Final countdown underway in LA for the Oscars

STORY: This year's show, free of last year's pandemic restrictions, features a dark Western, "The Power of the Dog," battling feel-good deaf family drama "CODA" for the film industry's top honor.

The films are front-runners for the best picture trophy at a red-carpet Oscars ceremony promising a few plot twists. Among them: a win by either movie would mark a milestone by handing the statuette to a streaming service.

Netflix released "Power of the Dog" while "CODA" streamed on Apple TV+.

Comedians Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes will host, and it is the first time three women have guided the ceremony in its 94-year history. Beyonce and Billie Eilish will perform.

The ceremony will also feature a moment of support for Ukraine. Producers want the show to be celebratory but said they could not ignore the crisis there.