Expectations are supposedly high for The 84th Annual Academy Awards (ABC, 8:30 p.m.) but only because Billy Crystal is returning to host it for the ninth time.
His style of comedy – part vaudeville, part film parody – which are by now so overdone it may all come off as dated.
But even if he’s good, there’s only so much he can do. The most nominated films aren’t the kind of blockbusters that ensure a lot of people tuning in. “Hugo” leads all films in nominations with 11.A certain French silent film is expected to take away most of the awards.
Half of what people will be watching for is fashion, covered to the death on preshows like “Live from the Red Carpet” (E!, 1:30 p.m.), “Academy Awards Red Carpet” (TV Guide Network, 6 p.m.) or the official “Oscar’s Red Carpet Live” (ABC, 7 p.m.) with Tim Gunn, Robin Roberts, Jess Cagle, Nina Garcia and Louise Roe.
Following the Oscars, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC, approximately 11:30 p.m.) will present a slecial Sunday night show, with Oprah Winfrey as guest.