♪ tonight, the stars, the movies. >> i need you here. >> it's time, robbie. >> whisper a movie you've written in secret. maybe i've even heard of it. >> maybe you have. >> the surprises. >> i'm still alive. surprise. >> the controversy. >> talk about diversity across all boards, industry, everything. >> the black acting nominees of the oscars it's not right. >> the unforgettable moments, it's hollywood's biggest night. and it all starts now.

here are michaela pereira and don lemon. ♪ and welcome to hollywood's biggest night. hollywood has never looked so good. we're counting down to the start of the 88th annual academy awards. i'm michaela pereira high above the red carpet in sunny and warm hollywood. what a night it's going to be. we're covering it all for you, the styles, the surprises, the moments that everyone will be talking about come monday morning. all happening right here with our special oscar pre-show. my man, don lemon, down in the thick of it on the red carpet. in the mix talking to celebrities that are arriving. i can hear the cheers. there's a lot of energy coming from that carpet, don. >> i don't know if you can see

me, but i have gone full hollywood with the sunglasses and everything. >> yeah, you're pretty hollywood, baby. >> it's really exciting. listen, there's a reason for these sunglasses. you remember last year when we were here and it was raining. >> do i remember? >> holding the tent up with broom sticks, this year the weather couldn't be more beautiful. the temperature is perfect. people are all excited. they're here. the stars are starting to arrive. in just a little bit, they haven't really officially opened the red carpet yet just like a second ago when we went on the air. you look fabulous. >> thank you. >> who are you wearing? >> thanks for asking. i'm styled by my stylist pilar steinborn. you look fabulous too, baby, who are you wearing? >> i think i'm wearing a lovely, let me tell you this, armani. >> very nice. >> and with a little help from tom ford with a big bowtie. but i have a question for you, also i have this thomas pink which is a smaller bowtie. which one do you think? >> you're trying to decide?

go big or go home my thoughts. >> you helped me last year. all right. then i'm good. i don't have to re-tie this. >> we're all good. we're trying to have don not -- >> we'll bring them here. >> we're trying to not have don change on the red carpet. he's already done that once this afternoon. try to keep the clothes on, don lemon. back to you in a moment, baby. we know the eyes of the world are focused squarely on hollywood tonight. an academy award win issen ultimate endorsement anyone actor wants. generally right now being seen as a three-horse race between "the revenant," "the spotlight" and, "the big short." also the controversy that can't be ignored, the oscars so white debate, you know chris rock will attack that head on, but how will hollywood react. a lot of questions on everyone's minds, is this finally going to be leonardo dicaprio's year? he's scored in all of the big prizes leading up to oscar in the pre-season.

a lot of folks, maybe i think even safe to say a lot of those people in the industry are rooting for him. but the question is will the academy follow popular opinion? tonight is about you. you get to sound off. we know you talk to the television already. but you can do it, talk to us, keep the conversation going. keep your eye on the bottom of the screen. we're going to pop up questions that we want you to answer. in fact, here's one right now. what film is going to win best picture? just head to cnn.com/awardsvote. any time tonight tell us what you think and watch the results pop up in realtime. it's going to be cool. we'll do it all evening. i'm not alone on the bridge. i have a few friends. i have a friend all the way from australia. she is fandango correspondent alicia malone. you dreamed as a little girl to be on the red carpet and you thought it was just a pipe dream. >> when i was 15 i wrote on my goals to go to the red carpet during the oscars and now ooii'

here. >> this is a big year. we talked about the controversy, there are a lot of questions about how chris rock is going to do. but we know oscar is about the films. what are you expecting film wise? >> this is an interesting year especially if you're a film nerd like i am because it's pretty unpredictable. apart from a couple categories that are a lock, it could go any way, particularly for best picture. >> let's talk about. let's bring up all the nominees in fact as we know there are a lot of really great films and it's interesting many of them are based on real stories. >> yeah. >> these are true stories. a lot of them adapted, four inspired by true events, the big short, bridge of spies, brooklyn, "mad max: fury road," "the martian," "the revenant," room, all rooms in their own right. >> usually you look at the gild awards, but the screen actors gild, producers gild all gave top prizes to three different movies, spotlight, "the revenant" and big short. many are saying "the revenant" because it is that kind of big bold movie that the academy

loves, but i'm going to go against the experts. it's only at 9% right now i'm going with "the big short" because it won the top prize at the producer gild awards. >> you don't give it to "spotlight"? >> no. that could sneak in but i think because of the crossover between the producers gild and the academy and the way they vote for their top prize exactly the same they vote for best picture with this preferential voting testimony. i know it's nerd di. >> i love nerdy. i love it too. the fact is we've been seeing how much momentum "the revenant" has been getting. it has won some 16 awards including three golden globes and five baftas. leonardo dicaprio has won some six awards already leading up to the oscars. you're voting against "the revenant." >> i could be wrong. >> you could be wrong. people have been wrong in oscars. >> but because of this preferential voting system when they vote from one to eight and you get a number of points per numberi numbering. >> yeah. >> "the revenant" is a really divisive film, so i think a lot

of people either love it and give it a lot of points or don't love it and won't give it as much whereas "the big short" is very well liked. >> it's interesting to talk about the personality. we'll talk about the makeup of the academy more when we have the conversation about oscars so white. but in terms of the voting patterns of the academy, is there a way to sort of read into how they tend to think about films that are big pictures about big american stories? there are several american stories within the best picture field. >> yeah, usually it does go to a true story and a true american story. and there are some several stats that you can look at history wise. i mean, "the revenant," if it wins tonight, the first director to ever win back-to-back best picture oscars. >> unprecedented, right. >> also hard to win without getting a screen play nomination, "the revenant" doesn't have that. i would love to see "mad max: fury road" take it personally. >> it's interesting, i think it's probably one of the more divisive films because you hear from people they either loved it or they just don't get it. and some people are surprised

that it made it into that category. you weren't surprised. >> i wasn't surprised. i think this is a film they should teach at film school because of the way it has action, telling story and character, rather than having someone just come in and tell you everything and then walk away. but a lot of people say it's just one long car chase, but i love charlize's character. i thought she was brilliant. >> there's some incredible girl power in that film in her role. >> yeah. >> i have to tell you "brooklyn" is a film i think is interesting to see in this category as well. sort of a smaller film and a quiet film as well. >> yeah, very quiet film, beautiful love story. i think anyone who moves away from home can relate to it. >> we both have. >> both have. she's so brilliant in that role. she's heartbreaking. but i watched the movie again with some friends and they were like this is boring. i was like, no, it's beautiful. >> it's a lovely film. if you haven't seen it at home, i strongly encourage you to see that. you look gorgeous. >> thank you. >> she says she's a geek, but this week is fine. all right. our party is just getting

started on the red carpet. stay with us for all of the stars, all of the fashion, bowties and all, and maybe even a few surprises. you're watching hollywood's biggest night. hollywood's biggest night, brought to you by land rover, above and beyond. and by swifer, give cleaning a new meaning.

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♪ hey! >> hey! welcome back to cnn's live coverage of the 88th academy awards. the stars are beginning to arrive on the red carpet. you want to know what it's like to wind your way through the streets of busy los angeles on the way to the academy awards? somebody got the gig, stephanie elam living the dream. she's riding along with best original nominee for "straight outta compton," one of my favorite films, beautiful wife vida. you try to get to the dolby

theater in l.a. traffic. girl, you going to make it on time? >> we are going to make it on time. we left on time. everything is looking good, michaela. we are right now at a traffic light. all is well. we're obeying all the laws. we are not rushing to get there. but we are making our way there in the limo. we're calling it the cnn os car, get it? >> funny. >> we are here in the limo riding along with lee savage and his lovely wife, he is nominated for best original screen play. here's the feeling, i want to know, nerves, are you thinking about it yet? what's in your mind right now, lee? >> it's all good. i've got my heart chapter marks tux that got fed exed from chicago and vida's got her dress. >> yeah. she's looking great, got her diamonds on, ready to go. everything's there, but you don't have any jitters at all?

>> i don't know, we'll see as we get closer. >> you're the only one from the movie that's nominated, you and the other writers. >> the other four writers -- three writers. >> three writers, counting yourself. were you surprised to find out you were the only one from the mow v movie nominated? >> you know, i don't think you have any expectation of being nominated. it just sort of happens. i mean obviously i'm thrilled. but was i thinking that that was going to happen? not necessarily. so it's super exciting. >> you've spent a lot of your career looking at places in the marketplace that haven't been filled. and a lot of that being around black media, black cinema. >> yes. >> this is not something that's new for you. you worked on like 20 some drafts to get to where you are. >> right. >> do you find it surprising that we're still having this conversation in 2016? >> you know, all i can say is that it's very clear that, you know, you can monetize, you know, that there's money in this. and there's opportunity in this.

and the success of compton shows that. it's something we've been -- i've been saying, you know, for almost three decades. you know. that there is -- i saw how the hip hop music movement directly effected opportunities for black entertainers, you know, back into the '90s. and, yeah, are we still having this conversation? we shouldn't be, really. >> but we are. >> we are. >> so tell me this, how hard is it to work on a film about people, many of whom are still very much alive and a part of the project? >> well, you know, it's a process. my role was to, you know, write that as the blank page writer to write many drafts and i pulled in my friend alan and we worked together for many years, probably, you know, four years before we convinced tamika woods wright the widow of easy e, to

let us buy the writes. so tovi at new line was critical. >> that's key because you couldn't do this movie without the music. >> couldn't, yeah. >> so we're going to keep riding along, but, don, i'm going to send it back to you on the red carpet. we'll still keep making our way towards you at the dolby theater. >> thank you. be safe and see you as soon as you get here. we're here with adam mccay, nominated five times, christian bale also nominated for best supporting actor. first of all, how do you feel? >> i feel a little overwhelmed. but mostly happy that people connected with this movie. i mean, that's why we made the movie. >> it's interesting the movie's about the financial crisis back 2007, 2008, and there's a lot of people in the country were affected by it but we're still reeling from the ramifications of the financial crisis with housing and economy and we're still talking about it in politics today with the presidential race. >> yeah.

it isn't over. that's what i loved about this story is even though it was 2007, 2008, the effects of it are being felt across the board. i mean, you look at the majority of the wealth lost was all in the middle, lower classes, the wealth that's been recovered has been the upper 1%, and income inequality is one of the big subjects everyone's talking about. >> bernie sanders endorsed the movie which is not surprising considering what he's talking about on the campaign trail with wealth inequality and so on and so forth. you will talk about politics. politics is huge and this movie plays right into it. >> i got to be honest i don't think politics is politics. i think politics is about how we make our decisions and lead our country. a lot of people treat it like a separate subject but there have been a lot of republicans who like this movie as well because we all recognized these banks behaved irresponsibly. and i've been really happy with the bipartisan response this movie that has gotten. >> when you're talking about the economy, i think everyone is involved. we know you from "anchorman,"

"anchorman 2," what's it like working with the caliber of actors you work with especially like christian bale? >> it's amazing. steve carell, they were excited at the chance, they didn't care about how they looked and scenes and i needed that level of actor to pull this off. it was amazing. >> i just have to ask you one more thing. i don't know if you saw the movie, the made for tv movie madoff, it's surprising that one person or relatively obscure person can, you know, uncover -- and that's what happened in your movie. when you have all of these experts and no one uncovers what's going on. >> well, that was one of the inspirations for this movie was the story of the guy who caught madoff that no one would listen to because he was socially awkward. and i think it's a question of like who are we listening to for our authority? no offense to you, but who are we listening to in the media? >> right. >> who are we listening to for our truth? that's what i loved about these movies. these were guys that don't make

eye contact, these are guys that were awkward socially but they knew the truth. and the truth a lot of times is just mathematical and we need to retrain ourselves to think like that. >> thank you so much. best of luck to you tonight. >> thank you. i appreciate it. thank you so much. >> thank you. thank you. so, listen, this is what's happening now, michaela. we're talking a lot about, you know, #oscarsowhite, talking about the financial crisis, you heard adam mention it's politics is not separate. you know, it's all tied in. so it's going to be a very fun oscars. everyone wants to know who you're wearing, we're also going to be talking about newsy issues here which is why it's important cnn be here at the oscars this year. >> absolutely. we do love the glits and glamour of hollywood, but we do want to talk about the things that are on the nation's mind. we know comedy and race are going to collide at tonight's academy awards. the lack of diversity among nominees spark controversy. only two african-americans nominated. the show's host is one of america's most provocative comedians, mr. chris rock. i think everybody is anxious to see how he's going to address

the issue, because you know he's going to go there. obviously this is a conversation we want to bring alicia and don into. don, we've been hearing that he's been doing some material around town working on his standup routine, but he hasn't done a whole lot of press. he's been pretty mum on the topic. but you know, i was thinking about it, this is an african-american comedian at a time when this nation is having this conversation. he's got to address it. >> yeah. you know what, and it's perfect. on the way here i was reading the hollywood report, look at the hollywood reporter, he's on the cover. all of the industry magazines talking about this. it's about half of this issue discussing the issue of race and diversity not only among the academy but also in hollywood. and chris rock whether it's by happenstance or whatever, is the perfect host. and as i have been going around los angeles and around hollywood, people are discussing about him and his team of writers, dave chapel on board. he wants to get it perfectly. and the academy is well aware that chris rock is going to hit them and i mean go head-on and

talk about what's happening here in hollywood. i can't wait to see what he has to say. >> they know who they hired for the gig, right? that is no surprise. he did it back in 2005. alicia, this is a very different time in our world, very different time as the nation. but it's interesting, the oscars so white there's been this idea that the boycott is a good idea, it's not a good idea. >> yeah. >> a lot of people are pointing out that the academy isn't necessarily the problem. it's hollywood in general. they have to diversify the projects that are getting green lit. >> yeah, i mean i think this year there were definitely performances that should have been nominated like "base of no nation" fantastic, but does point to a wider problem in hollywood that non-white actors aren't getting the opportunities right from the film start. as a film lover i want to see all types of people included and all types of stories told. makes it more interesting. >> do you think that this conversation and the fact that this is happening now, do you think it's going to move the needle at all? because there are people that said, look, we've had this problem in hollywood for a long time. >> yeah.

>> do you think it's now time that maybe things are going to change? >> i think it can't be ignored. i mean, i remember having this conversation last year when we were in the same position. >> it's year two. >> and "selma" should have been nominated last year. >> absolutely. >> and now nothing's changed. but i feel a change in the air. i feel like this conversation has dominated award season. and it's been really important for us to all have this conversation. i think change will be really slow. but i'm hopeful. i'm optimistic. >> i think hope is always a good thing. all right. we want to hear from you at home. our question for you right now, will chris rock skewer hollywood over diversity? right now looks like about 75% of you say yes he's going to do it. go to cnn.com/awardsvote to weigh in. we're going to take a short break, powder our noses. the excitement is building here outside the dolby theater. do not miss a moment of the red carpet action here with us for hollywood's biggest night.

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all right. what a beautiful, beautiful evening here in los angeles. it is the 88th academy awards. welcome back to hollywood's biggest night. i am here with hollywood royalty. i think it's okay if i call you mr. lewis gosset jr. a living legend. >> get down and give me 50. >> your fans were yelling at you back there, hey, lou. >> it's personal for them. i have to ask you 1983 you won best supporting actor for "an officer and a gentleman". >> yes, sir. >> that was an historic event and all these years later we're talking about diversity among the academy in hollywood. what are your thoughts? >> yogi berra says it ain't over until it's over. my choice is staying with the family. so we have to make some changes. nothing is going to be okay until we all consider one another one family. >> it's interesting that you say that because there's been sort of this divide. should you boycott, should you not boycott.

i personally feel your biggest voice is getting in front of the cameras around the world. >> i learned my stuff from nelson mandela. >> right, where you have a voice and platform. >> we have a voice, use it. >> do you think the academy is addressing the situation properly? how do you feel about that? >> the challenge about this industry, whenever there's a mistake and they find out about it, they overcompensate and make it right. it's like a backlash. but they're sensitive. but we're also a young culture, you know? >> yeah. >> so as we grow and improve, now is the time for us to be more diversified, more sensitive to one another. now it's on the table and it's what we have to do on a daily basis. >> do you have time this week -- you're here with your lovely friend, do you have time this week just to relax and take in any of the fun? >> oh, yeah. i've been there, done that now. i got to go to work tomorrow for another movie. >> i saw you out last night at the ebony party at 3:00 in the morning. >> i ain't mad at you. as long as i don't fall asleep out there today. everything is good. >> why does this mean so much to so many people? there are so many people say i

don't need an award, i know i'm a great actor. why are you so concerned about diversity in hollywood? who needs an award? >> i think what you learn in school about the arts, we happen to be a couple clicks ahead of society and so far society's gotten a couple clicks ahead of us. so they'll have voted for will smith and we haven't nominated him. we have to get back in the first place and lead our public the proper way. that's our job. >> you discuss politics. >> yeah. >> what do you think of the election? i have to ask, i know that's a broad question, but what do you think about what's going on? it's so cantankerous now. >> yeah, i know, i don't know who i'm going to vote for, but she's going to win. >> you don't want to name any names. >> i ain't going to name any names. >> do you have your money on anybody tonight, so to speak? they say it's the year for "the revenant"? >> yeah, yes, "the revenant," leonardo and sly stalone. >> thank you so much. we appreciate it.

so, michaela, hollywood legend royalty. i've been watching that man since i was a kid. >> hollywood royalty. >> i do have to say -- i'm going to give you a little sneak peek. can you guys pan that way? >> okay. >> see that guy? that's mr. sam smith, nobody can sing like sam smith. and he's talking to the people next to us. and he's going to come over and talk to us in just a minute. so please don't take a break. i want to talk to sam smith. i want to see how he lost all that weight. i want to hear about his song in the movie "tspector. >> writing's on the wall. >> yeah. i may have to cut you off and come back. >> that's fine. my knees went a little weak when you said sam smith. we'll get back to you when you get him. we're going to talk fashion right now because i'm going to let you in on a little secret, people, nobody just woke up and grabbed something out of their closet this morning. they have been planning their look, their hair, their clothes,

their makeup, their jewelry for weeks. keeping me honest up here on the bridge, on fashion tonight is style expert and glamour -- author of the glamorous by george the key to creating movie star style. and it is about creating a look. >> absolutely. >> it is about creating a look throughout awards season, correct? >> 100%. i mean, these people have been doing this since january. so at this point they've tried on hundreds and hundreds of gowns. and, you know, they've pretty much narrowed things down flt i think they kind of know in january -- the good ones. >> the good ones. >> know what they're going to wear to the oscars because you kind of always save the best for the last. >> it's interesting because you talk about the fact that you establish kind of a look. you know, when you're a young starlet, that's a hard thing to know. you don't necessarily know yourself but it's so important that you really sort of put your foot down fashionably. >> i think we've seen it occur with people like jennifer lawrence and frida pinto i did years ago, they come out from the gate looking like movie tars. >> you got to play the role.

>> it is important to establish you're not this little starlet. you're a movie star. and the same thing is occurring with avikander. >> have we seen her tonight? >> no. >> i've heard she's stunning in canary yellow. >> is she here right now? >> she just walked by. >> that's fabulous. that's so exciting. >> i'm going to swoon over sam smith with our don lemon on the red carpet, you lucky fella. >> i know you're jelly. i know you're jealous. hello, mr. sam smith. >> hello, sir. >> sam smith, you're going to perform your song tonight. >> me and jimmy. we're excited to be here and perform. >> i love the tux. i almost wore green and someone talked me out of it. >> you should have done it. >> but before we get to that, what are you doing? >> what do you mean? >> you've lost so much weight.

that's all anyone is talking about. >> i've just stopped eating like a horse. >> a horse. okay. >> any large animal. i just stopped eating as much basically and just like being sensiti sensitive. we've been working out all week. >> sam's pretty serious. he's sergeant slaughter in the gym. >> we passed in and out on the way here. do you ever just drive to in and out. >> i'm planning to go to tomorrow, and munch like seven burgers. >> are you nervous about tonight performing such a huge -- >> right now i'm not. i think i will be later, but hopefully they're good nerves. i think being nervous is important. >> sam, it's been such an incredible couple of years for you. what goes through your head when you have such incredible success? i know you're not an overnight sensation. people think that you've worked long and hard but when success comes with this level and just that amount of time, what is that like for you? >> i just try to keep everything in perspective. and have the people i love around me, jimmy, my family, they're all here with us. and just try not to get carried

away. that's what i try to do. >> i think i know the answer, but i'm going to ask you again because i asked him on the break and he gave me the answer. can you hum something? >> absolutely not. not going to happen. >> listen, you look great. congratulations. i can't wait to see. i'll be inside and i'm going to be watching and listening. thank you. good to see you. michaela, i mean, what can i say? he looks amazing. he's going to sound amazing. look how nice he is. he is the nicest guy. >> he's lovely. >> there you go. yeah, very nice. very nice. >> he's lovely. >> michaela, so i'm going to powder my nose, too. >> your turn. >> i know you got to powder your nose last break. so it's my turn. and then we'll probably check in to see where michaela is and see who's coming in on the red carpet. i keep looking that way because that's where they're coming in. hollywood's biggest night with michaela pereira and don lemon continues right after this break, the 88th academy awards.

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♪ back now hollywood's biggest night here on cnn. the 88th academy award. i'm with another legend who happens to be a friend, can i call you a dear friend? >> yes. >> this is whoopi goldberg, you may not know her name. i'm kidding. you've been nominated how many times? >> twice. >> and you won? >> once. >> why don't you take a sip. >> i'm dry like the sahara. i have on 14,000 corsets and

hold on, i'll be right with you. >> you said dry, not drunk, right? >> oh, i don't drink. and i'm dry. how dry i am. >> whoopi, you're always outspoken. it's good to talk to you about this. you and i have spoken about diversity in hollywood. >> uh-huh. >> what do you think of this year and the nominations? i've heard you talk about it on "the view". >> look, this year, last year it didn't happen. two years before that we were everywhere. the folks who should really be screaming and shouting about this are the asian actors who are way underrepresented. and i think that will change because people are now starting to pay attention. we'll see how long it lasts. we'll see if people really mean to make the change. >> you know, as i am going around town for the limited amount of time that i get to be here, you get to see the amount of wealth that is built generations of people from hollywood. >> uh-huh. >> and you're working with alex martin is her beautiful daughter is here, she has a reality show. and part of that inclusion is

having the opportunity to build wealth with your family and with anyone you choose to do it with. >> well, i think you just have to remind people that we're actors. >> yeah. >> and so we can do anything. and the best example to use is look at hamilton. >> right. >> hamilton is the best example of how this can work. now, it will happen. we've got to re-train casting directors and people who make movies and producers and say, hey, listen, we're all out here. make the pool so we can all swim. that's all. >> whoopi, have you seen anything like this when it comes to our election process? i see you sometimes want to pull your hair out onset. >> you know what, the great thing about america is this can happen here. you know what i mean? this is how it is. this is what happens when you have freedom of speech and you have all of these things that we live for, you know. and so if people are smart, and i believe that they are, they'll make the right choice. and if they don't, we'll have to deal with it.

>> yeah. before i let you go, what do you think this election is going to ride on, women, minorities and young people. what do you say to the young folks? >> young people don't need me to say jack to them. they know what they're doing. they know how they feel. listen, it's a great process. no other country does it like we do. thanks. >> good luck. >> thank you for my water. >> you're welcome. see you, alex. we like to call her whoop. the legendary whoopi. someone is standing on whoopi's train. how dare they? anyway, michaela, it's always an honor to get to speak with whoopi. i got to be personal, she has given me some incredible advice and insight on the business and on just living. she said -- young people don't need her to tell them what to do. they're very aware. and we're seeing that showing up in the black lives matter movement and even beyond. >> yeah. we certainly are. all right. thanks so much, don. let us know who else you can

find on the red carpet. i want to bring back george katsiapolis. what are you wearing? >> it's brooks brothers and i have this gorgeous piaget watch. i was on rodeo drive and i was supposed to select one to borrow and i decided that the one i owned already was the best. not that it was the best but -- >> that's hilarious. i noticed you're not wearing a traditional black suit. >> new york city midnight. >> do you expect to see that on the carpet. >> we've seen a lot of navy suits at other events, i think for the oscars it's best to go as classic as possible. this is the most formal of all of the awards shows. i don't expect anyone to sway too far. >> we haven't seen anything too radical for the men. as for the ladies we've seen beautiful looks tonight. >> wait a minute. >> one last thing. i had this made for today. >> did you? >> it's a custom forever mark

diamonds tie pin. there's a few carats. >> who are some of the few looks you're loving? >> we saw prianka. a lot of neutral colors have been happening this whole awards season. so we're seeing like not as many brights. we've been using a lot of red, a lot of black and a lot of nudes, tans, whites. >> olivia wilde looks spectacular. >> think we have video of her, she looked just out of sight. that's brianca. >> white tends to be the new trend you know, and they did it in a way where you don't look like a bride, it's tough. >> they both achieved that. >> they've totally achieved that. olivia is wearing valentino haute couture. and vintage neil lane jewelry. but the plunge is taking it out of bridal. >> last look i want to look at.

saoirse ronan. how did she do, actually we -- >> we love her. she's wearing louis vuitton. perfect for spring. it's fun, youthful. she's been going so edgy this entire awards season. this says -- i'm a movie star this will be timeless, it's beautiful. i love the high-low cut. the mullet dress. >> don't ever say it's a mullett dress. it's not a mullett dress. >> oh, george, you and your mullett. we want folks to follow on twitter. can you join us on facebook, instagram. use the #cnnoscars. we'll take a break and be right back from hollywood.

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this is hollywood's biggest night. and you're watching cnn, we're here on the red carpet. listen, i want to talk to someone who is a major director here. major director. -- he's trying to steal you. this is yorj mills from "mad max: fury road." this is your fifth and six nomination. you won once for "happy feet" in 2007. but action films don't get nominated a lot. was it a big surprise to you? >> yeah. i never expected, never expected, i mean the film came out halfway during last year. and we somehow stayed in the conversation. and as you said, it's not your typical oscar movie. and the fact that we got ten nominations now? is really really gratifying. we work hard on these movies and we're invited to the party.

>> not to mention two incredibly hot stars, male and female. >> we're prepared to go at it. which is really great. >> i was talking to a friend today who said i was watching the movie, it was so intense, i had to take a break. how does that make you feel? he had to stop it and go back to it. >> really? >> yes. >> when i go to the movies tharks what i want to do, sit back and be sucked up in the screen and go for a ride. >> i've got a question from our audience, it says what year did george mills' original "mad max" film actually release. what year did it release? >> the initial one, 1979. and 1980, around someplaces around the world. >> '79-80, around there. >> yeah. what's interesting to me you started this film like talking about this film, development, you said it was development how since 1997 for "mad max: furry road." that's when the idea first came.

we started to write things down and lots of things kept getting in the way. we made happy feet movies and they take a long time. but somehow you couldn't kill this movie with a stick. it just kept on getting up there. and here we are. >> best director. best picture. do you have speech ready? >> no. you know i go into these things with really, i keep the expectations low. because you know -- and the other thing is, you know, we also keep our fingers crossed, but don't hold your breath. >> not even a notecard in your pocket? >> no, i could never read a speech. >> well good luck and congratulations to you, and we'll be watching. >> thank you. >> mr. george miller, everyone. mr. george miller. again he's a best director and best picture i don't know if you saw "mad max: furry road" i felt the same way he did, michaela. it's so intense, relentless, a nonstop movie. action films rarely, rarely get nominated. a big honor and a big surprise. >> i know it's interesting.

alise kwa was scia was saying tg about the girl-power aspect of it and i think charlize theron did such a great job. i think it was surprising, considering the field that it's in. >> exactly. so you know, for so many -- i've got so many people talking to me, apparently we have someone very important waiting to talk to us. so go, michaela. >> you figure out who we need to talk to down there. i'm going to tell folks to stick around. get a snack. go to the rest room, but we need you back here after a short break. we'll be back with hollywood's biggest night.

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♪ ♪ welcome back, everyone, to hollywood's biggest night. we're counting down to the start of the 88th annual academy awards. you know it's the super bowl. the world series, the bacht lore, finale. all rolled into one. so i'm going to get to my colleague, michaela pereira in a moment. but i want to get to a man nominated for one of my favorite movies this season. best director for "room" i've rewatched it again today. it's amazing. for me to watch it twice, as someone with claustrophobia, i don't know if you know the story. this mom and son are trapped in this shed. it's a very small shed for half of the movie. she seven years, he five years. >> it takes place in a small environment. but i suppose the thing is the mother has managed to make it

into a real complete world for this kid. she's told him stories, created myths and patterns, so for him it doesn't feel like such a confined space. >> ed guinney is here, a producer of the movie. based on a 2010 novel of the same name, "room." what is it like being involved in a project like this? >> we spotted the book when it first came out in 2010. completely fell in love with it. and took us a while to get our hands on it. but when we got it in 2013. emma o'donohue who wrote the book, wrote the script. and she's been a great collaborator all along. >> how do you build an entire film around being in a room, right? >> the first thing it is, it's no spoiler, it's revealed in all the materials, they get out halfway through. but it isn't just a room. it's a school room. it's a gym. it's a house, it's a garden. it's all things to him and we sort of experience it through him. >> you're nominated for four oscars tonight, including best

picture and best actress for brie larson. her performance is incredible. along with jacob trembley, who plays jack. brie and jacob are the heart and soul of the film. i think if people see jake's performance, it's hard to believe that a kid that young is capable of that brie is magnificent. so proud that this is the movie bringing her to the attention of a bigger audience. >> lenny abransome and ed guinney. producer and director. best of luck tonight. do you have your speech ready? >> i don't. because i'm sort of thinking i don't need it but i'll make sure i have something in my head. >> thank you, guys, i've got to show you guys, look who is standing right next to me. look who is standing right next to me -- i've got two people, i've got eddie redmayne. and eddie redmayne and michaela. we're going to hang on a second and see if we can get them. you take it away and i'm going to try to grab them, all right?

>> that sounds great. i love that. we'll have a conversation up here on the bridge and talk about leo dicaprio. a lot of people have been wondering if this is finally his year. i heard somebody joik wait, is he becoming the susan lucci of the academy awards. alicia malone is here with me. you have said to me you think it is leo's year. >> it's leo's year, absolutely. if i had a house, i would bet it. >> no. >> i don't have a house, i won't. if i did, i would. it is definitely leo's year. he'll win not only for his brilliant performance in "the revenant," but also for his entire body of work. >> they're not voting on his entire body of work. >> they kind of do. we saw it for best director martin scorsese winning for. >> he's in a tough category.

bryan cranston for "trumbo." and michael fastbender and eddie redmayne for "the danish girl." if there was a dark horse, who would you say it was? >> maybe eddie redmayne. there's not a dark horse, that's the thing. it's all leo and even eddie redmayne himself said it's leo's year. but eddie was so brilliant in the way he transformed in the "danish girl." michael fassbender, but leo has the flashiest performance. >> let's talk about best supporting actor. another nominee from "the revenant," tom hardy. christian bale for the "big short." mark ruffalo. and mark rillant for "bridge of spies" there's a sentimental favorite sylvester stallone.

going for a role he's repricing now in "creed." >> that's what the academy likes, a story, sentiment. 39 years later to come back and win, think he will. the other one as you mentioned is mark rillant for "bridge of spice." >> it was such an intriguing film. his role. he had you on pins and needles. he was so likable, but at the same time you're thinking, this guy is a russian spy. >> he has to keep a lot undercover. it was a very subtle performance. hasn't been campaigning for any oscars. so that could hurt him in this case. i think it will go to sylvester stallone. i think he'll have the best speech of the night. >> was hoping we would see the smallest tuxedo of them all, jacob trombley for "room." i haven't seen him on stage. i don't know if he's going to be here tonight. but that film, think he stole

that film. >> think he deserved a nomination. >> i do, too. >> i don't understand how a kid that young can access those emotions and understand the type of character he was playing. and he's just so damn likable. i've loved watching him at every awards show, he's so sweet and exciting. >> i think we might have more time. can we run through the best actress nominees? right now while i have you? this is a fascinating category as well. again from "room" brie larson. cate blanchett in the terrific film "carol" and "brooklyn" with saoirse ronan. and i tlank don lemon has a guest with him, let's go back down to the red carpet. who do you have? >> we had eddie redmayne who was standing here live. but you guys were talking so i don't know -- eddie how are you feeling tonight? >> i'm thrilled to be here. thrilled. >> sweating a bit. because i've decided to wear totally inappropriate item of clothing. hot and sweaty in develop yvelv

>> have you got your speech ready? >> absolutely not. not my night. >> eddie redmayne nominated for "the danish girl." interesting role for him. last year he was nominated as well. what was it "the theory of everything." he won, playing stephen hawking last year and i've got a great selfie with him. i'll show it to you later when we go inside. >> can't wait to look through your social media i think it's going to be fascinating. you know it's interesting reddie redmayne -- >> a lot. i saw you a little earlier today. >> you know can we put up the question for our viewers at home. we've been doing this, asking you questions so you can stay engaged with us. and i want to go back to the best actress category. i'm curious who you think is going to win. the question is, for our viewers at home, who do you think should win best actress? you can vote go to cnn.com and cast your vote there for now. so shall i go back to alicia and we can talk about the best

supporting actress? interesting supporting cast. we've got kate winslet for "steve jobs" "alicia vikander" in "carol" rooney mara. and jennifer jason leigh in "the hateful 8" had to go through heck two or three times over. can we talk about that? >> absolutely. the full character was mistreated throughout the whole thing. but she was incredible. fantastic. >> who do you think is going to win in that category? >> i think it will be alicia vikander, but i wouldn't be surprised if kate winslet gets it. but alicia vikander will win for "the danish girl." >> we appreciate that. >> how about saoirse ronan. nominated for best actress. >> i have to teach him how to do

it before he came on air. >> i haven't asked this question one time all night. who are you wearing? >> it's calvin klein collection. >> the calvin klein collection. calvin klein collection. >> well, you wear it well. >> thank you. >> in the movie you're torn between a lover in the united states, someone you love and then someone in ireland as well. >> yeah. >> have you -- >> we've all been there, right. >> have you been there before? that's my question. >> i think -- in some -- i don't know. i mean professionally, maybe, yeah. and i don't know. i don't know how to answer that. >> i thought -- >> well you asked me -- >> the name -- >> it's always been so easy. love is like the easiest thing in the world, right? isn't that what they say? >> this is your first nomination? >> it's my second. >> do you have a speech

prepared? >> no. >> do you get up there and just wing it? >> i haven't thought about that at all, actually. i've got me mum and my aunt margaret and i think we're going to have a bit of a laugh tonight. it will be you know, it's wonderful to be here, it's great to be here with a group of women that i've been put in the category with. but -- >> let's look at it. >> i like your little character. >> i got the brie larson, cate blanchett. i want to make sure charlotte rampling, saoirse ronan and maggie lawrence. >> it's been fantastic, just to get to know the girls. i mean charlotte and cate and brie, i've done quite a bit of press with them. and cate blanchett has been incredibly supportive of our film. >> well you look amazing, thank you, saoirse. common, common! what's up, man? how are you? it's good to see you.

just one question -- so are you ready for tonight? >> yeah, man, i'm excited, man, chris rock. we got some, i love leonardo dicaprio, i'm rooting for him and i'm excited. i'm glad to be at the oscars. >> last year you and john legend brought it when you talked about you were so happy and this year there's been the big focus about diversity. do you want to comment on that? >> we know it's obvious that it's a problem and now we want to work towards a solution. i want to be a part of that change. and i feel like -- as, i'm an academy member now i want to be able to say hey y'all, be a voice for some of the black, brown people, women, the people that usually get overlooked. it's not just an oscar problem, it's a hollywood issue of we not seeing a lot of inclusion in the films that's being made and the people that make the decisions. and we also know it's an american issue. my think is in all truth, i do put my, i know that we're going

to make this change. i know we had to speak up. people had to speak up for the change to happen. i'm also want the change to happen for the kids in flint. i'm wanting it to happen for the people in chicago that's dealing with the violence right now. >> we're going to be in flint next week for a democratic debate. >> need to be there. >> thank you so much, common, best of luck to you tonight. well there you go, the stars are starting to arrive. you can see that right now. we'll be back, quick break, hollywood's biggest night here on cnn.

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♪ ♪ welcome back to hollywood's biggest night. the crowd is gathering here in hollywood. just head noogt dolby theater. a lot of crowd is gathering. the show if you're watching at home. the show is tighter. they've shortened down the thank you speeches, there will be a scroll down along the camera people can give their thank yous, shout-outs, hi-moms ahead of time and they'll scroll down the bottom of the camera got to talk fashion again. being fan girl and fan boy. george has been taking all of these instagram pictures what are you seeing down there? >> i'm geeking out. morgot robbie is wearing this fabulous gold gown. who did we see earlier that we loved? saoirse. >> saoirse ronan was wearing this stunning calvin klein kind of slip dress with cut-outs. i loved it because it was emerald green, it was beautiful

and she's been dressing a little old for me. a little matronly and she's so young and beautiful and has such great energy. i loved it. >> she looks amazing. >> minimal make-up, sexy hair. look how hot she is. >> she locks amazing, don lemon, you have jennifer jason-leigh with you? >> i do. how much i love this lady. you guys are talking fashion and she looks amazing, jennifer jason-leigh welcome. who are you wearing? >> marchesa. this is not marchesa? >> no, piaget. >> she's all decked out. i have to say what, your role, you were the only woman in a very male-dominated cast. by the way she is nominated for best supporting actress in "the hateful 8." a kwentsen tarantino film. you're the only woman this that film and you held your own against the guys.quentin tarant. you're the only woman this that film and you held your own against the guys. the guys were so lovely and embraced me in such a real and

natural, we were a group of actors, really. and i -- i also felt a little bit protected. and very, very much loved. especially by kurt who was punching me and slugging me and pulling me all about the place and i've never felt so taken care of in my life on a movie set by another actor. >> you know quentin's films, he goes there. and -- >> i'm crazy in love with quentin. he goes there and everyone goes there for him. because we're all so, so happy to be there. it can be freezing. it can be sticky blood all over you you can be working 15 hours a day and you don't want the day to end because you're having the time of your life, really. >> you know when you're working on a tarantino film that it becomes part of culture, right? and he's been very vocal. i know you probably don't want to go in-depth. are you aware of that when you're working on a tarantino film? >> you're not so aware of that. you're aware of things in the script. it's written so beautifully. and it's about something important but you're just sort of thinking about your

character. i love everything that quentin has to say. >> you like his outspokenness? >> i do i think it's part of what makes him such a great man and great filmmaker. >> do you have your speech ready? >> i have no speech. >> everyone says it's bad luck to do that. but you probably should get it ready. good luck tonight. the very talented jennifer jason-leigh and she looks great wearing marchesa. they were up on the bridge. talking fashion. so i thought i would start with fashion. this is hollywood's biggest night. you're watching cnn, michaela pereira and don lem republican here, we have got you covered throughout the evening. don't go anywhere, the stars are arriving right now.

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welcome back to hollywood's biggest night. over the red carpet outside the dolby theater where the stars are heading into the theater to get ready for show time in a short amount of time. george is sheer with me, we're being looky-loos. kerrie washington just walked by looking amazing. can we talk about eddie. i thought he might show up in something a little more edgy. >> he usually wears wild clothes, he's a fashion guy. but he's wearing a beautiful standard classic alexander mcqueen tuxedo. because tonight is not the night for the gentleman to go crazy. you do that at the globes, you do it as other events, but tonight keep it classy. >> rooney mara, what did you think? >> rooney mara was stunning, wearing givenchy, a goth victoriana flair, keeping to her personality. very severe hair and makeup. it was so romantic. it reminded me a lot of the costumes in beyonce's videos.

>> you have hot sauce in your purse? i now you were going to get beyonce into this. and last, but not least, brie larsen. nominated for "room." >> she's wearing custom gucci. heavy studded belt. a departure from what gucci has been doing, it's a little more off-the-wall. >> if i could pick a theme there isn't a theme for tonight. >> for tonight? >> yeah. >> absolutely not. it's all over the place. >> we've seen romantic. and princess-y and elegant and fierce. we've seen strong. we've seen edgy. a little bit of it all. >> oscars are usually, it's oscars so safe. is another hash tag. you know what i'm saying? oscar's not so safe this year. >> i like to be a positive person. but have you seen any big missteps so far? we haven't, have we? >> god, i hate saying this. >> have you? >> not really. not really. >> it's been a good year. >> it's been a good year.

it's always, this is what i say. in person, every single one of these people, they're beautiful. they're gorgeous in person. but then it photographs a a different way. >> guess what -- >> we judge them -- >> rooney mara is on the red carpet with don lemon. >> we love her. >> tell her we love her. >> you, ronny mara, you love her, is that what you're saying? >> we do. >> they're saying they love you. they're up on the bridge. saying you're fabulous, they love what you're wearing. who are you wearing? >> i'm wearing givenchy by ricardo tishi. you're nominated for best supporting actress for "carol" are you feeling like this could be your year? >> no, no. i, no, i'm not going to win. but i'm very happy to be here regardless. >> what is it, five, six nominations for the movie. yeah, is it any added pressure when you're in a movie where it's been nominated for so many. and you're like well at least i have to get one of them. >> i think we know we're

probably going to lose all six. but you it kind of makes it better. we're going to have a lot of fun tonight. there's no pressure. we're all going to get a little drunk and have fun. >> wait a minute. the s.a.g. awards, isn't that where everyone kind of gets drunk? >> i get drunk at all of them. just kidding. >> so this is what, your second nomination, right? >> uh-huh. >> second nomination. >> do you get a speech prepared every time you get nominated? >> i don't have one. i've prepared one at other things, but i don't have one prepared tonight. >> did you hear the crowd screaming behind you? >> i'm wondering who just got here. >> it's you, and then right next to you, you know this guy, innaratu. everyone is talking about your film and "the revenant" this year and the whole diversity in hollywood thing. what do you make of that as a young actress in hollywood? >> i mean i think it's really important conversation that everyone is having and i'm really glad that people are having it. you know "beasts of no nation"

performances in that that were better than anything i've ever seen in any year. think it's an important conversation. >> thank you, rooney and everyone is excited about you being here. good luck to you tonight. we'll be watching, i'll be inside so come say hello to me. there he is, we don't have very much time left. otherwise we could talk to alejandro innaratu. who is nominated for best director for "the revenant." he just got away from us. i'm so happy that you guys could join us. our thank you to george kotsiopoulos and alicia malone. i'm don lemon. michaela pereira is up there as well. michaela, are you ready to go in? >> i'm ready to go inside, baby. >> all right. well let's head inside. we'll be back later on tonight and make sure you catch michaela with all of the night's best moments on "new day" tomorrow morning and can you continue to weigh in during this telecast.

cnn.com/awardsvote. i'll see you after the broadcast, i'm going to go inside and get my oscars on. michaela, i'll see you inside. good night, everybody, thanks for watching. >> thank you. can i had honesty. >> i have no idea what i'm doing here. it feels insane. >> and a wicked separates of humor. >> what are you going to do if you lose? >> i'm going to go, what? >> catapulted jennifer lawrence to the top. >> it's absolutely incredible. i've been incredibly blessed. >> starring in the biggest hits. >> you can't really pigeonhole her into a certain type. >> winning the most prestigious awards. >> it's so unexpected. it just kind of