Robert Duvall, best supporting actor nominee for his role in "The Judge," and his wife Luciana Pedraza arrive at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
(Reuters) - Two small movies headed to a showdown for the biggest of all film prizes at the 87th Academy Awards on Sunday, in an evening ceremony likely to honor veteran actors along with feats of filmmaking.
Show business satire "Birdman" and the coming-of-age tale "Boyhood" are widely considered favorites in the battle for best picture and best director Oscars. But in one of the least predictable years in recent memory, the races were too close to call and there was room for upsets.
Rain stopped in time for the most famous of red carpets, where Hollywood's A-list celebrities and nominees arrived bedecked in black tie and glamorous gowns for a night steeped in Hollywood lore.
Rosamund Pike, best actress nominee for her role in "Gone Girl," poses on the red carpet as she arrives at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
by david.lucas2/23/2015 12:22:03 AM
"50 Shades of Grey" actress Dakota Johnson arrives with her mother Melanie Griffith (R) at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
by david.lucas2/23/2015 12:24:26 AM
Actress Naomi Watts arrives on the red carpet at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
The cast and crew from best animated feature film nominee "BIG HERO 6" pose together at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Eddie Redmayne, best actor nominee for his role in "The Theory of Everything," and his wife Hannah Bagshawe, wearing a wearing Sarah Burton gown, arrive at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Julianne Moore, best actress nominee for her role in "Still Alice," wears a cream and metallic Chanel gown as she arrives at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
by david.lucas2/23/2015 12:48:30 AM
Actress Lupita Nyong'o wears a Calvin Klein gown and Chopard diamonds as she arrives at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Actress Cate Blanchett wears a Maison Margiela gown as she arrives at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
J.K. Simmons, best supporting actor nominee for his role in "Whiplash," and his wife Michelle Schumacher arrive at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Actress Chloe Grace Moretz wears a Miu Miu gown as she arrives at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
by david.lucas2/23/2015 1:12:39 AM
Actrees Marion Cotillard, best actress nominee for her role in "Two Days, one Night" arrives at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
by david.lucas2/23/2015 1:30:48 AM
Actor Steve Carell and his wife Nancy arrive at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson