The red carpet has been unfurled and Hollywood is getting ready for its collective close-up. The 87th Academy Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will be taking place at Hollywood’s 3,300-seat Dolby Theatre tonight. It’s pretty clear that it’s down to “Birdman” and “Boyhood,” both of which are jockeying for the best picture nod. Performers on hand include Lady Gaga, Rita Ora, Jennifer Hudson and Anna Kendrick.

Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash,” not my favorite film this year, may grab some gold, too, for best film, best supporting actor, screenplay or editing. And yet J.K. Simmons’s was one of the most memorable performances this year. If he doesn’t get some best supporting actor gold for his appearance in that movie, well, at least we got treated to this SNL spoof.

[jwplayer config=”Default-Post-Player” mediaid=”20908″]