The first pandemic-era Oscars, held last April, provided a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Over three socially-distanced hours, we saw Chloé Zhao make history as the first woman of colour to win the Best Director prize, Frances McDormand howl at the moon, Yuh-Jung Youn flirt with Brad Pitt and an absent Anthony Hopkins be named Best Actor over the undisputed favourite, Chadwick Boseman. So, what could possibly be in store for us in 2022? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the biggest night in film.

When will the 2022 Oscars take place?

The 94th Academy Awards are set to be held on 27 March from 5pm PT.

Where will the 2022 Oscars be held?

Last year, the ceremony was held at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, but this time around it will return to its home since 2002: the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center.

What format will the 2022 Oscars take?

The exact format of the 2022 Oscars is not yet known, though the Academy has announced that Emmy-winner Glenn Weiss will be directing the show for the seventh consecutive year. Meanwhile, Girls Trip’s Will Packer will be the show’s producer.

Who is hosting the 2022 Oscars?

After three years of hostless ceremonies, Oscars broadcaster ABC has confirmed that the 2022 ceremony will have a host. The announcement was made on 11 January by Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals & ABC Entertainment, who went on to praise Will Packer. “Will really has his pulse on popular culture and entertainment,” he said. “I know he has a lot in store and we’ll have more details to share soon.” While recent masters of ceremonies have included Jimmy Kimmel, Chris Rock and Neil Patrick Harris, who this year’s host could be is anyone’s guess. On 21 January, Variety reported that the ceremony is likely to have multiple hosts. The publication added that Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph are being considered as a trio, as are Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Who is performing at the 2022 Oscars?

It’s still unclear whether performances will be live or pre-recorded (as they were last year), but the lineup could be the starriest in recent memory. On 21 December, the Academy revealed the shortlists of nominees for 10 categories including Best Original Song. It featured H.E.R., who took home the statuette last year for “Fight for You” from Judas and the Black Messiah and will now compete with “Automatic Woman” from Bruised; Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi for “Just Look Up” from Don’t Look Up; Kid Cudi and Jay-Z for “Guns Go Bang” from The Harder They Fall; Beyoncé for “Be Alive” from King Richard; and Billie Eilish for “No Time To Die”.

What’s the dress code for the 2022 Oscars?

Covid-19 permitting, the 2022 Oscars should have a full-scale red carpet so expect the usual parade of show stopping ball gowns, sequined capes and louche suiting.

How can I watch the 2022 Oscars in the UK?

Sky and Now usually broadcast the Oscars live in the UK, though the schedule for this year has yet to be confirmed.

When will the nominations for the 2022 Oscars be announced?

The 2022 Oscar nominations will be unveiled on 8 February.

Who is expected to be nominated for an Oscar in 2022?

Belfast and The Power of the Dog are widely expected to go head to head for Best Picture, with the likes of King Richard, Dune and West Side Story hot on their heels. Meanwhile, Jane Campion, Kenneth Branagh, Denis Villeneuve, Steven Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson are the most likely nominees for Best Director.

In the acting races, Will Smith, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Garfield and Denzel Washington seem to be shoo-ins for Best Actor, just as Olivia Colman, Kristen Stewart, Lady Gaga and Nicole Kidman do for Best Actress. The Best Supporting Actress category could feature Kirsten Dunst, Ariana DeBose and Caitríona Balfe, and in Best Supporting Actor, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Ciarán Hinds and Troy Kotsur might be the safest bets. Then there’s Best International Feature which could be awarded to Drive My Car, Flee, The Worst Person in the World, The Hand of God or A Hero.