Red-carpet fashions. Heartfelt acceptance speeches. Big applause.
These staples mark every award show under the sun. Even then, a few subtle differences make some award ceremonies stand out and others stand in the dust.
To my mind, there is nothing like the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Here's where you find actors honouring actors, with as little fuss, muss and mush as possible.
To others, the Golden Globe Awards are in a league of their own.
Slightly edgier than its competition, the Globes' heady mix of movie stars and mayhem (courtesy of Ricky Gervais this year) brings film-buffs and couch-potatoes together without fail.
Despite that success, the Oscars still remain the king of award shows for countless fans.
Vying for this shiny gold hardware isn't just a part of Hollywood history. It's an art form.
New producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic have certainly mastered one rule to ensure a winning Oscar telecast: get a host worth watching.
Shankman and Mechanic will serve up a splashy twofer deal with co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. The strategic pairing could earn big laughs and boost ratings.
Nothing in showbiz is certain, especially on Oscar night.
But, here are 10 reasons why 2010's Academy Awards show aired live on March 7 on CTV could cream the competition.
1. "Avatar's" run for Oscar gold
James Cameron's "Avatar" is "the" picture of the year in terms of box-office figures and breakthrough technology. Yet, some Oscar voters may be reluctant to hand over another cache of award show loot to this behemoth. Can Cameron be the king of the world once more? The odds say yes. Will Oscar voters say no?
2. Seeing Jeff Bridges win/lose
Not that we wish Jeff Bridges bad luck. But, with Golden Globe and SAG wins under his belt and an Oscar triumph virtually assured, some critics are praying for a Best Actor upset to spice things up. Could Colin Firth squeeze out Bridges? Will Clooney cash in on that "Up in the Air" hype? Oscar viewers keep on guessing.
3. See Sandra Bullock win/lose
Just like Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock steamrolled over her competition to become the odds-on favourite for a Best Actress win. As much as we love this cool, roll-with-the-punches actress, seeing Gabourey Sidibe or Carey Mulligan win would bring down the house. That's just what viewers want on Oscar night.
4. Watching yet another fashion faux pas from Mickey Rourke
Destined to be walk the red carpet in another iffy outfit and hairstyle, Oscar viewers will be waiting to see if Mickey Rourke can say something golden at the Academy Awards. Don't hold your breath.
5. Who will be George Clooney's Oscar date?
The world knows that George Clooney has a new woman in his life: Italian bombshell Elisabetta Canalis. Will she be Clooney's main squeeze on Oscar night? The way Clooney dates it's anyone's guess.
6. Less cheesy show numbers
Oscar producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic say this year's show will feature big musical numbers only when needed. Can they really show such restraint? Some say yes. Others say it's like asking Heidi Montag to resist plastic surgery. It's just not going to happen!
7. The good, bad, and ugly Oscar fashions
What's an Oscar show without its red carpet hits and misses? Look for nominees like Penélope Cruz and Helen Mirren to walk the red carpet in flawless style. As for Sandra Bullock, find a stylist who can pick something that exceeds a pretty prom dress. Please!
8. Can Jason Reitman win?
Reitman's buzz for "Up in the Air" may have peaked too early in 2009. But, the Canadian director still has it in him to pull off a David-and-Goliath victory and snatch the Best Director's prize from James Cameron.
9. What will Julia Roberts say next?
At the Golden Globe awards Julia Roberts didn't mince words about NBC's Conan/Leno troubles. As she told one red-carpet commentator, "that network is in the toilet." Hard to top that one but Roberts may try.
10. Will "Up" upstage "Avatar"?
Many critics have called the animated gem "Up" the perfect movie experience. With changes to this year's Best Picture category, this delightful tale about an old grump and a plucky young scout could become an Oscar contender. If it does, "Avatar's" Oscar outing in 2010 could become a little less golden.
