Academy Awards 2015: What time are the Oscars?

Feb. 21, 2015 1 PM PT

Oscars, Oscars, Oscars! Yes, the biggest awards show of the year is almost here. So when are the Oscars?

The 87th Academy Awards will broadcast live at 5:30 p.m. PST (8:30 p.m. EST) Sunday on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, recognizing achievements in the film industry from 2014.

Vying for the all-important best picture are “American Sniper,” “Birdman,” “Boyhood,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The Imitation Game,” “Selma,” “The Theory of Everything” and “Whiplash.”

FULL COVERAGE: Oscars 2015 from the red carpet to the after parties

In fact, “Birdman” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel” lead the race with nine Oscar nominations apiece, while “The Imitation Game” comes in with eight. All these nominees, all these movies to keep up with! No worries. Lean on our Oscars cheat sheet for a mini refresher.

And if you feel like getting the info you need via video, check out our Oscar nominee fact videos. Five facts in 50 seconds -- can’t beat that.

We know, you want to see celebrities, not clips of their films. So look to our Hollywood Sessions videos, where you can watch a group of lead actor, lead actress, supporting actor, supporting actress and director nominees reveal stories about their films, their craft and their … drunk moments. Let Jennifer Aniston describe that one.

Certainly, you’ll determine your favorites, and perhaps you’ll notice a few actors or films that didn’t make the cut. Gauge our snubs and surprises photo gallery to see if your picks match ours. For example, J.C. Chandor’s applauded ‘80s-era crime drama “A Most Violent Year” didn’t receive a single nomination. Meanwhile, Marion Cotillard’s portrayal of a determined factory worker in “Two Days, One Night” earned her a lead actress nod – a bit of a surprise, considering her name didn’t crop up at the Golden Globe and Screen Actor Guild Awards.

PHOTOS: Oscars 2015 top nominees | Presenters | Nominee reactions | Awkward moments

Either way, for a solid stance on who’s in and who’s out, count on our complete list of nominees, as well as our photo gallery recounting the same.

With that, take a peep at our photo gallery of presenters and performers to be featured at the Oscars. Hmm, does host Neil Patrick Harris count as a performer? He may very well be. Expect musical numbers, a dose of comedy, magic and maybe a selfie or two.

Obviously, a selfie. Because the one snapped by last year’s host was Twitter-shattering. If you remember that host, don’t hesitate to take our Oscar trivia quiz. You can fall back on our Oscars timeline, if needed. And for fun, marvel at photos that go way, way back to the first Academy Awards held in 1929.

Now back to the present. You have to see what our film critics and other Hollywood honchos have selected as their top picks in the major categories. Consult our Buzzmeter, and you’ll see that, while they agree Julianne Moore will win the lead actress Oscar for her role in “Still Alice,” the pick for lead actor isn’t crystal-clear.

OSCARS 2015: Complete list | Ballot | Cheat Sheet | Timeline | ‘Win an Oscar’ game

Still, you’ll have to make your own choices before the show airs. Use our play-at-home ballot to cast your votes. And for your viewing parties, we have just the trick. An Oscar bingo sheet! Print copies, fill ‘em out and see who emerges as victor.

Then check back here for red carpet arrivals, show highlights, backstage goodness and analysis of what it all means.

Let’s have fun on Twitter: @ChristyKhoshaba