CNN and Variety Team Up for Extensive Oscars Coverage, Including AI Discussion Fallout

Following a viral town hall featuring Timothée Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey, CNN and Variety are expanding their partnership to deliver comprehensive coverage of the 98th Academy Awards. The collaboration will include live red carpet coverage, a post-ceremony after-show, and a pre-show documentary exploring the state of Hollywood.

Red Carpet and After-Show Details

CNN’s return to the Oscars red carpet – its first in nearly a decade – will be broadcast live on March 15, beginning at 4 p.m. ET. CNN correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister and Variety’s co-president and co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh will host, interviewing nominees and stars as they arrive at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

After the ceremony concludes, Wagmeister and Setoodeh will be joined by media personality Van Lathan for a live after-show. The after-show will feature special guests analyzing the night’s biggest surprises and snubs.

CNN Style Spin Room

Adding a fashion-focused element to the coverage, CNN contributor Cari Champion will host a “Style Spin Room” conversation with CNN Style’s Rachel Tashjian and Women’s Wear Daily style director Alex Badia. The segment, broadcast from New York City, will provide commentary on red carpet fashion trends and standout looks.

Continued Partnership and AI Concerns

This expanded coverage builds on the existing partnership between CNN and Variety, which previously included the “Actors on Actors” series and a town hall event with Chalamet and McConaughey. During that town hall, McConaughey predicted that AI actors would “infiltrate” the Oscars [1] and urged actors to trademark their likenesses to protect themselves. He stated, “It’s coming. It’s already here,” and emphasized the financial incentives driving the development of AI in the entertainment industry [1].

The potential impact of AI on the Oscars is a developing story, and the red carpet coverage may touch upon this issue, especially given McConaughey’s recent comments.

Pre-Show Documentary: “Hollywood and the Oscars: Still Golden?”

Leading up to the live coverage, CNN will air “Hollywood and the Oscars: Still Golden?” on March 14 at 10 p.m. ET. The documentary will be available on All Access.

Recent Controversy for Chalamet

Adding another layer to the Oscars narrative, Timothée Chalamet has recently faced backlash for comments made regarding ballet and opera, potentially impacting his Oscar chances [3] and [4]. Chalamet stated, “no one cares” about ballet or opera during the February town hall with McConaughey [4].

“This will be a must-watch night of programming for movie fans in search of elevated interviews and analysis about the Oscars,” said Setoodeh. Amy Entelis, executive VP of talent & content development at CNN Worldwide, added, “Returning to the Oscars red carpet together allows us to combine CNN’s global reach with Variety’s deep industry insight for live coverage of Hollywood’s biggest night.”