This year's Oscar gala is shaping up to be immensely political and fiercely competitive, primarily anticipated to come down to a head-to-head battle between two standout films. 'Sinners', a horror film, has garnered a record 16 Oscar nominations, while the dramatic comedy 'One Battle After Another' follows closely with 13 nominations. Given the current climate, where American actors have been vocally addressing their country's internal and external politics during various award shows, similar expressions can be expected in abundance at this year's gala, both on the red carpet and during acceptance speeches.

Hosting the Oscars again this year will be comedian Conan O'Brien, who is also well-known in Finland and has not shied away from addressing political issues throughout his career. O'Brien's style is characterized by personal humor and light-hearted jokes, contrasting with some of his peers who may focus more on overt political commentary. The anticipation surrounding the gala suggests it will be not only a showcase of cinematic achievement but also a platform for artists to engage in political discourse, echoing the heightened sense of awareness and activism prevalent in the film industry today.

As the event approaches, many eyes will be on how the nominees address the current socio-political landscape and whether their performances reflect the urgency of issues that resonate beyond the film industry. The conversations generated at this year's Oscar gala are likely to contribute to a larger narrative about the role of art in activism and the responsibilities of artists to speak out in times of crisis.