The 93rd Academy Awards (ABC, 8 p.m.) will of course be weird, due to continuing COVID concerns. But it will try to take place minus the Zoom glitches that have bedeviled a number of other awards shows, by trying to keep things live at a few locations including Los Angeles’ Union Station as well as the usual Dolby Theatre, and gatherings in London and elsewhere. There’s no host; Steven Soderberg is producing, and best of all, most of the nominees have already been available to stream.
“Mank” leads with 10 nominations; “The Father,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Minari,” “Nomadland,” “Sound of Metal” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” each have six; “Promising Young Woman” has five.
Ariana DeBose and Lil Rel Howery host a 90-minute preshow, “Oscars: Into the Spotlight” (ABC, 6:30 p.m.). Ninety minutes earlier is “E! Live from the Red Carpet” (E!, 5 p.m.). Colman Domingo and Andrew Rannells host an afterparty, “Oscars: After Dark” (ABC, 11:35 p.m.). There’s also a recap on the “E! After Party” (E!, 11 p.m.). 4
And before Carey Mulligan has a chance to be considered for her best actress nominated performance in “Promising Young Woman,” she’ll share her grandparents’ war stories on “My Grandparents War” (PBS, 8 pm., check local listings).
Freddie Flintoff, Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness host a new season of “Top Gear” (BBC America, 8 p.m.).