2015 Oscars: 7 Things You Need to Know Before Tonight's Big Show

From host Neil Patrick Harris to A-list presenter Jennifer Aniston, get all the scoop on the year’s biggest awards show

By Mike Vulpo Feb 22, 2015 2:00 PMTags
Neil Patrick Harris, Oscars© 2015 American Broadcasting Companies

Tonight's the night Hollywood has been waiting for!

The 87th Annual Academy Awards is officially here and the biggest actors and actresses are ready to celebrate the best films of the year at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

While many critics are pointing to Boyhood and Birdman as the likely big winners of the night, we're still hoping for a few surprises. Plus, there are so many other elements to look forward to.

From A-list musical guests to Neil Patrick Harris' hosting gigs, take a look at seven moments that are sure to get you pumped for the big show. Happy Oscars Sunday!

1. Meet Your Host: He's conquered the Tony Awards and the Emmys. Now, How I Met Your Mother alum Neil Patrick Harris is ready to make his Oscars hosting debut. While he couldn't say much to E! News just days beforehand, he was able to describe the show as "respectful, classy, appreciation of the year in film."

2. Gaga Ooh La La: Just one week after getting engaged to Taylor Kinney, Lady Gaga will grace the Oscars' stage for a unique performance. "I've got goosebumps already," the Mother Monster shared Thursday after rehearsals. "What an honor to perform for the world and such an immensely talented audience!"

3. First Timers: Out of the 20 acting nominees, nine of them are first-time Oscar nominees. It may be hard to believe, but stars like Steve Carell, Patricia Arquette, Emma Stone and Michael Keaton have never earned such an esteemed honor. Perhaps one or more will win big tonight. 

4. Powerful Presenters: Not impressed with this year's nominees? Well perhaps Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey or other presenters can give you a reason to tune in. Plus, all these stars have to walk the red carpet too, right?

5. E!'s Superbowl: We'll admit it: We go really big for Oscar Sunday. Before our red carpet show with Giuliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest even begins, we will offer viewers five incredible hours of predictions, fashion talk, games and more commentary. And once that final award is handed out on ABC, come back to E! for our official after party. 

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

6. Travolta's Tongue: Sorry, but we still haven't forgotten about that one night where John Travolta had some serious struggles pronouncing Idina Menzel's name. One year later, the Academy is giving him another opportunity to present. Cross your fingers things go smoothly.

7. Can't Let It Go: Sure Lady Gaga's performance will be great. However Kristin and Robert Lopez from Disney's Frozen have an "incredibly special song for Neil Patrick Harris and special guests to perform." Plus, John Legend, Common, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine, Anna Kendrick and Tim McGraw are also performing throughout the night.

Tune in to Live From the Red Carpet for all the glamour of Hollywood's biggest night! Coverage begins today at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT.

Plus, watch an all-new Fashion Police: 2015 Oscars special Monday night at 9 p.m. only on E!