ’s own adaptation of Martin J. Sherwin and Kai Bird’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2005 book “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer,” chronicling the Manhattan Project and its fallout. The film starring Cillian Murphy “is poised between the shock and aftershock of the terrible revelation, as one character calls it, of a divine power,” AP film writer Jake Coyle assessed in his review .

Naturally, the score accomplishes something similar: Göransson composing from a first-person perspective for the first time, using his characteristic plays with rhythm and tempo to make one man’s history-altering endeavors feel larger than life.

Andrew Wyatt, left, and Mark Ronson, accept the award for best song for "I'm Just Ken" from "Barbie" during the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Andrew Wyatt, left, and Mark Ronson, accept the award for best song for “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie” during the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Up for best original song:

  • Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt for “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
  • Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson for “It Never Went Away’’ from “American Symphony”
  • Scott George for “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon″
  • Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell for “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
  • Diane Warren for “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”

That’s what we call white-hot competition. A few of the nominees in this category called The Associated Press the day they found out they were nominated. Here’s what they said :

Warren: “I’m thrilled. Beyond. And now the number of Oscars I’ve been nominated for has caught up to my emotional age, which is (15). I’m just kidding. Kind of.”

Ronson: “It’s a huge honor... in the film, it is this 11-minute prog rock dream ballet, shred fest that (director) Greta (Gerwig) and Ryan (Gosling) made people fall in love with all these beautiful touches.”

Composer Ludwig Goransson poses for a portrait at his music studio, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Glendale, Calif. Goransson, along with Rihanna, is nominated for an Oscar for best original song for "Lift Me Up" from the film "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Composer Ludwig Goransson poses for a portrait at his music studio in 2022 (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The best original score category is a competitive one this year: vying for the trophy are 54-time Oscar nominee and now five-time winner John Williams (“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”), Ludwig Göransson (“Oppenheimer”), and three first-time nominees, Jerskin Fendrix (“Poor Things”), Laura Karpman (“American Fiction”) and the late Robbie Robertson (“Killers of the Flower Moon”).

A few of the nominees called The Associated Press the day they found out they were nominated. Here’s what they said :

Göransson: “To be recognized on this score especially, it was a very personal score. It was also obviously extremely challenging to achieve these emotions and to tell the story of this complicated man’s feelings, his ambition and what he’s going through in his journey and from his perspective because the only way to do that is, I’ve had to go to some to some uncomfortable places.”

Karpman: “What can I tell you? I’m 64 years old, and I’ve spent my life doing this, and I have never, ever, ever thought that this — first of all, I didn’t think it would ever be available to me, much less accessible. But, you know, this is a very, very special project. The movie is a gem. I knew it the moment I saw it.”

Fendrix: “It feels so surreal. I don’t think it’s entirely settled yet.”

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Ryan Gosling reacts as the true winner of best picture is announced at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It was originally announced that “La La Land” won, but the winner was actually, “Moonlight.” (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

But it is the first time he performed at the Oscars.

Neither he nor Emma Stone performed when “La La Land” was nominated for its music at the 2017 Oscars.

AP photographer Chris Pizzello is shooting the Oscars again tonight. Here’s what he looks for in between awards:

Another cool aspect of the Oscars is the mingling between celebrities both before the show and during commercial breaks. It is the world’s greatest cocktail party and you can capture some priceless combos.

Pharrell Williams, left, greets civil rights activist John Lewis in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

But it’s very, very dark in the seats so it’s a real test of the low-light performance of your cameras. Sometimes the shots are just too dark and blurry to run but it’s important to try because you may never see those particular combos ever again.

Ryan Gosling performs "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Ryan Gosling performs “I’m Just Ken” from the movie “Barbie” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

It is the moment “Barbie” fans have been waiting for: Ryan Gosling performed “I’m Just Ken,” the huge ‘80s power ballad from the film.

Gosling began in the audience, his face obscured by a cowboy hat before heading to the stage to meet Mark Ronson, the executive producer of the “Barbie” soundtrack, and a group of dramatic dancing Kens — including fellow Kens Simu Liu and Kingsley Ben-Adir.

Later, Slash appeared, taking over lead guitar — a hilarious surprise. Then Gosling jumped into the crowd and had Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, and America Ferrera sing along.

“I’m Just Ken” turned Gosling into a Billboard Hot 100 artist. It also won the 2024 Critics’ Choice Award for best song.

Hoyte van Hoytema accepts the award for best cinematography for "Oppenheimer" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hoyte van Hoytema accepts the award for best cinematography for “Oppenheimer” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hoyte van Hoytema thanked director Christopher Nolan and producer Emma Thomas while accepting his Oscar for cinematography for the film “Oppenheimer.”

Van Hoytema was also nominated for his work on the Nolan-directed film “Dunkirk” but didn’t win that time.

“You’re by far the best thing that could have happened to my career, obviously,” said van Hoytema glancing down at the Oscar in his hand.

Robert Downey Jr. accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "Oppenheimer" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Robert Downey Jr. accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for “Oppenheimer” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Robert Downey Jr. is the first “Saturday Night Live” alum to win an Oscar with his best supporting actor victory for “Oppenheimer.”

Downey was a cast member for one season in 1985-86, regarded by many as the show’s worst year.

Other alums to have been nominated include Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, and Joan Cusack, who was in the same cast as Downey.

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Kingsley Ben-Adir, from left, Ryan Gosling and Ncuti Gatwa in a scene from "Barbie." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP).

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Kingsley Ben-Adir, from left, Ryan Gosling and Ncuti Gatwa in a scene from “Barbie.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP).

With two of the five best original song nominations (Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt for “I’m Just Ken” as performed by Ryan Gosling and “What Was I Made For?” by sibling duo Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell), the music of “Barbie” is everywhere at the 2024 Oscars.

Last summer, Ronson told The Associated Press all about how the music of the movie came together . The soundtrack assignment began with two tracks: a pop song for a big dance number (what would become Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night”) and an ’80s power ballad for Ken. Name a genre with more “self-aware, bombastic silliness,” as Ronson says.

For the most part, Ronson works on instrumentals: When he wrote the Oscar-winning “Shallow” with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper for “A Star Is Born,” for example, he only contributed lyrics to fill in gaps — the “surface, don’t hurt us,” line, as he recalls. But for the song that would become Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken,” Ronson couldn’t shake the lyric: “I’m just Ken, anywhere else I’d be a 10.”

So he sent director Greta Gerwig a demo with a few lines — including a deliciously mouthy lyric about “blonde fragility.” She sent it to Gosling, who plays Ken in the film, and knew immediately he needed to sing it. What could have soundtracked any scene in the film became its own musical moment.

FILE - Robbie Robertson speaks during a press conference for "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band" on day one of the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, in Toronto. Robertson, the lead guitarist and songwriter for The Band, whose classics include “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” has died at 80, according to a statement from his manager. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Robbie Robertson speaks during a press conference for “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band” in 2019 (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Robbie Roberston, known of his work in The Band and with Bob Dylan, received a posthumous original score nomination for “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Robertson died last summer at 80. Director Martin Scorsese released a statement about his collaborator the day nominations came down.

“I only wish that Robbie Robertson had lived to see his work recognized,” the famed director wrote. “Our many years of friendship and Robbie’s growing consciousness of his own Native heritage played a crucial role in my desire to get this film onscreen.”

▶ Read more from the AP’s obituary of Robbie Robertson.

AP photographer Chris Pizzello has been shooting the Oscars, from inside the room, since 2013. Here are three memorable moments from over the years:

2013: Jennifer Lawrence slipping on the steps on her way to the stage.

Jennifer Lawrence stumbles as she walks on stage to accept the award for best actress in a leading role for "Silver Linings Playbook" during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday Feb. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles.  (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Jennifer Lawrence stumbles as she walks on stage to accept the award for best actress in a leading role for “Silver Linings Playbook” during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday Feb. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

2017: Warren Beatty announcing the wrong best picture winner.

Jordan Horowitz, producer of "La La Land," shows the envelope revealing "Moonlight" as the true winner of best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Presenter Warren Beatty and host Jimmy Kimmel look on from right. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Jordan Horowitz, producer of “La La Land,” shows the envelope revealing “Moonlight” as the true winner of best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Presenter Warren Beatty and host Jimmy Kimmel look on from right. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

2022: The Slap.

Will Smith, right, hits presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Will Smith, right, hits presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Basically you have to be on high alert for all 3 ½ hours of the show. The Slap happened during one of the slower sections of the show, when Chris Rock was introducing the best documentary award. He made a couple of jokes, and suddenly I saw a fuzzy head approaching him onstage in my viewfinder. Before you knew what was happening, WHAP! Every single photographer in the projection booth initially feared they missed it because it happened incredibly fast.

So the lesson is that during the Oscars telecast you cannot ever lose focus, no pun intended.

Martin Scorsese reveals what helped him find the flow during the making of his latest movie “Killers Of The Flower Moon” and jokes about his dislike of emails. (Oct.17)

“I don’t use a computer because I tried a couple times and I got very distracted. I get distracted as it is,” Scorsese told the AP last year. “I’ve got films, I’ve got books, I’ve got people. I’ve only begun this year to read emails. Emails, they scare me. It says ‘CC’ and there are a thousand names. Who are these people?”

▶ Read more from AP’s feature on the Oscar nominee for “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Becky G, center, performs the song "The Fire Inside" from the movie "Flaming Hot" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Becky G, center, performs the song “The Fire Inside” from the movie “Flaming Hot” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Becky G performed the fiery reggaeton track “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot,” written by Diane Warren. She was joined by a chorus of young girls.

“Flamin’ Hot” follows the story of Richard Montañez, who went from being a janitor at a Frito-Lay plant in California to a top executive when he invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, assisting in introducing a Latin market to the snack food giant. “The Fire Inside” is up for best original song and is Warren’s 15th Oscar nomination.

This is Becky G’s second time performing at the Oscars — the first time was two years ago, when she joined Megan Thee Stallion and others for “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from “Encanto.”

Director Wes Anderson poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'The French Dispatch' at the 74th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Tuesday, July 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Director Wes Anderson poses for photographers at the photo call for the film ‘The French Dispatch’ at the 74th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Tuesday, July 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Wes Anderson finally has an Oscar. Not surprisingly, it’s a quirky one.

The first Academy Award for the 54-year-old Texan with the unmistakable film style came for best live-action short for his Roald Dahl adaptation for Netflix, “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.” He shared the award with Steven Rales.

It comes after Anderson directed 11 full-length features and got seven previous Oscar nominations without a win, starting with a screenplay nod for “The Royal Tenenbaums” in 2002.

Anderson wasn’t there to accept his Oscar. Presenters Issa Rae and Ramy Youssef accepted on his behalf.

“Congratulations, Wes. We knew you could make them long, but wow,” Youssef said.

Masaki Takahashi, from left, Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, and Tatsuji Nojima accept the award for best visual effects for "Godzilla Minus One" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Masaki Takahashi, from left, Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, and Tatsuji Nojima accept the award for best visual effects for “Godzilla Minus One” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Kris Bowers stood up for teachers, when accepting the Oscar for best documentary short for “The Last Repair Shop.”

“‘The Last Repair Shop’ is about the heroes in our schools who often go unsung, unthanked and unseen,” Bowers said. “Tonight, you are sung, you are thanked and you are seen.”

Evgeniy Maloletka, from left, Vasilisa Stepanenko, Michelle Mizner, Mstyslav Chernov, Raney Aronson-Rath and Derl McCrudden arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Evgeniy Maloletka, from left, Vasilisa Stepanenko, Michelle Mizner, Mstyslav Chernov, Raney Aronson-Rath and Derl McCrudden arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

“Cinema forms memories, and memories form history.”

“This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and I’m honored,” an emotional Mstyslav Chernov said. “But probably I will be the first director on this stage to say I wish I’d never made this film. I wish to be able to exchange this to Russia never attacking Ukraine.”

Speaking on the red carpet of the Academy Awards, Mstyslav Chernov - director of documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” - says its important the “world understands the seriousness of what’s going on and the urgency of what’s going on” in Ukraine. (March 10)

“20 Days in Mariupol,” Mstyslav Chernov’s harrowing chronicle of the besieged Ukrainian city and the international journalists who remained there after Russia’s invasion, won The Associated Press its first Oscar in the 178-year-old news organization’s history.

The AP and PBS’ “Frontline” team behind the documentary feature received a standing ovation from the audience.

This aerial view shows Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

This aerial view shows Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

It’s a busy day in L.A.: the Clippers and the Lakers vs. the Oscars.

Los Angeles’ two NBA teams are both home on Sunday, with the Clippers playing a noon Pacific game against the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Lakers playing at 6:30 p.m. against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Lakers played on Oscar Sunday last year, too — against the Knicks, which led to Denzel Washington and Spike Lee going to that arena instead of the Dolby Theatre for the Oscars.

The Lakers and Clippers don’t go head-to-head with the Grammys. That show takes over the arena where those teams play; the Dolby Theatre is about 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) away from Crypto.com Arena.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem accepts the Oscar for best supporting actor for his work in "No Country for Old Men" at the 80th Academy Awards Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Spanish actor Javier Bardem accepts the Oscar for best supporting actor for his work in “No Country for Old Men” at the 80th Academy Awards Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

One person speaks for a group. Include a little heart, and a little humor. Relish the moment. And keep it under 45 seconds. That’s the often-disregarded annual acceptance-speech guidance Academy President Janet Yang gave Oscar nominees at their luncheon .

Not everyone ignores the advice. Yang showed a video of the platonic ideal of a speech — Javier Bardem’s 2008 acceptance of best supporting actor for “No Country for Old Men.”

Bardem thanked the writer-director Coen brothers, mocked his absurd haircut in the movie, gave his mother a heartfelt tribute in Spanish — and did it all in 37 seconds.

Awards show mainstay Jon Batiste performed “It Never Went Way” from “American Symphony,” a documentary that follows Batiste as he attempts to write a symphony while his wife battles leukemia.

Batiste has said that “It Never Went Away’’ ”began as a lullaby” for his wife “so she could have a restful aura in the hospital room.”

On the Oscar stage, he performed at a grand piano in front of a large screen depicting images of Batiste with his wife, the author Suleika Jaouad.

“Godzilla Minus One’s” victory for best visual effects is the first time in the creature’s long history he has won an Oscar. The Japanese film also pulled off the rare feat of having its director win a visual effects Oscar. It was last done by Stanley Kubrick for 1968’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

“The moment we were nominated we felt like Rocky Balboa,” the director and visual effects supervisor Takashi Yamazaki said from the stage.

“Oppenheimer” has won for best film editing. It marks the first nomination and win for Jennifer Lame, who thanked her collaborators, including director Christopher Nolan, for the award.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito gave the award out, joking about how they both tried to kill Batman — portrayed by Michael Keaton — and lost, as Mr. Freeze and the Penguin, respectively.

▶ Read more about the craft behind “Oppenheimer.”

This image provided by Kino Lorber shows Ichraq Matar, Eya Chikhaoui, Hend Sabri, Nour Karoui, Tayssir Chikhaoui in the movie Four Daughters, filmed in Tunis, Tunisia. The film about a Tunisian family and the radicalization of two teenage daughters who joined the Islamic State is up for one of the most prestigious film awards in the world. (Kino Lorber via AP)

This image provided by Kino Lorber shows Ichraq Matar, Eya Chikhaoui, Hend Sabri, Nour Karoui, Tayssir Chikhaoui in the movie Four Daughters, filmed in Tunis, Tunisia. The film about a Tunisian family and the radicalization of two teenage daughters who joined the Islamic State is up for one of the most prestigious film awards in the world. (Kino Lorber via AP)

Olfa Hamrouni doesn’t know much about her granddaughter; not her favorite toy nor food — is it the pasta the child’s mother loves, or something else?

The Tunisian grandmother doesn’t even let her mind go there. “I don’t want to know. What for but more heartache?” she said.

For now, she just fights for 8-year-old Fatma. The child has spent virtually all her life with her mother and aunt — Hamrouni’s eldest daughters — raised in detention in Libya, where the women wound up after leaving home as teenagers and joining Islamic State group extremists.

The real-life story of Hamrouni and her children is the focus of “Four Daughters,” an Academy Award nominee for best documentary feature film. On camera, there are many layers to Kaouther Ben Hania’s film: It’s about the radicalization of two teenage girls; an intimate portrait of a chaotic, and often dysfunctional, family life; and reflections on generational trauma, patriarchy, motherhood and adolescence.

▶ Read more about the documentary feature.

Director Martin Scorsese acknowledges the proper grammar of Robert De Niro's famous line in the movie "Taxi Driver", which he directed, during a skit as he is honored by the Hasty Pudding Theatricals as their Man of the Year at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Director Martin Scorsese acknowledges the proper grammar of Robert De Niro’s famous line in the movie “Taxi Driver”, which he directed, during a skit as he is honored by the Hasty Pudding Theatricals as their Man of the Year at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Martin Scorsese, Jodie Foster and Robert De Niro were all nominees, 47 years after “Taxi Driver” was nominated for best picture, best actor (De Niro), best supporting actress (Foster) and best score.

Scorsese, 81, is nominated for directing “Killers of the Flower Moon.” De Niro, 80, was up for best supporting actor in the same film. And Foster, now 61, was nominated for her performance in “Nyad.” She was just 14 when “Taxi Driver” was nominated.

Takashi Yamazaki poses for a portrait during the 96th Academy Awards Oscar nominees luncheon on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Takashi Yamazaki poses for a portrait during the 96th Academy Awards Oscar nominees luncheon on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Godzilla has been to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, San Francisco, Boston, Moscow, London and Hawaii. But before now, he’d never been to the Oscars.

And now he has one.

▶ Read more about Godzilla’s newest frontier.

FILE - Composer John Williams poses on the red carpet at the 2016 AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to John Williams in Los Angeles on June 9, 2016. Williams is nominated for an Oscar for original score for "The Fabelmans." (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Composer John Williams poses on the red carpet at the 2016 AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to John Williams in Los Angeles (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

At age 92, composer John Williams may very well make Academy Award history by becoming the oldest Oscar winner of all time . The 54-time Oscar nominee and five-time winner could break a record held by James Ivory, who, in 2018, took home the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for “Call Me by Your Name” at age 89. That is, if he wins for his “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” score.

In 2022, Williams told AP film writer Jake Coyle that he believed “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” may be his final score .

“At the moment I’m working on ‘Indiana Jones 5,’ which Harrison Ford — who’s quite a bit younger than I am — I think has announced will be his last film,” he said at the time. “So, I thought: If Harrison can do it, then perhaps I can, also.”

AP photographer Chris Pizzello has made photos at many an Oscars. Here’s how he captures the moments sure to go down in the annals of cinema:

In one sense, the Oscars is one of the easier shows to shoot because the lighting is generally classic and consistent, not constantly shifting like, say, the MTV Awards. But the fact that the Oscars is the biggest of them all plays on your mind a bit, because it’s really important that you not miss anything. You’re shooting entertainment history after all.

Harrison Ford, left, and Ke Huy Quan react onstage when "Everything Everywhere All at Once" wins the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Harrison Ford, left, and Ke Huy Quan react onstage when “Everything Everywhere All at Once” wins the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The Oscar show photographers are up in a projection booth at the very top of the Dolby Theatre. Not only are we far away from the stage, but it is also surprisingly quiet up there. We are behind glass so the sound of the show is muted, which makes it difficult to follow the usual speaking cues of those onstage.

Elizabeth Banks, left, and an actor dressed in a costume from her movie "Cocaine Bear" present the award for best visual effects at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Elizabeth Banks, left, and an actor dressed in a costume from her movie “Cocaine Bear” present the award for best visual effects at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

For gear, I have two cameras set up on the same tripod, one with a 600mm lens for tight shots of the winners and another with a 100-400mm zoom for slightly wider shots and musical performances, where it’s important to show the scale of the production. A third camera around my neck is fitted with a 24-105mm lens for ultra-wide shots of the stage, which comes in handy for overall scene setters and the In Memoriam section.

“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the academy in that order,” he started his speech. “I needed this job more than it needed me.”

“I’m gonna thank my stylist in case no one else does,” he added.

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Robert Downey Jr. says he came away from Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” thinking about how “context is so critical” to understand significant moments in history. The film tells the story of the theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who oversaw the development of the first atomic bomb during World War II. Downey plays former chairman of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Lewis Strauss, a key figure in revoking Oppenheimer’s security clearance.

John Cena pointed out the importance of costumes — by not wearing one.

The wrestler-turned-actor was brought onstage by host Jimmy Kimmel for a bit where Cena was supposed to be nude, a nod to how the Oscars in 1974 was interrupted by a male streaker. Cena told Kimmel he decided at the last minute to not go ahead with the bit, as the audience kept laughing.

“The male body is not a joke,” Cena told Kimmel.

Responded the host: “Mine is.”

Cena — with an oversized envelope strategically placed over his midsection — eventually moved onto center stage, then realized he, uh, couldn’t open the envelope.

“Costumes, they are so important,” Cena said. “Maybe the most important thing there is.”

It’s Iron Man vs. the Hulk as Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo are up for best supporting actor.

Sterling K. Brown also played a small but important part in Marvel’s “Black Panther” as N’Jobu, Killmonger’s father.

Five past winners are presenting this category:

  • Sam Rockwell
  • Tim Robbins
  • Ke Huy Quan
  • Christoph Waltz
  • Mahershala Ali

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows on the set of "Poor Things." (Atsushi Nishijima/Searchlight Pictures via AP)

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows on the set of “Poor Things.” (Atsushi Nishijima/Searchlight Pictures via AP)

Of the 23 categories awarded tonight, several are “below-the-line” or technical awards. Here’s what voters are looking for:

Production design: Awards the creator of the overall look of a film, from the sets to the locations to the props.

Sound: Awards the work of the range of people who design, record, mix and edit the sound for a film.

This image released by Apple TV+ shows a scene from "Killers of the Flower Moon." (Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows a scene from “Killers of the Flower Moon.” (Apple TV+ via AP)

Cinematography: Awards the film’s photographer for its lighting and camera work.

Best original score: Awards the writer of a movie’s background music.

Hair and makeup: Awards makeup artists and hairstylists, naturally, but with an emphasis on prosthetics and character transformations.

Robert Downey Jr. could soon win his first Oscar, coming more than 30 years after his first nomination, for “Chaplin.”

Downey has had a triumphant awards season for playing Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer,” and he’s expected to top it off with an Oscar.

Also nominated is Ryan Gosling in his epic turn as Ken in “Barbie.”

The others in the category are Robert De Niro, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” who has won two acting Oscars and been nominated eight times, along with Sterling K. Brown for “American Fiction” Mark Ruffalo for “Poor Things.”

Jonathan Glazer accepts the award for "The Zone of Interest" from the United Kingdom, for best international feature film during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Jonathan Glazer accepts the award for “The Zone of Interest” from the United Kingdom, for best international feature film during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Jonathan Glazer’s hands shook as he accepted the Oscar for best international feature for “The Zone of Interest.”

“Our film shows where dehumanization leads, at its worst,” Glazer said.

“Right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people, whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel, or the the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims, this humanization, how do we resist?”

Glazer said he hopes the film will draw attention to current conflicts in the world.

“All our choices are made to reflect and confront us in the present. Not to say, Look what they did then, rather look what we do now, Glazer said. “Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst. It shaped all of our past and present.”

The woman behind the fabulous, fantastic costumes in “Poor Things” says the staff of Hungarians and Brits hadn’t even met each other when they teamed up in Budapest for the movie.

They were wearing masks and communicating through translators but that didn’t seem to slow down the amazing look of the film.

“Somehow we all managed to make it work,” said Holly Waddington during her acceptance speech as she won the Oscar for costume design.

Emily Blunt, left, and Ryan Gosling speak during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Emily Blunt, left, and Ryan Gosling speak during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

“Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” have been blanked at the Oscars so far.

Five of the 13 categories “Oppenheimer” is up for have come up and so have four of the eight for “Barbie.”

Both have taken a back seat to “Poor Things,” which has already taken three awards.

Scott George, who wrote “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon,” performed the song alongside Osage performers. A camera panned above them, showing a group of musicians hitting the same drum, and dancers circling them in front of red and yellow lights.

George is the first Osage writer to be nominated for an Oscar — he is up for best original song.

Osage singers and dancers perform during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Osage singers and dancers perform during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

J.A. Bayona’s “Society of the Snow” provides a fresh look at the 1972 Andes plane crash, a tragic tale that’s been told many times. Survivor Gustavo Zerbino praised the Netflix film.

When Gustavo Zerbino watched “La Sociedad de la Nieve,” the 1972 plane crash survivor felt as if he was being submerged “into boiling water,” reliving the roughly 70 days he and his teammates were stranded in the snow-covered Andes mountains.

Zerbino praised J.A. Bayona’s raw and unfiltered film, which was released as “Society of the Snow” on Netflix in the U.S. Bayona’s movie is based on Pablo Vierci’s book of the same title, and follows the story of the Uruguayan Air Force plane disaster.

▶ Read more from AP’s feature on “Society of the Snow,” nominated for best international feature.

J.A. Bayona’s “Society of the Snow” provides a fresh look at the 1972 Andes plane crash. Uruguayan actor Enzo Vogrinic says the desire to tell the tragic story he grew up hearing about made him ready to “endure everything” during the film’s production.

Vanessa Hudgens opened the Oscars red carpet pre-show with news of her own: She’s expecting.

The 35-year-old actor-singer turned to the side, revealing a baby bump.

FILE - In this Nov. 8, 2014, file photo, Hayao Miyazaki arrives at the 6th annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles. Miyazaki’s “The Boy and Heron,” is nominated for best animated feature. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 8, 2014, file photo, Hayao Miyazaki arrives at the 6th annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles. Miyazaki’s “The Boy and Heron,” is nominated for best animated feature. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Toshiko Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli and close collaborator of Hayao Miyazaki, told reporters at the small animation studio in Tokyo that they both watched the award ceremony on TV.

Miyazaki, who did not attend the Los Angeles ceremony, had vowed earlier he wasn’t going to show joy too much “as a Japanese man,” but he was moved to tears, Suzuki said.

“These things are just luck. I am happy from the bottom of my heart. That’s the only way to put it,” Suzuki said.

Movies always reflect the times, Suzuki said.

“Miyazaki has not forgotten a film’s relations with the times,” he said.

When asked for plans on another film, Suzuki said they want to complete the global screenings and other work for the current film before tackling the next project.

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone on the set of "Poor Things." (Atsushi Nishijima/Searchlight Pictures via AP)

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone on the set of “Poor Things.” (Atsushi Nishijima/Searchlight Pictures via AP)

“Poor Things” became the first multiple Oscar winner of the night with back-to-back-to-back wins for hair and makeup, production design and costumes.

The three victories have made it already a big night for Yorgos Lanthimos’ film with many big nominations to come, including best director for him and best actress for Emma Stone.

Not daylight savings time!

This is the second year in a row, for the record, in which the Oscars have fallen on the same day the clocks have sprung forward.

▶ Read more about daylight saving time.

John Cena, left, presents the award for best costume design to Holly Waddington for "Poor Things"during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

John Cena, left, presents the award for best costume design to Holly Waddington for “Poor Things"during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

What is a film without an all-star hair and beauty team? What would be “Poor Things” without Willem Dafoe’s prosthetics? Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston, the team behind “Poor Things,” won for makeup and hair.

Catherine O’Hara and Michael Keaton presented the award, joking that without those behind the scenes, the public would know what actors really look like. Shudder at the thought!

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimo on the set of "Poor Things." (Atsushi Nishijima/Searchlight Pictures via AP)

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimo on the set of “Poor Things.” (Atsushi Nishijima/Searchlight Pictures via AP)

“Poor Things” is a Frankenstein-esque fantasia about a young woman (Emma Stone) reanimated by a demented surgeon (Willem Dafoe), but the behind-the-scenes work that went into crafting the movie’s wildly warped world may be the film’s greatest act of mad science.

Though Yorgos Lanthimos’ earlier films — at least leading up to “The Favourite” — were more spare productions, “Poor Things” fuses all the tools of classic Hollywood filmmaking — grand sets, miniatures, sumptuous costumes — with subtler touches of modern technology. The movie is, itself, a Frankenstein.

Only the scars (not counting the ones on Dafoe’s elongated face) don’t show in the magpie design of “Poor Things.” The film’s style is rooted in an 1890s Victorian setting, but it expands surreally from there.

▶ Read more about the work that went into the film.

James Price, left, and Shona Heath pose in the press room with the award for best production design for "Poor Things"at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

James Price, left, and Shona Heath pose in the press room with the award for best production design for “Poor Things” at the Oscars. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Cord Jefferson accepts the award for best adapted screenplay for "American Fiction" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Cord Jefferson accepts the award for best adapted screenplay for “American Fiction” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Cord Jefferson implored the movie industry to take more risks during his acceptance speech for his Oscar for adapted screenplay for “American Fiction.”

“I understand that this is a risk adverse industry, I get it, but $200 million movies are also a risk,” he said.

Appearing to be doing some very quick math in his head, Jefferson called on the industry to try “making 20 $10 million dollar movies” or “50 $4 million dollar movies.”

He said the next Martin Scorsese or Greta Gerwig is out there and called on industry leaders to take a chance on them.

In this category, countries select their film of choice. France selected “The Taste of Things” as its Oscar submission over “Anatomy of a Fall,” provoking surprise.

“The Taste of Things” ended up falling short of a nomination.

In accepting the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, “Anatomy of a Fall” director Justine Triet spoke passionately about the protests that have roiled France this year over reforms to pension plans and the retirement age. Several protests were held during Cannes this year, but demonstrations were — as they have been in many high-profile locations throughout France — banned from the area around the Palais des Festivals. Protesters were largely relegated to the outskirts of Cannes.

“The protests were denied and repressed in a shocking way,” said Triet, who linked that governmental influence to that in cinema. “The merchandizing of culture, defended by a liberal government, is breaking the French cultural exception.”

Some speculated that was the reason for the country’s snub.

Director Celine Song’s acclaimed feature film debut “Past Lives” is a modern-day love story about two childhood friends who are reunited as adults years after one moves away from South Korea. In this extended interview, Song speaks with The Associated Press about her inspirations, building chemistry between her actors, and why it was essential to portray variations of Korean family dynamics.

Finneas, left, and Billie Eilish perform "What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell performed their “Barbie” ballad “What Was I Made For?” on a rotating neon pink stage. They were the first of five scheduled performances — every song nominated in the best original song category will receive the same treatment, which will include another “Barbie” cut: the Ryan Gosling-performed ‘80s power balled “I’m Just Ken.”

If Eilish wins in the category, she will become the youngest person to ever win two career Oscars at age 22.

A few moments into the performance, the curtains behind the sibling duo lifted to reveal a string orchestra — taking the soft, saccharine song and blowing it up to enormous size. Break out the tissues.

Justine Triet and Arthur Harari became the first of a half-dozen nominated couples to win an Oscar with their original screenplay victory for “Anatomy of a Fall.”

The longtime partners with two kids together co-wrote the movie during the coronavirus pandemic.

Triet, who is also nominated for best director for the film, said from the stage that in order to write the movie, “we hooked them up to cartoons for peace. There was no line between work and diapers.”

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Margot Robbie in a scene from "Barbie." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Margot Robbie in a scene from “Barbie.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

“Barbie” is the first film since “La La Land” in 2017 to have two nominees for best original song: “I’m Just Ken” and “What Was I Made For?” Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” was left out after the final cut.

Four films in the past have had three songs nominated: “Enchanted,” “Dreamgirls,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King,” but a rule installed in 2008 now allows for only two per movie.

“American Fiction” is the fifth movie to earn Black writers an Oscar for adapted screenplay. The first Black winner in the category was Geoffrey S. Fletcher, in 2009. Fletcher adapted the novel “Push” by “Sapphire” into “Precious.”

Jefferson adapted Percival Everett’s “Erasure,” a satire of urban literature. In it, the lead character is inspired to adopt a pseudonym and alter ego to release a novel that has some parallels to “Push,” an acclaimed and controversial novel about a pregnant teen from Harlem that begins in broken English, but becomes more traditional as the girl learns to read and write.

At the time, Sapphire (a pen name for Ramona Lofton) was a little-known poet who received a large advance and attracted the interest of Hollywood.

▶ Read more about urban lit authors’ reaction to the movie.

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From a Pulitzer Prize-winning biography to the annals of Mattel, here are the sources of this year’s Oscar nominees for best adapted screenplay:

“American Fiction” Filmmaker Cord Jefferson worked from Percival Everett’s 2001 satire “Erasure,” about a Black literary author who unexpectedly gets rich writing a parody of “urban fiction,” a hot genre at the time Everett’s book came out. ▶ Read more about urban lit authors’ reaction to the movie.

“Barbie” The source for “Barbie,” co-written by director Greta Gerwig and husband Noah Baumbach was ... Barbie — the doll, the icon, the product and, in the eyes of the academy, a preexisting character that made the film ineligible for the original screenplay category.

“Oppenheimer” Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” distills the 700-page “American Prometheus,” a biography of atomic bomb “father” J. Robert Oppenheimer that was written by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin and won the Pulitzer in 2006.

“Poor Things” “Poor Things,” written by Tony McNamara, is based on a 1992 novel by the late Alasdair Gray that sets a “Frankenstein”-like story in the author’s native Glasgow.

“The Zone of Interest” Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” reworks Martin Amis’ Holocaust novel of the same name, which the late British author had structured around infidelity among Nazis stationed at Auschwitz.

The two Oscars given to writers for screenplays are coming up. Here’s a look at the nominees.

For best original screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for “Anatomy of a Fall,” Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik for “May December,” David Hemingson for “The Holdovers,” Celine Song for “Past Lives” and Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer for “Maestro.”

For adapted screenplay: Cord Jefferson for “American Fiction,” Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach for “Barbie,” Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer,” Tony McNamara for “Poor Things” and Jonathan Glazer for “The Zone of Interest.”

This image released by GKIDS shows Mahito Maki, voiced by Luca Padovan in English and Soma Santoki in Japanese, left, and Grey Heron, voiced by Robert Pattinson in English and Masaki Suda in Japanese, in a scene from Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy And The Heron." (Studio Ghibli/GKIDS via AP)

This image released by GKIDS shows Mahito Maki, voiced by Luca Padovan in English and Soma Santoki in Japanese, left, and Grey Heron, voiced by Robert Pattinson in English and Masaki Suda in Japanese, in a scene from Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy And The Heron.” (Studio Ghibli/GKIDS via AP)

“The Boy and the Heron” is only the second hand-drawn animation winner in this category. The first was another Miyazaki film, “Spirited Away,” 21 years ago.

Miyazaki was not at the Oscars to receive his award. Presenters Chris Hemsworth and Anya Taylor-Joy accepted on his behalf.

“I could see maybe the boy not showing up, but the heron should be here,” Jimmy Kimmel said.

Miyazaki is also the oldest director to win in the category.

▶ Read more from our feature on the renaissance of older filmmakers.

The Oscar for best animated feature is coming up.The nominees include “The Boy and the Heron,” directed by legendary 83-year-old animator Hayao Miyazaki for his Studio Ghibli. He has said the World War II-era fantasy may be his last film.

Also up for the award is “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” the trippy, web-slinging sequel to the film that won this Oscar in 2018.

Other nominees include Pixar’s fire-and-water tale “Elemental,” Netflix’s medieval-style sci-fi fantasy “Nimona,” and “Robot Dreams,” a wordless Spanish-French tale of the friendship between a dog and a robot. It hasn’t been widely distributed in the U.S. yet.

Dave Mullins, from left, Brad Booker, and Sean Ono Lennon accept the award for best animated short for "War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Dave Mullins, from left, Brad Booker, and Sean Ono Lennon accept the award for best animated short for “War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

It’s Mother’s Day in the U.K., and Sean Ono Lennon asked the audience to shout: “Happy Mother’s Day!”

Lennon was brought up by the filmmakers behind the winning animated short, “WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko.”

Listeners of Howard Stern’s show on Sirius XM know that he and Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel have a long friendship.

And Stern had to enjoy Kimmel dropping a reference to his longtime producer Gary Dell’Abate.

“Baba Booey to you sir,” Kimmel said coming out a commercial break. Baba Booey, as Stern fans know, is Dell’Abate’s nickname.

A second is quickly on its way, though.

Spike Lee already had several big moments with the Oscars by the time he finally won a competitive statuette in 2019.

His first came almost 40 years earlier, in 1983, when he was a film student at New York University. Lee submitted his master’s thesis film “Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads,” starring Monty Ross, to the Student Academy Awards. And it won.

The Student Academy Awards may not be as glitzy or high profile as the Oscars, but in its 50 years it has proven to be a vital launching ground for emerging filmmakers. Inclusion and access may sound like recent buzzwords, but the film academy has been striving to break down barriers to entry for decades.

▶ Read more about the Student Academy Awards from November.

A woman walks past advertisements for the films "Oppenheimer," from left, and "Barbie," on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Landmark Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

A woman walks past advertisements for the films “Oppenheimer,” from left, and “Barbie,” on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Landmark Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

After years of smaller movies like “Nomadland” and “Coda” winning best picture, a blockbuster movie looks likely to win the top award.

“Oppenheimer,” the Christopher Nolan movie about the man who guided the creation of the nuclear weapons dropped on Japan in World War II, took in close to $1 billion at the box office. The pink-themed, box-office powerhouse “Barbie” movie is also in the mix.

▶ Read more about how movies that are more popular with the general public often translate into more people watching the Oscars show.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "The Holdovers" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for “The Holdovers” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph wept as she accepted the night’s first Oscar — and hers.

“God is so good,” she said through tears as she accepted best supporting actor for “The Holdovers” for her first Academy Award nomination.

“I’ve always wanted to be different,” she said, “now I realize I just have to be myself.”

In a format expected to be repeated all night in the acting categories, the Oscar was presented by five past winners: Mary Steenburgen, Regina King, Lupita Nyong’o, Jamie Lee Curtis and Rita Moreno. Each introduced one nominee they have a connection to with a long personal tribute.

The 148-day strike that shut down production in Hollywood last year was part of Jimmy Kimmel’s Oscars monologue.

“For five months, this group of writers, actors, directors, the people who actually make the films said ‘We will not accept a deal‘ ... well, not the directors, you guys folded immediately,” Kimmel said. “But the rest of us said we will not accept a deal without protections against artificial intelligence.”

He quickly pointed out that actors can now stop worrying about being replaced by AI, and instead go back to fearing being replaced by more attractive actors.

Kimmel also thanked the behind-the-scenes workers in Hollywood who now have a labor fight going on of their own, bringing dozens of truck drivers, lighting workers, gaffers, grips and more onto the stage as a thank-you.

“Thank you for standing with us,” Kimmel said. “And also, we want you to know that in your upcoming negotiations, we will stand with you too. And I’m going to make sure this show goes really long tonight so you get a ton of overtime.”

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First-time nominees could easily win three of the four acting categories, but the full field of actors is an even mix of Oscar vets and newbies.

Ten of the 20 nominated actors are first timers.

Four of this year’s first-time nominees are up for best supporting actress, alongside the very veteran Jodie Foster , who got the first of her five nominations at age 14 and has won twice.

The 10 men have a staggering 33 nominations collectively, but only one of them, Robert De Niro , has an Oscar (two, actually).

Last year, 16 out of the 20 acting nominees were first-timers.

Margot Robbie walks the Oscars red carpet

Mary Steenburgen, from left, Lupita Nyong'o, Jamie Lee Curtis, Rita Moreno, and Regina King present the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Mary Steenburgen, from left, Lupita Nyong’o, Jamie Lee Curtis, Rita Moreno, and Regina King present the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Five past winners in the category:

  • Mary Steenburgen
  • Jamie Lee Curtis
  • Lupita Nyong’o
  • Rita Moreno
  • Regina King
  • Kimmel pointed out that Robert DeNiro and Jodie Foster were both nominated 48 years ago for “Taxi Driver” and how they’re both nominated again this year. “In 1976 Jodie Foster was young enough to be Robert DeNiro’s daughter. Now she’s 20 years too old to be his girlfriend,” Kimmel said, as Foster nodded.
  • Of course, Messi made the show. The border collie has an enormous fan base for playing Snoop in the Oscar-nominated film “Anatomy of a Fall.” He had a seat in the audience for the monologue. “I haven’t seen a French actor eat vomit like that since Gerard Depardieu,” Kimmel said.
  • Bradley Cooper brought his mother Gloria Campano to the Oscars. She’s his regular date for such events, and co-star from T-Mobile commercials. Kimmel, however, couldn’t resist a jab about dating one’s mother. “Are you working on a movie about Freud right now and not telling us?” Kimmel asked.

That would be Emily Blunt and America Ferrera , of course.

Blunt played a beleaguered high-fashion magazine assistant in “The Devil Wears Prada,” while Ferrera played a ... beleaguered high-fashion magazine assistant in “Ugly Betty,” a TV show.

They’re nominated for “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” respectively. Both are first-time nominees.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph has swept through the supporting actress awards in recent months and she’s expected to do the same and become one of the first big winners at the Oscars for her role as a boys’ school cook who lost her son in Vietnam in “The Holdovers.”

The category is expected to be up first.

It would be her first Oscar, as it would be for three of her competitors, Emily Blunt for “Oppenheimer,” and Danielle Brooks for “The Color Purple.”

Rounding out the category is two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster for “Nyad.”

Despite reports that Messi, the dog who plays Snoop in “Anatomy of a Fall,” was not invited to the Oscars after a scene-stealing performance at the Oscars luncheon, the star of awards season appeared to be in the Dolby Theatre.

Messi the dog from the film "Anatomy of a Fall" appears in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

His owner did not respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment on his attendance.

Host Jimmy Kimmel speaks during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Host Jimmy Kimmel speaks during the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue started late. Welcome to the Academy Awards.

“Thank you for that partial standing ovation,” Kimmel said to begin his monologue, and in a nod to how the show tends to run long, the veteran emcee pointed out two facts.

One, the show was starting an hour earlier than usual. And two, he took the stage several minutes behind schedule.

As usual, his jokes didn’t miss. He pointed to “Barbie” stars Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, complimented them on winning the genetic lottery and then asked Gosling to go camping with him.

“Look kids, it’s Barbie and Ken, sitting near each other,” Kimmel said.

Cillian Murphy arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Cillian Murphy arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph: The supporting actress favorite’s first name is pronounced DAY-vine.

Cillian Murphy: It’s KILL-ian, not Silly-ian.

Sandra Hüller: It’s HUEL-er, not HULL-er

Despite starting an hour earlier, the telecast didn’t kick off until about 4:07 p.m. PDT.

Julie Pace, AP’s executive editor and senior vice president, is attending the Oscars for the first time in support of the nominated “20 Days in Mariupol.” She will be providing occasional updates from a guest’s perspective:

The snack boxes under guests’ seat include pretzels and Sno-Caps.

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Michelle Yeoh had a simple answer when asked to describe what attending these Oscars was like compared what she felt last year.

“Relaxed,” last year’s best actress winner said. “Very relaxed.”

The Malaysia-born Yeoh made history last year as the first Asian woman to win best actress in the Academy Awards’ 95-year history for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

No pressure this year. She’s going to enjoy this show.

“None of that craziness of being terrified and happy all at the same time,” she said.

Ariana Grande arrived at the 96th Academy Awards wearing a soft pink gown.

Sterling K. Brown said he wanted to walk to the Oscars ceremony but when he found out that wasn’t possible he and his wife, actress Ryan Michelle Bathe, spent 45 minutes in traffic getting to the Dolby Theatre.

He sounded pretty determined about walking home at the end of the night. So if anyone sees Brown on the streets of Los Angeles later, he’s just “saving time.”

Brown may or may not have a gold Oscar in his hands as he takes to the street. He’s up for best supporting actor for his role in “American Fiction.”

Cillian Murphy, nominated for his role in “Oppenheimer,” arrives at the 96th Academy Awards.

FILE - Host Jimmy Kimmel speaks at the Oscars on March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Kimmel will host the 96th Oscars on Sunday. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

FILE - Host Jimmy Kimmel speaks at the Oscars on March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Kimmel will host the 96th Oscars on Sunday. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is back for his fourth time hosting the Oscars. In an interview with the AP he joked about he usually steals an Oscar statue from the animated short winners: “I tell them I need to take it and I’ll get it back to them, and I just never do.”

He also riffed on his faux feud with Matt Damon, who’s in “Oppenheimer.” And don’t expect much in the way of pre-taped comedy bits in the show. Kimmel says viewers often blame them for the show running long.

▶ Read more from our Q&A with Kimmel.

The red carpet is wrapping up as showtime is just around the corner.

Still looking for a way to watch? The show will be available to stream via ABC.com and the ABC app with a cable subscription. You can also watch through Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV.

People walk by an Oscars statue on the red carpet ahead of the 96th Academy Awards, Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)

People walk by an Oscars statue on the red carpet ahead of the 96th Academy Awards, Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)

The Oscars are starting an hour early this year, at 7 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. PDT. That D is important — it’s the first day of daylight saving time in the United States.

ABC is available with an antenna or through cable and satellite providers. For cord cutters, the show can be streamed with a subscription to Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and Fubo TV.

The Oscars are widely broadcast beyond the U.S. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has a handy guide to the more than 200 international territories that have Oscar telecasts.

This image released by Neon shows, from left, Samuel Theis, Sandra Hüller and Milo Machado Graner in a scene from "Anatomy of a Fall." (Neon via AP)

“The Zone of Interest” and “Anatomy of a Fall,” each nominated for five Oscars, are the first two films primarily in non-English languages to be nominated for best picture in the same year. Both films also star Sandra Hüller.

Diane Warren poses for a portrait at the 92nd Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon at the Loews Hotel on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Diane Warren poses for a portrait at the 92nd Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon at the Loews Hotel on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

After receiving a nomination for best original song for “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot” — a reggaeton number performed by Becky G — will Diane Warren finally win her first Academy Award, after 15 career nods?

And technically, she already has one? In 2022, Warren received an honorary Oscar at the annual Governors Awards, alongside fellow recipients Euzhan Palcy , Peter Weir and Michael J. Fox, who received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Warren was the first songwriter to ever get the award.

Becky G, nominated for her song “The Fire Inside,” talks about Latino representation at the Academy Awards.

Greta Gerwig, left, and Noah Baumbach arrive at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Greta Gerwig, left, and Noah Baumbach arrive at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

“Barbie” director Greta Gerwig and her husband, “Marriage Story” director Noah Baumbach , are nominated for best screenplay.

“Barbie” star Margot Robbie is nominated for best picture as producer with husband and co-producer Tom Ackerley. Naturally, they’re opposite “Oppenheimer” co-producers and spouses Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas .

Samy Burch and husband Alex Mechanik are nominated for best original screenplay for “May December.” So are “Anatomy of a Fall” writers Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, who are longtime partners and co-parents.

“Napoleon Dynamite” director Jared Hess and wife Jerusha Hess are nominated for co-directing the animated short, “Ninety-Five Senses.”

Rita Moreno arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Rita Moreno arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

In addition to starting an hour earlier than usual, here’s what else to expect from tonight’s telecast:

  • A focus on jokes over big, highly produced comedy bits
  • Live performances of all five Oscar-nominated songs, including Ryan Gosling singing “I’m Just Ken”
  • A redesigned stage to show off the live orchestra
  • An in memoriam sequence that promises to tug at heartstrings

▶ Read more about what producers have in store.

As a first-time Oscar attendee, one of the striking things is just how early everything starts. Our group, a nominee for best documentary, arrived around 1 p.m. local time — three hours before the show begins. We were funneled into a multi-floor reception, with drinks, passed canapés and snack bags to tuck into a pocket or purse for the main event.

With just under an hour to go until showtime, an announcement blared overhead encouraging guests to take their seats. Most appeared inclined to keep enjoying the reception, prompting increasingly urgent appeals from the announcer.

Actors Emily Blunt and John Krasinski both dazzled in white as they arrived at the 96th Academy Awards together.

Lily Gladstone is the anguished heart and compassionate conscience of “Killers of the Flower Moon.” She embodies not just Mollie Burkhart but generations of Native joy, grace and pain. The Associated Press named the 37-year-old actor one of its five Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023 for an indelible performance that deftly digs into one of American history’s darkest chapters. She sat down with AP to talk about carrying her family’s legacy, her heroes and collaborating with Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese.

Oscar statuettes are displayed during the Governors Ball press preview for the 96th Academy Awards, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Los Angeles. The Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 10. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Oscar statuettes are displayed during the Governors Ball press preview for the 96th Academy Awards, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Los Angeles. The Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 10. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

There are more than 10,000 members of the Academy, who each have a role in picking the winners.

Generally, people who work in a particular category decided the nominees in that category. Directors nominate directors, for example — but all voting members can nominate movies for best picture.

This year, the nominations were announced Jan. 23. Once the nominees are decided, everyone can vote for all categories in the final round of voting. Final voting started Feb. 22 and ended Feb. 27. All the voting happens online.

For most categories, the nominee with the most votes simply wins. But best picture employs ranked choice voting.

Only two people — partners of the accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers — know the winners before they’re announced Sunday.

Protesters line up holding letters and symbols reading "Eyes on Rafah," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as the 96th Academy Awards Oscars ceremony is held nearby, Sunday, March 10, 2024, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Protesters line up holding letters and symbols reading “Eyes on Rafah,” during a demonstration in support of Palestinians calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as the 96th Academy Awards Oscars ceremony is held nearby, Sunday, March 10, 2024, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Protesters blocked Sunset Blvd. and then Highland Ave. as Oscars attendees sat in black SUVs at a standstill for more than an hour. The LAPD cleared Highland by around 3:30 p.m. Pacific.

Protesters shouted “Shame!” as some attendees walked up Highland and through nearby streets, with some pushing and shoving as protesters tried to block them.

Police in helmets and wielding batons declared an unlawful assembly and threatened arrest.

Ryan Gosling, nominated for his role of Ken in “Barbie,” arrived in all-black on the Oscars red carpet.

Dwayne Johnson arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Dwayne Johnson arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Forgive Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for stumbling a little bit over the pronunciation of the designer of his Oscars attire.

He eventually got it right: He’s wearing Dolce and Gabbana. It took the wrestler-turned-actor a couple of tries to get the wording out, but he got there.

And he had a good reason: “I’ve had a lot of tequila,” he said.

BEST ACTUALLY SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE: Cory Michael Smith, ‘May December’

This image released by Netflix shows Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry, left, and Cory Michael Smith as Georgie Atherton, in a scene from "May December." (François Duhamel/Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry, left, and Cory Michael Smith as Georgie Atherton, in a scene from “May December.” (François Duhamel/Netflix via AP)

BEST FACE: Willem Dafoe, ‘Poor Things’

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Willem Dafoe in a scene from "Poor Things." (Atsushi Nishijima/Searchlight Pictures via AP)

This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Willem Dafoe in a scene from “Poor Things.” (Atsushi Nishijima/Searchlight Pictures via AP)

BEST USE OF EARTH WIND AND FIRE’S ‘SEPTEMBER’: ‘Robot Dreams’

This image released by Neon shows a scene from "Robot Dreams." (Neon via AP)

This image released by Neon shows a scene from “Robot Dreams.” (Neon via AP)

BEST FIGHT: Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tobias Menzies, ‘You Hurt My Feelings’

This image released by A24 shows Tobias Menzies, left, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus in a scene from "You Hurt My Feelings." (Jeong Park/A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 shows Tobias Menzies, left, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus in a scene from “You Hurt My Feelings.” (Jeong Park/A24 via AP)

BEST HAT: Michael Fassbender’s bucket hat, ‘The Killer’

This image released by Netflix shows Michael Fassbender as an assassin in a scene from "The Killer." (Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Michael Fassbender as an assassin in a scene from “The Killer.” (Netflix via AP)

BEST DOG NOT NAMED SNOOP: Chaplin, ‘Fallen Leaves’

This image released by MUBI shows Alma Pöysti in a scene from "Fallen Leaves." (MUBI via AP)

This image released by MUBI shows Alma Pöysti in a scene from “Fallen Leaves.” (MUBI via AP)

▶ See more of our awards and rationales.

Trying to submit your last-minute Oscars ballot?

▶ Read more about AP’s predictions for tonight’s winners.

AP photographer Chris Pizzello is usually on the other side of a red carpet step-and-repeat. But recently, he got to experience being in front of the camera. Here’s his take on the “surreal” experience of having the tables turned:

That was a first for me. My wife, Veronica, and I really got dressed to the nines for that event, which was the Hollywood Beauty Awards. What made it funny was that when we arrived for the red carpet, the photographers were the same people I work elbow-to-elbow with two or three nights a week. So I got razzed a bit, but it was all in good fun. I joked to my colleagues that I was going to require approvals on everyone’s pictures of us.

Actor Kurt Tocci leaps for photographers at the premiere of the AMC series "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live," Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Actor Kurt Tocci leaps for photographers at the premiere of the AMC series “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

One thing I noticed was that it’s hard to see with the bright lights shining right in your face and you get a little confused by the simultaneous directives of all the photographers. Everyone is yelling at once, so you do naturally gravitate to the people with the loudest voices.

I also acquired a newfound respect for celebrities who can go onstage and deliver a great impromptu acceptance speech. The award I was up for, Photographer of the Year, was one of the final categories and I felt an increasing knot in my stomach as the night went on. When my category was finally announced by the presenters, my heart leapt into my throat. I had a speech ready in my tux pocket, but other winners were going up there sans notes and just killing it. But I didn’t ultimately win, and I have to admit I felt great relief that I didn’t have to speak in front of 300 people.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay arrived at the Oscars wearing a blue gown and a pin advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Billie Eilish, Ramy Youssef, Ava DuVernay and others donned red pins in support for a cease-fire in Gaza. The bold design features a single hand holding a heart and was organized by the group Artists for Ceasefire.

About a mile from the red carpet, protesters shut down a section of Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard calling for an end to the violence in Rafah, a dense city on Gaza’s border with Egypt. The 2024 award season has so far been a relatively quiet one for political statements.

In past years, celebrities and other marquee figures have worn pins to speak out against the war in Ukraine — and decades prior, in Iraq, and still before that, Vietnam.

This image released by Netflix shows Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montealegre, right, and Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein in a scene from "Maestro." (Jason McDonald/Netflix via AP)

This image released by Netflix shows Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montealegre, right, and Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein in a scene from “Maestro.” (Jason McDonald/Netflix via AP)

One thing you might not hear much during the show: Netflix wins. Though the streamer has been a perennial awards force and comes in with 19 nominations, there’s a chance it will come up empty for the first time since 2016.

Its best shot might be in best makeup and hairstyling for Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” or best live-action short for Wes Anderson’s “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.”

After criticism of quantity over quality, Netflix is retooling its film operations. The streaming service is still seeking its first best picture win.

Emma Stone arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Best actress nominee Emma Stone went straight for the Dolby Theatre as a voice of god implored the red carpet stragglers to please take their seats. She paused to greet Netflix exec Scott Stuber who gave her a kiss on the cheek and his wife Molly Sims who made a bowing gesture to Stone.

Emily Blunt found her way over to give her “Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan and producer Emma Thomas a hug on the red carpet. Blunt’s husband John Krasinski chimed in that Nolan looked dapper. They posed for a photograph and laughed together for a long chat. “Oppenheimer” is widely expected to have a near sweep of the awards.

Danielle Brooks, nominated for her role in “The Color Purple,” shares the lessons she’s learned during this awards season.

For her first Oscars, Danielle Brooks went with a classic designer. She walked the red carpet in a custom Dolce and Gabbana.

“The story is this is my first Oscars dress,” Brooks said. “That’s the story. I hope to come back again and again and again. But this will forever be special to me.”

She’s a nominee for best supporting actress for her work in “The Color Purple.”

It’s not just the men playing it safe in black this year — the classic color choice is popular among the women, including a custom Schiaparelli for Sandra Hüller with extended shoulders and the perfect fit.

Among the risk-takers? Charlotte Kemp Muhl, who walked with Sean Ono Lennon in a backless and near sideless fit.

Sandra Huller arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Sandra Huller arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Sean Ono Lennon, left, and Kemp Muhl arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Monet McMichael arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Eva Longoria arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Celine Song arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Ava DuVernay arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Ted Danson, left, and Mary Steenburgen arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Danielle Brooks arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Christina Steinberg arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Debra O’Connell arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Jeffrey Wright arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Jeffrey Wright arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Sony Pictures Chair Tom Rothman and “American Fiction” star Jeffrey Wright had other things to chat about than awards on the Oscars red carpet: Their days playing college sports.

Rothman said he’d read an interview in which the best actor nominee talked about the importance of exercise to his acting.

“I’m trying to get back there,” Wright said and gestures to his kids nearby. “Now that these guys are a little older I can focus on myself a little more.”

Gabrielle Union, left, and Dwayne Wade arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Gabrielle Union, left, and Dwayne Wade arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Dwyane Wade has won gold trophies before. He’s now chasing a gold statuette.

Wade is a three-time NBA champion, a Basketball Hall of Famer and now could be part of an Oscar winner. He was executive producer of “The Barber of Little Rock,” an Oscar nominee in the best documentary short film category. It tells the story of local barber Arlo Washington, who set out to try to combat the racial wealth gap and how it still seems to be widening in America.

“We’ve been systematically, financially shut out of the system,” Wade said. “What Arlo is doing trying to create the opportunities for our community to succeed. Without financial freedom, you have nothing.” Wade walked the red carpet accompanied by his wife, Gabrielle Union-Wade.

Kris Bowers grew up in Los Angeles, just a few minutes away from The World Stage performance space, and immersed in jazz. Music, he knew, was always his path.

“I told them (my parents) when I was 12, I want to go to school for jazz and tour as a jazz artist and then transition into film scoring,” the pianist-turned-composer says. “I never had a moment where I thought, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll do something else.’ I was always like, ‘Oh, that’s the path. And like, yeah, I’ll try to figure out how to make it happen.’”

Scarcely two decades after that preteen declaration, the 34-year-old is an Emmy- and Grammy-nominated composer whose resume could fill pages. He’s created moving compositions for prominent filmmakers, including Ava DuVernay and Justin Simien, and Oscar-winning films like “King Richard” and “Green Book.”

▶ Read more from our profile of Kris Bowers, who co-directed the Oscar-nominated documentary short “ The Last Repair Shop.”

Colman Domingo arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Colman Domingo matched his custom Louis Vuitton suit with cowboy boots.

Describing his fashion sense, Washington said he lives somewhere between “Cary Grant and Teddy Pendergrass.”

He says tonight, he feels like the “whole party.”

Domingo plays Bayard Rustin, a gay Black socialist and pacifist activist, who was the master strategist of the 1963 civil rights March on Washington.

He’s up for an acting Oscar. He called the role one of the “gifts” of his lifetime.

But he didn’t sound too tense about winning, saying he just feels like he’s here with colleagues and friends.

Stars weren’t the only ones shining bright on the Oscars red carpet. After many days of gray skies and unusual rain, the weather this Sunday in Hollywood is perfect: 69 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius) with tons of sunshine.

Apologies to the Grammys , where the rain-soaked carpet inspired more than a few memes.

The Oscars red carpet is tented, though, giving photographs more of a “night” feel.

Dominic Sessa arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Dominic Sessa arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

AP photographer Chris Pizzello is a veteran of awards shows — and their red carpets. Here’s how he gets the shot amid fierce competition: I am a naturally quiet person, so I’ve never been a yeller. Even when I do yell, everyone complains that they can’t hear me! So I try to concentrate on capturing what red carpet photographers call “moments.” A wave. A wink. A spontaneous burst of laughter. Or maybe a look back over the shoulder as the celebrity is walking away. It’s just a matter of always being attentive. I also occasionally like to focus on interesting details, like shoes or necklaces.

Kristen Stewart, a cast member in "Love Me," is interviewed at the premiere of the film at Eccles Theatre during the Sundance Film Festival, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Kristen Stewart, a cast member in “Love Me,” is interviewed at the premiere of the film at Eccles Theatre during the Sundance Film Festival, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

At one of her Sundance premieres this year, Kristen Stewart was dressed down (for her) but still was the coolest-looking person in the room, the ultimate hipster. She was wearing these dice rings on one hand, one white and one black. I shot a tight detail shot of them and put it up on my Instagram — I couldn’t believe how many likes that shot got.

Emma Stone, nominated for her role in “Poor Things,” arrived at the Oscars in a light blue gown.

Emma Stone went for a soft pastel strapless look in mint with a wide peplum at the waist. It was Louis Vuitton.

Carol Littleton, from left, Mel Brooks, Angela Bassett, and Michelle Satter pose with their honorary awards during the Governors Awards on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at the Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Carol Littleton, from left, Mel Brooks, Angela Bassett, and Michelle Satter pose with their honorary awards during the Governors Awards on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at the Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Mel Brooks received his second Oscar back in January at a private dinner in the heart of Hollywood. The event, the 14th Governors Awards, was untelevised but the crowd was as starry as they come with the likes of Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Penélope Cruz, Natalie Portman, Bradley Cooper and Jon Batiste in the audience.

“I promise not to sell this one,” Brooks said.

Hollywood’s awards season can start to feel a little gratuitously self-congratulatory, but the Governors Awards is a bit of a respite from the horse race and a chance to celebrate some of the industry’s living legends, including Brooks, Angela Bassett and film editor Carol Littleton, who all collected honorary Oscars at the Ray Dolby Ballroom, just steps from where the Academy Awards will be broadcast today. Michelle Satter, a founding director of the Sundance Institute, also received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

▶ Read more about the Governors Awards.

Many men stuck to black in tuxedos and other looks, including a fashion star of the awards season, Colman Domingo in a double-breasted tuxedo look, a custom Louis Vuitton, paired with western boots. “I wanted to shine like a diamond″ he told E! “I’m having a great time.”

Colman Domingo said he wore a custom Louis Vuitton suit to the Oscars.

Among the men who opted out of black was Taylor Zakhar Perez in powder blue.

Taylor Zakhar Perez, left, takes a selfie with fans at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Taylor Zakhar Perez, left, takes a selfie with fans at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Simu Liu of “Barbie” brought the Kenergy. He rocked a black Fendi look with a wrap-around jacket closed with a brooch.

“It’s a fun situation, and I like brooches,” he said.

Simu Liu, left, and Allison Hsu arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Simu Liu, left, and Allison Hsu arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Emma Stone’s third collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos is “Poor Things.” The 35-year-old star spoke about her trust in Lanthimos, his treatment of nudity in film, surrealism — and whether she’d ever become a director.

Kirsten Dunst, left, and Jesse Plemons arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kirsten Dunst, left, and Jesse Plemons arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons made a beeline to Cord Jefferson to say hello.

“Great to see you, man,” Plemons said giving a handshake and a hug. Soon others started swarming Dunst, asking for photos and all chatted about whether or not everyone was late.

The lack of the evening’s biggest stars on the carpet with only an hour until showtime has started to become the topic of the carpet.

Nearby, best actor nominee Paul Giamatti paused to pose next to an oversized Oscar statuette.

Protesters against the war in Gaza have shut down a major traffic artery in Hollywood about a mile from where the Oscars will be held.

Billie Eilish and America Ferrera hugged once they saw each other on the Oscars red carpet

America Ferrera stopped to post for a few selfies and even sign an autograph for a fan on the red carpet. She’s nominated for best supporting performance for “Barbie,” which none of the fans forgot shouting, “Hi Barbie! I love you!”

As she breezed by, the fans got even more excited as Nicolas Cage appeared.

Kingsley Ben-Adir shares his thoughts on ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ on the Oscars red carpet.

Issa Rae arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Issa Rae arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Issa Rae, a red carpet standout, stunned in plunging deep green. The top sparkled with sequins.

“I am wearing green for good luck,” she said. “I wanted to feel old Hollywood.”

From left, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Lily-Rose Depp arrive at Chanel's 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

From left, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Lily-Rose Depp arrive at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Sandra Huller arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kristen Stewart arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Olivia Munn arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Ava DuVernay arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Chloe Sevigny arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Usher arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Tessa Thompson arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

James Marsden arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Maya Rudolph arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Alexandra Shipp arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Havana Rose Liu arrives at Chanel’s 15th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

The night before the Oscars isn’t a time to rest in Hollywood. For quite a few nominees, including “Barbie” star Margot Robbie, it meant a stop at the historic Beverly Hills Hotel for the 15th annual Chanel and Charles Finch pre-Oscar dinner.

Robbie was in very good company, with other Oscar nominees including best supporting actress frontrunner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, as well as America Ferrera, Sandra Hüller, Justine Triet, Cord Jefferson, Jonathan Glazer and Celine Song, who all are expected at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday evening.

They packed into the picturesque patio of the storied Polo Lounge for cocktails before the private dinner on a clear, chilly night in Beverly Hills. Robert De Niro was among the earliest arrivals, but within no time the space was full of stars.

▶ Read more from our recap of the pre-Oscar dinner.

Colman Domingo, nominated for his role in “Rustin,” arrives on the Oscars red carpet.

Porché Brinker of “The Last Repair Shop” was in ethereal soft blue. Juliet Donenfeld of “Red, White and Blue” looked all-the-way grown up in a blinged-out strapless dress.

Juliet Donenfeld arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Juliet Donenfeld arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Katie Lowes, left, and Adam Shapiro eat pretzels on the carpet at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Katie Lowes, left, and Adam Shapiro eat pretzels on the carpet at the Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Not just any pretzels — Philadelphia-style soft pretzels, provided by actors and married couple Adam Shapiro and Katie Lowes. Shapiro is a Philly-area native and told Philadelphia’s ABC affiliate that he made 5,000 pretzels for the show.

Host Jimmy Kimmel arranged for the pretzels to be under the seats of the Dolby Theatre last year, telling the audience midway through the show that they were there.

“In the acting world, it’s all about a callback. This is a good callback,” Shapiro said.

Cord Jefferson’s first feature is up for best picture at the Academy Awards. Even surrounded by stars at the recent Oscar nominees luncheon, he still couldn’t believe it. Jefferson — who wrote, directed and produced the satire starring Jeffrey Wright — spoke with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz about the Hollywood awards circuit, insecurity and the significance of a third grade writing project.

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in a scene from "Oppenheimer." (Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in a scene from “Oppenheimer.” (Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures via AP)

FanDuel Sportsbook has odds posted on many categories, and all signs point to a big “Oppenheimer” night.

“Oppenheimer” is a massive favorite to win best picture and is the pick to win at least seven other statuettes — Cillian Murphy (best actor), Robert Downey Jr. (best supporting actor), Christopher Nolan (best director), Ludwig Göransson (best original score), best cinematography, best sound, and best film editing.

Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) is a slight favorite over Emma Stone (“Poor Things”) for best actress, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell (“Barbie”) are favored for best original song and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”) is the pick for best supporting actress.

Here’s how big a favorite “Oppenheimer” is for best picture. If someone bet $100 on Sunday morning, the odds were so low at that point that they would win … $1.25.

Rita Moreno wore a huge smile and a statement black gown, and Brittany Snow popped in bright yellow on the Oscars red carpet .

Rita Moreno arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Rita Moreno arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Moreno, at 92, waved to photographers as she showed off her look.

Snow offered a refreshing show of color in a bright strapless custom Monot dress paired with a statement choker.

Brittany Snow arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Brittany Snow arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Martin Scorsese’s says his epic “Killers of the Flower Moon” is “an internal spectacle.” The movie about the systematic killing of Osage Nation members for their oil-rich land in the 1920s also demonstrates his continued dedication to ambitious filmmaking. The legendary 80-year-old director sat down with The Associated Press to talk about staying focused and curious, the future of cinema and pushing boundaries: “There is no limit. The limit is in yourself.”

Brendan Fraser arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Brendan Fraser arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Brendan Fraser made a triumphant return to the red carpet after his best actor win last year, bypassing reporters and pausing only to say hello to Marlee Matlin.

He also ran into “The Whale” cinematographer Matthew Libatique (nominated this year for “Maestro”).

“We both wore blue!” Fraser said. He’s presenting an award at the show later.

Christopher Nolan celebrated the home video release of “Oppenheimer” by looking back at the film’s surprisingly successful theatrical run — and what it may mean for Hollywood. No one in the industry expected that a long, talky, R-rated drama released at the height of the summer movie season would earn over $900 million at the box office. Nolan deflected Bond rumors, called the Hollywood strikes “a very necessary realignment” — and considered the future of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

A protester holds a poster during a demonstration in support of Palestinians calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as the 96th Academy Awards Oscars ceremony is held nearby, Sunday, March 10, 2024, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

A protester holds a poster during a demonstration in support of Palestinians calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as the 96th Academy Awards Oscars ceremony is held nearby, Sunday, March 10, 2024, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Protesters against the war in Gaza — wearing black-and-white keffiyehs, watermelon yarmulkes, suits and ties, some splattered with fake blood — have shut down a major traffic artery in Hollywood about a mile (1.6 km) from the Dolby Theatre.

Flanked by palm trees along Sunset Boulevard, demonstrators are holding signs reading “While you’re watching, bombs are dropping” and “Eyes on Rafah ,” a city on southern Gaza’s border with more than 1 million displaced residents.

The coalition of activist groups, including Jewish Voice for Peace and SAG-AFTRA Members for Ceasefire, drew attention to the ongoing violence at the start of Ramadan.

Many surprises await during the show including some special guests during the in memoriam.

Also lips are sealed on specifics around Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” performance but a person close to production who requested anonymity said “it’s a lot of people to fit on that stage.” Elsewhere Simu Liu made way down the carpet as fans in the bleachers shouted “Hi, Ken!”

Simu Liu, left, and Allison Hsu arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Director Wim Wenders of “Perfect Days” arrived with his wife, Donata Wenders, who is wearing a dress made of VHS videotape of some of his movies.

Donata Wenders arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Donata Wenders arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

The view from the secondary red carpet at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julie Pace)

The view from the secondary red carpet at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julie Pace)

Behind the red carpet you see celebrities and nominees walking on television is the secondary red carpet for, well, everyone else.

It’s a lower-stakes situation. No photographers, no reporters asking what you’re wearing — and no accessing the main carpet!

Associated Press journalist Mstyslav Chernov is in Los Angeles as the movie he risked his life to produce is up for an Academy Award — but he says his heart is in Ukraine with other cities being bombed.

“20 Days in Mariupol” is being honored in the documentary category. Chernov says it’s a movie about “tough things” but it’s also “important to show the real picture” of life in Ukraine. He says it’s been inspiring to meet the other nominees in the documentary category.

Laverne Cox arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Laverne Cox arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Laverne Cox, working the carpet for E!, is the epitome of Old Hollywood glam in an hourglass look of black and low-plunging gold, her hair piled high as she flutters a feather-light neck piece that trails behind. Her look is vintage Mugler.

Last year’s best picture and director winners Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” are getting quite the different Oscar experience this year and finding it’s kind of nice.

“We’re back on the circuit,” Scheinert said. “It’s really chill to be here and not have anything at stake.”

Kwan meanwhile was taking in the spectacle and appreciating the “Godzilla Minus One” team’s mini monster toys.

The "Godzilla Minus One" team brough mini monsters to the Oscars red carpet Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles (AP Photo/Brooke Lefferts)

The “Godzilla Minus One” team brough mini monsters to the Oscars red carpet Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles (AP Photo/Brooke Lefferts)

Jack Quaid arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Jack Quaid arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

“Oppenheimer” actor Jack Quaid (and proud member of the Oppenhomie group chat) decided to bypass interviews but still have a nice shoutout to some fawning fans in the bleachers.

“Jack, we love you!” one shouted.

“Thank you, you’re the best,” Quaid, who co-presented the nominees, responded.

Eugene Lee Yang arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Eugene Lee Yang arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Janet Yang arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Liza Koshy arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, left, and Quannah Chasinghorse arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Diane Warren arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Red, an “It” color of the awards season, has some early enthusiasts as arrivals are heating up.

Bobi Wine, left, and Barbie Kyagulanyi arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Bobi Wine, left, and Barbie Kyagulanyi arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The braintrust behind “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” took to the red carpet obviously unsure if they’d win the Oscar for best documentary feature film.

They were already happy, though. Simply telling the story of Wine — a popular Ugandan singer who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2021, losing to President Yoweri Museveni in an election Wine claimed was rigged against him — was reason enough to celebrate.

“Needless to say, being nominated for an Oscar is the highest accolade possible,” producer John Battsek said. “It brings this story to the world’s gaze, and that’s what we want.”

Erika Alexander arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Erika Alexander arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Erika Alexander of “American Fiction” is wearing a white strapless gown with a black skirt trimmed in pastel tulle. The designer, Christian Siriano, said it was made in a miraculous four days.

David Leitch, left, and Kelly McCormick arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

David Leitch, left, and Kelly McCormick arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Filmmaker David Leitch doesn’t have a movie at the Oscars this year, but he was invited to attend for a very special reason: During the show, there is going to be a special celebration of the art of stunts.

He and many others have been long lobbying for a stunt award to be added to the Oscars. Though this isn’t quite a golden statuette, it is a gesture to one of filmmaking’s most essential crafts.

In Leitch’s upcoming film “The Fall Guy,” Ryan Gosling plays a stuntman.

Vanessa Hudgens arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Vanessa Hudgens arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Jamie Lee Curtis arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Jacqueline Stewart arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Sean Wang, left, and Chang Li Hua arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Brittany Snow arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Julianne Hough arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Osage singers and dancers arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The carpet has only been open for about an hour, but it’s already star-studded. Stay tuned for more photos of the night’s best looks.

More than 1,000 costumes went into the period drama “Oppenheimer,” which details the making of the first nuclear weapons.

The movie’s costume designer Ellen Mirojnick told the AP on the red carpet ahead of the awards ceremony that the costumes were sourced from across the U.S. and Europe. She’s nominated in the costume design category.

She made her own fashion statement with long black leather gloves that went over her elbows and had gold nails for fingers.

"Oppenheimer" costume designer Ellen Mirojnick's gloves on the Oscars red carpet on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Brooke Lefferts)

“Oppenheimer” costume designer Ellen Mirojnick’s gloves on the Oscars red carpet on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Brooke Lefferts)

The Associated Press journalists behind “20 Days in Mariupol” reacted after their chronicle about the besieged Ukrainian city received an Oscar nomination for best documentary. The film, a co-production between the AP and PBS’ “Frontline,” was shot during the first three weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

The AP team has arrived at the Oscars.

Laura Karpman arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Laura Karpman arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

American Fiction” composer Laura Karpman, head to toe in silver sequins, got the fan section especially excited, tossing Cadbury eggs to several lucky onlookers. Nominated this year for original score, Karpman last year wore a dress with Christine Blasey Ford’s congressional testimony.

Elsewhere, “Oppenheimer” cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema made a quiet entrance in some comfortable but festive silver sneakers. He’s expected to win in his category later.

Throughout the billion-dollar “Barbie,” an instrumental version of Billie Eilish’s hit “What Was I Made For?” weaves in and out, soundtracking the famous doll’s existential crisis. In the final scene — no spoilers! — Eilish’s falsetto is finally heard atop the familiar piano. Cue the waterworks. It is one of many standout musical moments in a movie stacked with them: The music of “Barbie” has become its own blockbuster, selling 126,000 copies in its first week and debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 200 albums chart.

“Barbie” music has also earned three Grammy Awards, one Golden Globe and two Academy Award nominations in the original song category – more than any other film. So, is “Barbie” an exception? Or are soundtracks back? It’s ... debatable. Read what experts have to say here.

ap literature essay 2023

Chef Wolfgang Puck goofs around with a crew from TV Azteca, who have a wig as a prop on the Oscars red carpet on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Brooke Lefferts)

Reece Feldman arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Reece Feldman arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

TikTok star Reece Feldman is feeling good on the red carpet at his third Oscars Sunday, but things were a little dicier a few hours ago.

“They couldn’t find my suit,” he said. “I was just sitting there in a robe.”

The wardrobe disaster was soon resolved though and his black, sleeveless Saint Laurent materialized just in time.

Also known as “guywithamoviecamera,” Feldman has over 2.3 million followers on TikTok.

Mark Ruffalo’s fourth Oscar nomination in the supporting actor category comes for “Poor Things.” The 56-year-old star spoke with the AP about passion projects, breaking out of boxes as an actor, and why the Yiddish theatre informed his blending of art and political activism.

Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy and a host of fellow Hollywood A-listers pose for photos at the annual Oscar nominees luncheon. (Feb. 13)

The event at the Beverly Hilton is a warm, feel-good affair where nominees in categories like best animated short get to rub shoulders and share tables with acting nominees like Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone .

Casts gather alongside dozens of the famous and less so for handshakes, hugs, a huge group picture and instructions on nailing an acceptance speech. They also do interviews with attending press.

“Poor Things” star Emma Stone and screenwriter Tony McNamara are both Oscar-nominated for Yorgos Lanthimos’ “twisted fairy tale.” It’s the first best actress nod for Stone since her 2017 “La La Land” win. The two spoke with AP entertainment journalist Krysta Fauria about meeting fellow nominees, audience expectations — and staying humble during Hollywood’s awards season.

▶ Read more from last month’s luncheon.

Take a look at some of the most talked about omissions from this year’s Oscar nominations — and the surprises:

  • The bar for “Barbie": Greta Gerwig was shut out of best director, though she has a shot at the adapted screenplay Oscar. Margot Robbie was left out of best actress, though she’ll get an Oscar if her production wins best picture. Ryan Gosling, who did make the cut for supporting actor, criticized their snubs.
  • Academy still disappoints with Black women: Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” was completely overlooked. Halle Berry will continue to be the only Black woman to win best actress after “The Color Purple’s” Fantasia Barrino also missed out on a nomination.
  • The “May December” gap: The lone nomination for Todd Haynes’ critically lauded movie was for Samy Burch’s original screenplay. Charles Melton won many accolades for his heartbreaking performance as the victim of an older woman’s grooming, but missed out on an Oscar nod. ▶ Read more about Melton’s breakthrough year.
  • Farewell foreign features: The international feature category always has some heartbreakers: This year, Aki Kaurismäki’s acclaimed deadpan romantic comedy “Fallen Leaves” looked like it could have been a shoo-in for the Oscars, but it and France’s selection “The Taste of Things,” were shut out.

▶ See more snubs and surprises.

The Oscars are kicking off an hour earlier this year. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. Eastern — but make sure those clocks are set right. Daylight saving time starts Sunday.

One of the show’s executive producers tells the AP that the earlier start time means people won’t be forced to stay up so late to find out the best picture winner, traditionally the last award given out.

"20 Days in Mariupol" director Mstyslav Chernov, an AP journalist, is photographed ahead of the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julie Pace)

“20 Days in Mariupol” director Mstyslav Chernov, an AP journalist, is photographed ahead of the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julie Pace)

Julie Pace , AP’s executive editor and senior vice president, is attending the Oscars for the first time in support of the nominated “20 Days in Mariupol.” She will be providing occasional updates from a guest’s perspective:

Two years ago, a team of AP journalists was in Mariupol documenting Russia’s siege of the Ukrainian port city. Today, they’re at the Oscars, where their film “20 Days in Mariupol” is nominated for best documentary. The film was a collaboration between AP and PBS’ “Frontline.”

This is our first Oscar nomination in the AP’s 178-year history, and the cap to an incredible run of awards for the film. It’s always a bit surreal for the team to be at these celebrations, given the serious nature of the film and the ongoing war in Ukraine, their home country. But they hope it’s an occasion to draw attention to the people of Ukraine and the war.

Crew members prepare the red carpet area on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, for Sunday's 96th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Crew members prepare the red carpet area on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, for Sunday’s 96th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

With an earlier start time for the telecast, the Oscars red carpet will begin at 3:30 p.m. Eastern/12:30 p.m. Pacific.

The Associated Press will have a livestream of stars’ arrivals and interviews in a pair of livestreams available on APNews.com and YouTube.

ABC will air its “Countdown to Oscars: On the Red Carpet Live!” beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern on ABC News Live .

A small demonstration near the site of the Oscars on the morning of Sunday, March 10, 2024 in Los Angeles (AP Photo/Jake Coyle)

A small demonstration near the site of the Oscars on the morning of Sunday, March 10, 2024 in Los Angeles (AP Photo/Jake Coyle)

Just before 10 a.m. PDT, a small group of demonstrators were chanting “Free Palestine” a block north of the Dolby Theatre, on Franklin Street.

While anti-war protests have been muted during this awards season, organizers have called a rally for 1 p.m. near the site of the Oscars, too.

Members of the Osage Nation arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Members of the Osage Nation arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

The Osage singers and dancers made a grand entrance down the steps of the Dolby Theatre red carpet, posing solemnly for a photos, bedecked in colorful, traditional garb.

Onlookers could be heard saying “Wow” in awe. Their departure back up the stairs was just as musical, with bells wrapped around their knees. They’re performing the nominated song from “Killers of the Flower Moon” live on the show.

Members of the Osage Nation arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Crew members roll out the red carpet for Sunday’s 96th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The long, textiled stretch upon which celebrities trod is colloquially known as a “red carpet,” but lately not all have actually been ... red.

Earlier this year, the Emmys opted for a gray — or silver, if you’d prefer — carpet. And last year, the Oscars bucked decades of tradition by unfurling a champagne carpet.

This year, though, it’s back to tradition. Red, it is.

Watch what it’s like to walk the red carpet at the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

This image released by Apple TV+ shows, from left, JaNae Collins, Lily Gladstone, Cara Jade Myers and Jillian Dion in a scene from "Killers of the Flower Moon." (Melinda Sue Gordon/Apple TV+ via AP)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows, from left, JaNae Collins, Lily Gladstone, Cara Jade Myers and Jillian Dion in a scene from “Killers of the Flower Moon.” (Melinda Sue Gordon/Apple TV+ via AP)

With four hours until the Oscars telecast kicks off, you have time to watch at least one Oscar nominee — yes, even “Killers of the Flower Moon.” (It’s only 3 hours and 26 minutes.) Here’s our guide on how and where to find the Oscar-nominated films.

Danielle Brooks wants to “change the game.” Her performance in Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple” wowed critics and earned a best supporting actress nod from Academy Awards voters. Now the 34-year-old actor is basking in the glow of Hollywood’s awards season — and preparing for the Oscars ceremony on March 10. (Feb. 23)

Oscar statues stand outside Hollywood Boulevard in preparation for Sunday's 92nd Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Oscar statues stand outside Hollywood Boulevard in preparation for Sunday’s 92nd Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Trick question! While the Oscars announced they’d be adding an award for casting directors last month, the first statuette won’t be handed out until 2026.

▶ Read more about the casting Oscar.

Old age may be debated as a liability on the presidential campaign trail, but it’s not at this year’s Oscars. Nominees like Martin Scorsese, Hayao Miyazaki and Wim Wenders suggest we may be living in the golden age of the aged filmmaker.

Old age may be debated as a liability on the presidential campaign trail , but not at this year’s Oscars.

Hayao Miyazaki, 83, who fought through his concerns to make “The Boy and the Heron,” is the oldest director ever nominated for best animated film. If he wins, he’ll be the oldest winner by more than two decades. “Napoleon ,” nominated for visual effects and production design, is the latest from 86-year-old workaholic Ridley Scott. Wim Wenders, 78, put out one of his very best films in “Perfect Days” (nominated for best international film).

And, of course, Martin Scorsese, 81, had the Osage epic “Killers of the Flower Moon,” up for 10 Oscars. Scorsese is the oldest filmmaker ever nominated for best director. At the recent Producers Guild Awards , where he was given a lifetime achievement award, Scorsese recalled seeing Alfred Hitchcock accept the same honor in 1965.

Is “Killers of the Flower Moon” as good as “Taxi Driver” or “Goodfellas”? That’s a hard question to answer and maybe not the right one to ask. Is it essential? Unquestionably.

“Barbie” director Greta Gerwig spoke with The Associated Press about the unexpected emotional punch of the movie, her roots in theatre and her sets using using all of the pink paint. (July 10)

This image released by Disney shows, from left, Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, and Teyonah Parris as Captain Monica Rambeau in a scene from "The Marvels." (Laura Radford/Disney-Marvel Studios via AP)

This image released by Disney shows, from left, Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, and Teyonah Parris as Captain Monica Rambeau in a scene from “The Marvels.” (Laura Radford/Disney-Marvel Studios via AP)

As 2023 drew to a close, no one sounded the death knell of the superhero movie. The Walt Disney Co.'s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” made $845.6 million worldwide and Sony’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” ($691 million) was one of the most acclaimed films of the year. Marvel is still mightier than any other brand in the business.

But more than ever before, there are chinks in the armor of the superhero movie. Its dominance in popular culture is no longer quite so assured. A cycle may be turning, and a new one dawning.

For the first time in more than two decades, the top three movies at the box office didn’t include one sequel or remake: “Barbie,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Oppenheimer.” The last time that happened was 2001, when “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Shrek” and “Monsters, Inc.” topped the box office.

No, it’s not exactly a lineup of originality like, say, 1973, when “The Exorcist, “The Sting” and “American Graffiti” led all movies in ticket sales. “Barbie” and “The Super Mario Bros.,” based on some of the most familiar brands in the world, will generate spinoffs and sequels of their own.

But it’s hard not to sense a shift in moviegoing, one that might have reverberations for years to come for Hollywood.

▶ Read more about what the success of “Barbie” and the struggles of Marvel say about the state of cinema and the box office.

The casts of many Oscar-nominated films, from “Barbie” to “Oppenheimer,” gathered Monday for the annual Academy Award nominees luncheon. Oscar hopefuls came together for hugs, congratulations and a class photo. (Feb. 13)

This image released by MUBI shows Alma Pöysti, left, and Jussi Vatanen in a scene from "Fallen Leaves." (MUBI via AP)

This image released by MUBI shows Alma Pöysti, left, and Jussi Vatanen in a scene from “Fallen Leaves.” (MUBI via AP)

The Associated Press’ Film Writers Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle’s picked the best movies of 2023. How did they stack up against the 10 nominees for the best picture Oscar?

Lindsey’s picks:

  • “Oppenheimer” ✅
  • “The Zone of Interest” ✅
  • “Priscilla”
  • “Asteroid City”
  • “May December”
  • “Fallen Leaves”
  • “The Holdovers” ✅
  • “Poor Things” ✅
  • “A Thousand and One”

Jake’s picks:

  • “The Eight Mountains”
  • “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
  • “Perfect Days”
  • “La Chimera”
  • “All of Us Strangers”

▶ Read more about Jake and Lindsey’s methods for picking AP’s top films of 2023.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, SAG Award winner for Female Actor in a Supporting Film Role for “The Holdovers,” talks about her responsibility to tell authentic stories. (Feb. 25)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, explains how she connected to her character Mary in “The Holdovers.”

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, nominated for “The Holdovers,” is widely considered the frontrunner in the supporting actress category.

This image provided by Polish Poster Gallery shows a poster for the Stanley Kubrick's film 'Eyes Wide Shut'. Whether trying to upgrade a loved one's movie poster collection from whatever was in their college dorm room, or just get something a little more off-beat, the delightful collection of Polish Film Posters is a great place to start. There is a long, rich history to the surrealist aesthetic of these artistic interpretations of familiar Hollywood movies. (Polish Poster Gallery via AP)

A poster for the Stanley Kubrick’s film “Eyes Wide Shut” (Polish Poster Gallery via AP)

The holiday season might be behind us, but it’s never too late to get the movie buffs in your life a present — or to treat yourself.

Among our recommendations:

  • A 479-page book by Sofia Coppola
  • Artistic interpretations of Hollywood marketing materials from Polish Film Posters
  • A Criterion Channel subscription
  • The Cinephile card game
  • “Oppenheimer” in 4K

▶ Find more recommendations and details in our gift guide.

Need help filling out your Oscars ballot? With the 96th Academy Awards fast approaching, check out The Associated Press’ predictions on who and which films will win at this year’s ceremony.

Need help filling out your Oscars ballot? With the 96th Academy Awards nigh, check out The Associated Press’ predictions on who and which films will win at this year’s ceremony.

FILE - Steven Spielberg appears at the 94th Academy Awards nominees luncheon in Los Angeles on March 7, 2022. The TCM Film Festival returns this week in Hollywood, kicking off Thursday with the help of Spielberg, who will be on hand to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.” (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Steven Spielberg at the 94th Academy Awards nominees luncheon in Los Angeles on March 7, 2022 (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Steven Spielberg may be an Oscars veteran but that doesn’t mean he’s not superstitious about some things.

At rehearsals for presenters on Saturday, Spielberg went “off script” and announced a winner for a 1976 film. (While we can’t reveal what he said exactly, it was a real nominee at the 49th Academy Awards, but it did not win.)

When a stage manager told him that he needed to read the “for this rehearsal only” winners card, Spielberg shook his head: “No, because it’s bad luck.”

Oscars organizers have rolled out the red carpet in Hollywood ahead of Sunday’s ceremony. Jimmy Kimmel is hosting the 96th Academy Awards, which will air live on ABC in the U.S. (March 6)

“Barbie” stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling discuss going to the movies to watch a double bill of their movie and “Oppenheimer,” while “Oppenheimer” actor Cillian Murphy says he’ll be sure to catch a viewing of “Barbie” (July 13)

The very online showdown between Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” all started with a date: July 21.

It’s not uncommon for studios to counterprogram films in different genres on a big weekend, but the stark differences between an intense, serious-minded picture about the man who oversaw the development of the atomic bomb and a lighthearted, candy-colored anthropomorphizing of a childhood doll quickly became the stuff of viral fodder.

There’s even some disagreement over whether it’s “Barbieheimer” or “Barbenheimer” or “Boppenheimer” or yet another tortured portmanteau — a phenomenon on which the AP Stylebook has yet to offer guidance.

▶ Read more about the marketing behind the Barbenheimer phenomenon.

2023 was the year of “Barbenheimer,” the dual-Hollywood union strikes, and some unexpected hits at the box office. A look back at the year in movies with AP film writer Lindsey Bahr. (Dec. 6)

Tonight’s Oscars cap the story of 2023, at the movies. It was the year of “Barbenheimer,” the dual Hollywood strikes, and some unexpected hits at the box office.

ap literature essay 2023

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  1. 11 AP Lit Prose Essay Prep

    ap literature essay 2023

  2. AP Literature and Composition 2020 & 2021 : AP English Literature and

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  3. [PDF] Ebook Barrons AP English Literature and Composition Premium 2022

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  4. 2022 Ap Lit Prose Essay

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  5. AP Literature Essay Rubric by BLSCHWARTZY

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  6. Expert's Guide to the AP Literature Exam

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VIDEO

  1. Essay Session

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  3. 3 Ways to Prepare for AP Literature Exam (Multiple Choice)

  4. Write Your Literature Review FAST

  5. AP LITERATURE 1 Q3

  6. How to attempt a literary essay for CSS||structure of Essay||Boys will be Boys outline

COMMENTS

  1. AP English Literature and Composition Past Exam Questions

    Free-Response Questions. Download free-response questions from past exams along with scoring guidelines, sample responses from exam takers, and scoring distributions. If you are using assistive technology and need help accessing these PDFs in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at ssd@info ...

  2. PDF AP English Literature and Composition

    AP ® English Literature and Composition 2023 Free-Response Questions . Question 3 (Suggested time—40 minutes. This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.) In many works of literature, characters choose to reinvent themselves for significant reasons. They may wish to

  3. AP English Literature and Composition Exam

    The AP English Literature and Composition Exam has consistent question types, weighting, and scoring guidelines every year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day. There will also be a consistent range of difficulty in the reading passages across all versions of the exam from year to year. The free-response questions will be ...

  4. Expert's Guide to the AP Literature Exam

    The AP Literature Exam is a three-hour exam that contains two sections in this order: An hour-long, 55-question multiple-choice section. A two-hour, three-question free-response section. The exam tests your ability to analyze works and excerpts of literature and cogently communicate that analysis in essay form.

  5. The Best AP® English Literature Review Guide for 2024

    The Best AP® English Literature Review Guide for 2024. Scoring a 5 on the AP® English Literature and Composition exam is no easy task. In 2019, for example, only 6.2% of students earned a 5 on the test. While this statistic may be discouraging at first glance, it does indicate that a perfect score is possible for those willing to do extra ...

  6. PDF AP English Literature and Composition

    AP Course Audit Literature and Composition Syllabus Revised June 2023 3 Essays: Student essays are two to four pages in length. All essays prepared outside of class must be typed. Students are expected to submit their thesis statements one week prior to the due date. Thesis statements are based on student

  7. AP English Literature and Composition Exam

    Section 1: Multiple Choice. 55 questions 45% of Score. There are 5 sets of questions made up of 8-13 questions each. Questions include excerpts from prose fiction, drama, or poetry. Each excerpt is accompanied by several multiple-choice questions. There will be at least 2 prose fiction passages (this may include drama) and at least 2 poetry ...

  8. Every AP Literature Practice Test Available: Free and Official

    The 2019 AP English Literature Course and Exam Description has practice multiple-choice questions and free-response questions.They don't add up to a complete test--there are only 19 multiple-choice questions instead of 55-but there are three free response questions (enough for a full test). Even though there aren't many multiple-choice ...

  9. Advanced Placement English

    Advanced Placement® Language and Literature Tests from 1970 to 2023. AP Language and LiteratureTests Reorganized: Each prompt is now a separate dated file with prompt, scoring guide (6-point and/or 9-point), sample student essays, comments -- whatever I have, attached. Released multiple-choice exams are in a separate folder.

  10. AP® English Literature Exam FAQ: Everything You Need to Know ...

    13.5%. 52.6%. Until the 2022 exam cycle, the AP® English Literature exam had averaged a passing rate of slightly below 50%. In 2022, there was a significant jump in the pass rate for the exam — nearly 78% passing! The exam typically attracts around 400,000 exam takers each year.

  11. PDF MsEffie's List of Open-ended Questions for Advanced Placement® English

    intentionally creates a new identity. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how the character's reinvention contributes to an interpretation of the work as a whole. 2023, Set 2. Many works of literature feature a rebel character who changes or disrupts the existing state of societal, familial, or political affairs in the text.

  12. PDF 2023 AP English Literature and Composition

    2023 Advanced Placement® English Literature and Composition . ... upcoming year, examine sample essays from past AP exams, score those essays according to the rubric, and, perhaps most . importantly, discuss the ways in which we can bring literature into the hearts and minds of students.

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    Question 1. (Suggested time—40 minutes. This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.) In William Ellery Channing's poem "The Barren Moors," published in 1843, the speaker addresses moors, open expanses of wild, uncultivated land. Read the poem carefully.

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    3.5 Identifying evidence and supporting literary arguments. 6 min read • january 11, 2023. M. Minna Chow. Welcome to 3.5! In this guide, we'll be discussing how to write a. literary analysis. argument for longer works. Let's do this by breaking down the rubric for the Question 3: Literary Argument FRQ.

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    written by Kevin Coughlin. AP English Literature Cram Unit 1: Short Fiction I. written by Kevin Coughlin. 🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Unit 2: Poetry I. written by Kevin Coughlin. AP English Literature Cram Unit 2: Poetry I. written by Kevin Coughlin. AP English Literature Cram Unit 3: Longer Fiction or Drama I. written by Kevin Coughlin.

  16. AP Literature Reading List: 127 Great Books for Your Prep

    An Addendum on Poetry. You probably won't be writing about poetry on your student choice essay—most just aren't meaty enough in terms of action and character to merit a full-length essay on the themes when you don't actually have the poem in front of you (a major exception being The Odyssey).That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be reading poetry, though!

  17. How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay + Examples

    What Is the AP Language Argument Essay? The AP English Language Exam as of 2023 is structured as follows: Section 1: 45 multiple choice questions to be completed in an hour. This portion counts for 45% of your score. This section requires students to analyze a piece of literature. The questions ask about its content and/or what could be edited ...

  18. PDF AP English Literature and Composition Summer Assignment, 2023-2024

    2023-2024 Mrs. A. Dales, M.Ed. - Combs High School AP Literature and Composition Overview/Rationale Part One of the summer assignment is designed to help you prepare for college and the AP Literature Exam, where skills developed by avid reading are essential. Only the well-read student can respond intelligently to

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    Course Skills. The AP English Literature and Composition framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to read texts critically. Skill Categories. Exam Weighting (Multiple- Choice Section) Explain the function of character. 16% ...

  20. 2023 AP Score Distributions

    2022 AP Score Distributions. See how students performed on each AP Exam for the exams administered in 2022. PDF. 4.42 KB. 2023 AP score distribution tables show the percentages of 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s for each AP subject for all AP students.

  21. PDF AP Literature 2023 Summer Reading

    AP Literature 2023 Summer Reading The following summer reading assignment should give you a head start for the 2022-23 school year. Below is the ... • Write your college essay. We recommend you read the novel, Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut, and complete the Major Works Literary

  22. Powerful personal essay adds depth to coverage of Ralph Yarl shooting

    Breaux, a longtime AP journalist before moving into revenue, began helping the Kansas City staff report from the ground. It soon became clear that one of the best stories to tell would be her own. Breaux was on board from the start and wrote a story that resonated with readers of all races, because in its basic form it was about a mother who ...

  23. PDF AP English Literature and Composition

    In your response, you should do the following: Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation. Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning. Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning. Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument. 2023 College Board.

  24. Can you 'say gay'? Explaining Florida's LGBTQ+ settlement

    A rainbow LGBTQ+ pride flag and a transgender pride flag flap in the breeze on a pole in Wilton Manors, Fla on Jan. 17, 2024 (AP) By Grace Abels March 14, 2024 If Your Time is short

  25. 2024 Oscars

    The 2024 Oscars may be over, but there's lots to catch up on. See what you missed below and follow the AP's latest coverage. "Oppenheimer," the biopic that became an unlikely box-office sensation, was crowned best picture at the 2024 Oscars — and took home six other awards, including best actor for Cillian Murphy, best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr. and best director for ...

  26. PDF AP® English Language and Composition

    Question 1. It is suggested that you spend 15 minutes reading the question, analyzing and evaluating the sources, and 40 minutes writing your response. Note: You may begin writing your response before the reading period is over. (This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.)