Oscars Rite Will Break ‘Titanic’ Suspense
Will this be the night that “Titanic” sails away with a steamer trunk full of Oscars? Or will voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences pronounce the epic, special-effects-filled melodrama more of a box-office phenomenon than an artistic masterpiece?
We’ll find out when ABC airs the 70th Academy Awards at 6, hosted this year by Billy Crystal from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
“Titanic” leads the field with a record-tying 14 nominations. But expect a strong showing from critics’ favorite “L.A. Confidential” and inspirational “Good Will Hunting,” each with nine nominations.
They are joined by “The Full Monty” and “As Good As It Gets” as nominees for Best Picture.
ABC offers its traditional “Barbara Walters Special” at 8. Interviewed this time around were Will Smith and Oscar nominees Kim Basinger and Burt Reynolds.
Smith will raise a few eyebrows with comments on what he says it takes for young blacks to succeed.
“I think you should learn to speak English properly,” he tells Walters. “I’m uncomfortable with people not learning … specifically black people. I think it’s hugely important to be able to speak properly in order to effectively maneuver yourself through society.”
Basinger reveals that she was so shy as a child that her parents feared she was autistic. And as a model and actress, she suffered from anxiety attacks and agoraphobia.
Reynolds talks of his life after his messy divorce, bankruptcy and addiction to sleeping pills. What’s he most proud of now? Being a father.
Highlights
“Oscar De La Hoya’s Big Fight Night,” FOX at 6: Fox counterpunches the Oscars with Oscar and friends, taped from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
Yory Boy Campas defends his International Boxing Federation world junior-middleweight crown against top-ranked contender Anthony Stephens. The card also includes 1996 Summer Olympics star Floyd Mayweather (12-0, 100 KOs), female boxer Lucia Rijker (9-0, 8 KOs) and 330-pound Butterbean (35-1-1, 27 KOs).
“House Rules,” NBC at 8:30: After losing his job, Riley (Bradley White) tries to decide what to do with his severance pay. Casey (Maria Pitillo) plans a getaway to Mexico.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 8:30: The network airs back-to-back repeats.
First, Raymond (Ray Romano) discovers that his parents were once separated for a year and would have divorced but for a twist of fate. At 9, Jean Stapleton (“All in the Family”) guest-stars as Ray’s Aunt Alda, who arrives at a family funeral to renew a feud. (TV grids above were prepared before program change.)
“The Naked Truth,” NBC at 9:30: In a first-run episode, Nora (Tea Leoni) consults psychics who tell her that she’ll never find true love. But maybe someone could find it for her by fixing her up on New Year’s Eve.
“Cosby,” CBS at 9:30: Ruth (Phylicia Rashad) gives Hilton (Bill Cosby) tap dancing lessons as a birthday gift. However, Hilton secretly skips the classes.
He has to be fast on his feet when Ruth announces she’ll be attending the class recital. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Tribute to Monty Python,” HBO at 8: If you missed it Saturday, here’s another chance to hear from John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. Also featured is a tribute to the late Graham Chapman, who died in 1989.
The hour includes clips from the British comedy and “Python” movies. Robert Klein interviews the revered actor-comedians.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Denzel Washington, actress Joey Lauren Adams and music group Backstreet Boys. Repeat.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Samuel L. Jackson, actress Jennifer Jason Leigh and singer Linda Ronstadt. Repeat.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Rod Steiger.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: To be announced.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-comedian Dave Chappelle and baseball great Ted Williams. Repeat.