Hollywood stars have shone on the red carpet as this year's Oscars kicks off at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
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This year's ceremony is free of last year's pandemic restrictions and promises a few plot twists.
A dark western, New Zealand director Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog, will battle feel-good deaf family drama CODA for the prestigious best picture prize.
A win by either movie would mark a milestone by handing the statuette to a streaming service.
Netflix released Power of the Dog - for which Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee has a best supporting actor nomination - while CODA streamed on Apple TV+.
Producers said they planned an upbeat show but will acknowledge the crisis in Ukraine, which has killed thousands and driven a quarter of Ukraine's 44 million people from their homes.
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Will Smith is likely to earn his first Oscar for King Richard, awards watchers say, while Ariana DeBose is a strong favourite in best supporting actress for West Side Story.
Comedians Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes will host, the first time three women have guided the ceremony.
- with Australian Associated Press
