5 Things To Know About Oscars 2017

The most revered event in Hollywood is about to take place. With 16,500 square feet of red plush rolled out and final ballots in, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is now set to honor the best films of 2016 with its iconic annual awards ceremony — the 89th Academy Awards (Oscars), hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

Undoubtedly, nothing could dampen the luster of this momentous occasion — not even expected rainy weather on Oscars Sunday, Feb. 26th.

Come "Hell or High Water," a rain-proof cover structure is in-place to ensure that the show must go on, rain or shine! Upon "Arrival" in this "La La Land" of wonderment, stars will undoubtedly stay dry while sashaying around the "Fences" of glitter and glamour as they make their way into the Dolby Theater.

Once inside, they will experience a soft shimmer of "Moonlight" that will thwart even the wildest "Lion" or any "Hidden Figures" at "Hacksaw Ridge" or in the uncharted waters of "Manchester by the Sea." And finally, when they ascend the staircase leading up to the auditorium, they may shed an unforgettable tear or two, feeling that palpable air of excellence in cinematic achievement.

We certainly do not know which of the above Best Picture nominees will reign at this year's Academy Awards. However, we could share with you five things to know about this magnificent and grand event:

5 Things To Know About 2017 Oscars

#1 Led by Master Chef Wolfgang Puck, a culinary staff of 300 will prepare more than 50 imaginative dishes for the 1,600 invited guests to the Governors Ball, the Academy’s official post-Oscars celebration.

#2 This is the first time Jimmy Kimmel is hosting the Oscars, and he is getting paid approximately $15,000 for the night.

#3 Only two people know the list of Oscar winners before the rest of the world finally finds out.

#4 This is the first year in which black actors were nominated in every category.

#5 The Oscars will be televised in 225 countries and territories on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and other international TV networks. The show will also be available to live-stream online on ABC.com.

And of course, we had to get our bets in on who the big winners will be. Here are Patch's Oscar predictions for the major categories:

2017 Oscar Predictions

Best Picture: “La La Land”

Best Director: Damien Chazelle, "La La Land"

Best Actor: Denzel Washington, "Fences"

Best Actress: Emma Stone, "La La Land"

Best Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali, "Moonlight"

Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis, "Fences"

Photos courtesy of Lionsgate Films, Paramount Pictures and A24