'The Holdovers' actors Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph emerge as Oscars frontrunners

Monday, March 4, 2024
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The 2024 Academy Awards are Sunday, and there are already nominees leading the pack on the road to Oscar gold.

"The Holdovers" is nominated for Best Picture, and two of its stars are frontrunners to win. Here's why Paul Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph better have their speeches ready on Sunday.
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READ MORE: What will win at the Oscars? Check out these predictions

The movie tells the story of a morose prep school teacher stuck on campus over the holidays, along with a gifted but rebellious student and the head cook, who is consumed with grief over the loss of her only child. The unlikely trio bonds while emerging from loneliness and shattered dreams.

"The Holdovers" has been a hit with audiences and critics alike, and Giamatti and Randolph have already won top awards for playing damaged people with humor and heart.

RELATED: Can you predict the winners of The Academy Awards?

Giamatti was not only outstanding in "The Holdovers," but is also a sentimental favorite. ABC7 Chicago entertainment reporter Hosea Sanders believes if he wins it'll be because fellow actors believe it's his turn after a career of exceptional work.
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Randolph has already collected accolades for her stunning performance, but Sanders said he hopes on Oscars day she'll put away her notes and speak from the heart when she wins.

MORE COVERAGE: Professors remember Da'Vine Joy Randolph as 'huge talent'

March 10 is Oscar Sunday! Watch the 2024 Oscars live on ABC.

Red carpet coverage starts at 1 p.m. ET | 10 a.m. PT with "Countdown to Oscars: On The Red Carpet Live." At 4 p.m. ET | 1 p.m. PT, live coverage continues with "On The Red Carpet at the Oscars," hosted by George Pennacchio with Roshumba Williams, Leslie Lopez and Rachel Brown.



Watch all the action on the red carpet live on ABC, streaming live on OnTheRedCarpet.com and on the On the Red Carpet Facebook and YouTube pages.



The 96th Oscars, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, begins at 7 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. PT, an hour earlier than past years.

The Oscars are followed by an all-new episode of "Abbott Elementary."

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