5 Mystifying Moments from the Moon Knight Press Conference

By Zach Johnson

Are you ready to embrace the chaos?

In Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight, an original live-action series debuting March 30 exclusively on Disney+, Oscar Isaac stars as Steven Grant, a benevolent Brit who works in a museum gift shop. He’s plagued by blackouts and mysterious memories of a life that is separate... and yet, somehow, eerily familiar. After an auspicious encounter, Steven discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with Marc Spector— former mercenary and avatar of Khonshu, Egyptian god of the moon and vengeance. As the two men’s enemies converge upon them, they must navigate their complex identities amid a deadly battle that’s playing out amongst the powerful gods of Egypt.

Ahead of the series premiere, Isaac joined co-stars Ethan Hawke and May Calamawy; directors Mohamed Diab and Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead; and executive producer Grant Curtis at a press conference moderated by Entertainment Weekly staffer Devan Coogan. Below are five highlights from the Q&A.

1. Oscar Isaac likes the challenge of playing two people who share one body...

Isaac has gone on many onscreen adventures, having previously played the titular villain in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) and starring as pilot Poe Dameron in three Star Wars films. Moon Knight, however, would turn out to be a whole different kind of adventure. “It seemed like there was a real opportunity to do something completely different—particularly in the MCU—to focus on the internal struggle of this character; to use Egyptian iconography, the Super Hero genre, and this language to talk about a real internal struggle that this person is having; and to create an indelible, unusual character, particularly with Steven Grant,” Isaac said. “Once I got a take on how I wanted to play Steven, I brought it to everyone, and they welcomed it with open arms. That’s how I knew I had incredible collaborators and it would be a creative adventure.”

2. ... but as it turns out, playing two people is harder than he imagined.

Isaac, who is also an executive producer, cast his brother, Michael Hernández, to be his stand-in during scenes in which Steven and Marc need to interact. “It’s the closest thing to me there is,” he explained. “He came in and he would play either Steven or Marc; he even did both accents! It was really helpful to have someone who’s not only a great actor, but who also shares my DNA to play off of. I didn’t anticipate how technically demanding it would be to show up and decide which character I was going to play first, then try to block that out, give my brother notes, do the scene, switch characters, and figure it out. One of the most fun things about acting is acting opposite somebody and letting something spontaneous happen. There wasn’t really an opportunity to do that [without Hernández].” Although Steven and Marc share the same body, Isaac found various ways to distinguish the characters. “Marvel has done an amazing job at combining action and comedy, and with Steven, there was a chance to do a different type of comedy,” Isaac said. “He’s somebody who doesn’t know he’s funny or that he’s being funny. That was really exciting. The counterpoint of that in Marc is that I was leaning into a bit of the stereotype of the tortured, dark vigilante guy, but what makes him so special is that he has this little Englishman living inside of him.”

3. Ethan Hawke approached his character as he would a riddle.

Just as Isaac was drawn to playing an “unusual” hero, Hawke was intrigued by the unique take on Steven and Marc’s antagonist, Arthur Harrow. “The histories of movies are paved with storytellers using mental illness as a building block for the villain,” Hawke explained. “There are countless stories of mentally ill villains, and we have a mentally ill hero—and that’s fascinating, because we’ve inverted the whole process... That was an interesting riddle for me to figure out.” Director Diab believed in “embracing his mental illness as a way to create an unreliable narrator,” Hawke added, “and once you’ve broken the prism of reality, everything that the audience sees is from a skewed point of view. That’s really interesting for the villain...”

4. May Calamawy spent a lot of time developing her character’s backstory.

Unlike Isaac and Hawke, Calamawy’s character, Layla El-Faouly, didn’t originate in the comics, meaning she got to fill in the blanks more freely. “I feel like I got to play the full gamut of a woman with her, because she’s strong, she’s for the people, and she fights for what she believes,” Calamawy said, “but she’s also really vulnerable and scared.” A relative newcomer to Hollywood, Calamawy added she learned a lot acting opposite Isaac. “He really understands [his job] at such a cellular level,” she said, “and when he would be each character, it was really two separate people. I could feel the energy.”

Hawke said his “favorite thing” about working with Calamaway was “watching her ask questions” and pushing to make Layla “a three-dimensional person in a male-driven story.” Calamaway said she felt supported whenever her co-stars would “fight for Layla,” adding that she was encouraged to look inward and at her own experiences in the Middle East. “The more I ended up taking from myself, the easier it became, because I wanted to find a story that would work with someone who had a similar conditioning, who would deal with situations a certain way,” she said. “What would that look like for someone raised there versus someone raised in the West? It was confronting in many ways, but when I felt OK to take that space, I felt it happened more fluidly, absolutely.”

5. Ethan Hawke drew inspiration from the real-life sets.

Filming on location added authenticity to the project, according to Hawke. “I loved getting to be in the deserts of Jordan, being on the same location where they shot Lawrence of Arabia,” he said. “One of the things that surprised me about the Marvel Universe is that it’s fun acting in front of a lot of green screens. I come from a theater training, so I enjoyed pretending something was there. But then when you’re really in the desert, it’s so beautiful. I felt a connection to the cinema history of the desert, and the people in Jordan treated us so well. It elevated our collective imagination, and I think it broadened the scope of the show.” Hawke praised Diab, in particular, for ensuring the Egyptian culture is portrayed accurately in Moon Knight. “The way his brain works musically, it’s a different rhythm than the one I’ve grown up with,” he said. “It was wonderful how he brought in other Egyptian actors, and the way he thought about approaching scenes had a unique point of view. That was more valuable to us as performers than something we could learn in a textbook. I felt so safe with Mohamed.”

Stream Moon Knight on Disney+

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge

As a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you know your magic! This week put your Disneyland knowledge to the test and see if you are the ultimate Disney fan!

Which beloved Disney character made an appearance at Disneyland’s Mickey’s Soundsational Parade as a tribute to Disney Legend Jimmy Macdonald?

Correct! Wrong!

Evinrude, from Walt Disney’s The Rescuers, made a special appearance on Tiana’s rowboat in Mickey’s Soundsational Parade to honor Disney Legend Jimmy Macdonald. Macdonald contributed to the Disney legacy with his talents for sound effects and voice acting (including voicing Mickey Mouse); in 1977, he came out of retirement to provide sounds for the feisty dragonfly Evinrude.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge
You are the Ultimate Disney Fan!
Looks like you’re a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Thursday. We’ll see you next Thursday for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!
Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Thursday! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

The Moon and Stars Align at Moon Knight’s Launch Event

By Zach Johnson

The cast and crew of Moon Knight were over the moon last night in Hollywood!

To celebrate the series, actors Oscar Isaac, Ethan Hawke, and May Calamawy walked down the red carpet at the special launch event for Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight, an original series streaming exclusively on Disney+ beginning March 30, 2022. Joining them at the El Capitan Theatre were cast members Antonia Salib, Ann Akinjirin, David Ganly, Sofia Danu, Karim El Hakim, Fernanda Andrade, Shaun Scott, Rey Lucas, and Díana Bermudez; directors Mohamed Diab, Justin Benson, and Aaron Moorhead; head writer Jeremy Slater; executive producers Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, and Grant Curtis; and dozens of stars from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), from David Dastmalchian to Xochitl Gomez!

Speaking to D23 on the press line, Diab said his priority was to “dig deep” into each character and understand what makes them tick. “Do you really care if you saw the biggest action sequence if you don’t care about the character? I don’t,” Diab said. “That was my challenge, Oscar’s challenge, Ethan’s challenge, and May’s challenge.”

After production wrapped last year, the cast and crew were eager to reunite on the red carpet. “You dream about these moments, about joining this family,” said Ganly, who plays Billy. “Walking in here this evening, the enthusiasm from the fans dressed up in costumes and all of the well-wishing makes you realize what you’re part of. This is big!”

Moon Knight follows Steven Grant (Isaac), a mild-mannered gift-shop employee, who becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life. Steven discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector (Isaac). As their enemies converge upon them, they must navigate their complex identities while thrust into a deadly battle among the most powerful gods of Egypt. Writer Michael Kastelein said Moon Knight has elements that evoke “the fun of ’80s globe-trotting movies,” which makes for a “unique, exciting contribution to the MCU.”

Akinjirin, who plays Bobby, described the series as “dark, exciting, and unexpected.” Salib, who plays Taweret, shares her co-star’s perspective on Moon Knight’s tone, adding, “It’s unlike anything I’ve seen as a Marvel fan. You can expect all the usual drama and action, but we’ve also got a lot of darker themes. We’re really pushing the boat out, in terms of the supernatural. I play an ancient Egyptian goddess, and all of that world is so cool. I think [the series] will give fans a lot of different things to enjoy.”

Andrade, who plays Wendy Spector, confessed to D23 that it’s a “dream come true” to be part of the MCU, but stopped short of potentially spoiling anything about her role. “I can’t tell you anything!” Andrade said with a wink. “You’ll just have to wait and see!”

Fortunately, Hawke was able to share more insight into his character. “What makes Arthur Harrow a dangerous man is his certitude,” he told D23. “When you know what’s right and what’s wrong and who’s a good person and who’s a bad person, it gives you immense authority and courage of [your] convictions. That’s a dangerous person.” Being part of a series that introduces a new Super Hero to the MCU was a real thrill for Hawke, who said, “Myth and legend are how we express ourselves and make sense of the universe. To have a mentally ill hero is really interesting. His journey as a hero is to heal himself, to heal his own mind—and that’s a good message to put into the world.”

Stream Moon Knight on Disney+

Meet the Chaotic Cast of Characters in Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight, a Disney+ limited series, is set to debut next week, and we can’t wait to uncover the mysteries the series has in store. Following mild-mannered gift shop employee Stephen Grant, Moon Knight explores his struggles with dissociative identity disorder—and the discovery that shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector! While we can’t yet delve into all the action this series promises to deliver, the one mystery we can solve right now is uncovering just who the major characters are in this thrilling new series:

Steven Grant/Marc Spector/Moon Knight (Oscar Isaac)
Nonviolent vegetarian Steven Grant is a socially awkward gift shop employee just trying his best to cope with his mental health struggles—a challenge enough as an average person, but twice as tricky when he shares his body with someone who is his opposite in every way: Marc Spector.

Marc Spector is a former Marine and CIA operative-turned-mercenary (we bet he’s not a vegetarian, either) acting as the earthly avatar of the Egyptian moon god, Khonshu. Sometimes he’s a hero, but other times he’s much more villainous—it’s all up to Khonshu. One thing’s for certain: he is much better at socializing than Steven.

Sharing a same body means that sometimes Steven’s and Marc’s lives collide—and if they share a body, that means Steven is also Khonshu’s avatar, acting under the alter ego of Mr. Knight… Not to be confused with Marc’s Super Hero persona, Moon Knight!

Khonshu (voiced by F. Murray Abraham)
Okay, so who is this Khonshu guy and why does he keep turning people into Super Heroes? As the Egyptian god of the moon and the self-appointed god of vengeance, he’s spent centuries doling out divine justice, consequently becoming outcast amongst the other gods—which means he needs his earthly avatar, Marc Spector, now more than ever.

Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke)
The cult-like leader Arthur Harrow has ambitiously picked a literal god, Khonshu, as his nemesis. He’s out for vengeance—and he’s no stranger to the world of gods and avatars. Marc/Steven will have to face off against this skilled and clever adversary as Harrow wages a war against Khonshu and Moon Knight.

Layla El-Faouly (May Calamawy)
Where there’s an adventure with ancient gods and monsters, there’s going to be a determined archeologist nearby ready to dive into the mystery. Layla El-Faouly is that archeologist, an adventurer caught up in the chaos and danger of Marc Spector’s life. While the two of them don’t always see eye-to-eye, it is up to them to work together to survive the dangerous world they are entombed in.

Moon Knight premieres on Disney+ on March 30.

Stream Moon Knight on Disney+

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Doc McStuffins to Celebrate Its 10th Anniversary

By Victoria Hunt

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since the beloved Disney Junior series Doc McStuffins first debuted… On March 23, 2012, viewers were introduced to Doc—a six-year-old girl who wants to be a doctor just like her mom, so she practices on (and can speak to!) her adorable stuffed animals. Not only is the show entertaining (with the kind of incredible storytelling Disney fans know and love), but it also models compassion and good health for kids aged 2 to 7… all while having a lasting impact on how children see themselves and their future.

To celebrate a decade of this influential and empowering series, D23 compiled 10 fun facts about the good Doc:

  1. In 2013, a group of Black female physicians started a movement called “We are Doc McStuffins,” now known as the Artemis Medical Society. It is dedicated to changing the face of medicine and providing the foundation to create a diverse physician workforce.
  2. Michelle Obama, an outspoken fan of the show, guest starred as herself in an episode—giving Doc a tour of the White House. The former first lady even hosted a Doc McStuffins screening at the White House for military families on Veterans Day 2014.
  3. At the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Disney Junior worked with doctors and scientists to create a virtual reality experience for children undergoing surgeries. Doc McStuffins: Doctor for a Day invites children to virtually sew up stuffed animals and perform medical procedures through VR to help alleviate anxiety. According to a study performed by CHLA, 97% of children who played the game reported feeling more comfortable in the hospital.
  4. A Doc McStuffins traveling exhibit has been making its way through museums around the country, and has now found its way back to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The exhibit shows children how to develop healthy habits and how to care for others, which also helps to reduce fear of the doctor’s office.
  5. The name “Doc McStuffins” hasn’t only been heard on Disney Junior—it even made its way to several other popular TV shows, including Parks and Recreation, in which the character Ron Swanson once said, “There is no quiet. There is only Doc McStuffins.” Fans found the quote so funny, it quickly became a viral Internet meme. Doc’s also been mentioned on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Grey’s Anatomy.
  6. Stephen Colbert seems to be well-acquainted with Doc McStuffins as well; the late-night host has mentioned her several times on his show, including during his opening monologues.
  7. You know you’ve made it when you have become a Jeopardy! answer. In 2020, Alex Trebek showed his players an image of Doc with the caption, “This animated girl has a doctor’s bag—and your kids can have a toy version of it.”
  8. Eight-year-old Noa Lewis was initially assigned a school project on Amelia Earhart—but after an episode of Doc McStuffins taught her about Bessie Coleman, the first African American female pilot, Lewis requested to do the project on Coleman instead. The little girl, like Doc, became an inspiration herself and landed on ABC’s Good Morning America… and the National Aviation Hall of Fame even flew her out to meet Coleman’s great-niece!
  9. Disney and Laya DeLeon Hayes, the voice of Doc McStuffins, have released a new song to celebrate a decade with our favorite toy doctor. The tune, “The Doc is 10,” debuted on March 18 and you can listen to it on all major streaming platforms.
  10. Mark those calendars: Disney Junior is hosting a Doc McStuffins marathon on Wednesday, March 23, in addition to airing episodes of the series throughout the entire month of March!

Everything You Need to Know About The Oscars® on ABC

By Zach Johnson

Hollywood’s biggest night is almost here!

Before ABC rolls out the red carpet for The Oscars® on Sunday, March 27, we’ve created a guide to what you need to know. It covers everything from who’s hosting and presenting to how to watch the ceremony (and the pre- and post-shows). This year’s theme is Movie Lovers Unite—and we hope you join us in watching the show when ABC broadcasts the 94th Academy Awards® live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2022 Oscars:

How is Disney celebrating Oscars week?
Over the weekend, ABC broadcast Step Into…The Movies with Derek and Julianne Hough, in which the titular duo recreated some of the most legendary cinematic performances alongside special guests such as Kevin Bacon, Ariana Debose, Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr., and John Stamos. The special is available to stream on Hulu, meaning you can watch it anywhere, any time. You might even pick up a few steps!

Throughout the week, Good Morning America will preview Hollywood’s biggest night. Then, on Friday, March 25, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes will anchor GMA3 from the Oscars red carpet, where they will introduce the ceremony’s official trophy presenters.

Airing Friday, March 25, at 9 a.m. ET/PT, Live’s Pre-Oscar Show will feature Adrien Brody and Sandy Kenyon and include special videos of A-list celebs sharing their best Oscars memories and moments—including some from this year’s nominated hopefuls!

Hosted by Tamron Hall, Life Is Shorts: Oscar 2022 celebrates the magic of animation and features three Oscar-winning or -nominated shorts from Disney and Pixar: Bao, Burrow, and Lou. The special presentation, produced by Localish, will debut Friday, March 25, on Disney Channel at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, then on Disney XD at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Through Oscar Sunday, join FXM and FXM Retro as they celebrate six decades of Academy Award nominees and winners, featuring titles such as All About Eve (1950) and The Shape of Water (2017)—and everything in between. The FX Academy Awards Movie Marathon will broadcast past winners, including Jojo Rabbit and The Martian; tune in Friday at 8 a.m. ET/PT, Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT, and Sunday at 7 a.m. PT. FXX will air The Simpsons Academy Awards Marathon starting at 7 a.m. ET/PT Sunday.

How and when can I watch the Oscars pre-shows?
ABC News will present not one but two live pre-shows on Oscars Sunday, starting with the three-hour ABC broadcast of On the Red Carpet Live! Countdown to the Oscars at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. (It will also stream on ABC News Live at 1:30 ET/10:30 a.m. PT.) Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes will host the broadcast live from the red carpet at Hollywood’s Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, which will feature interviews with Oscars hosts and nominees, highlights of the nominees’ past performances, and so much more. ABC News’ Chris Connelly, Kelley Carter, and Will Ganss will appear during the broadcast, as will Variety’s Clayton Davis and Elizabeth Wagmeister and celebrity stylist Joe Zee.

On the Red Carpet at the Oscars 2022 will present a live, star-studded, and fan-fueled pre-show on Sunday, March 27, at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. The red carpet event will air in 84 markets and across 200 territories worldwide. The star-studded show, hosted by ABC7 Los Angeles’ George Pennacchio and featuring ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia’s Alicia Vitarelli and ABC7/WABC-TV New York’s Sandy Kenyon, will also stream online. Nicky Hilton and Roshumba Williams will join ABC7 meteorologist Leslie Lopez in presenting a closer look at this year’s designs, trends, and fashion from the red carpet.

ABC News Live Presents…On the Red Carpet Live! Countdown to the Oscars will stream for two hours on ABC News’ flagship streaming network, ABC News Live, at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. The pre-show will feature live red carpet interviews with celebrities, prerecorded interviews with nominees, real-time fashion reports, and more.

Actors Vanessa Hudgens and Terrence J and fashion designer Brandon Maxwell will host The Oscars Red Carpet Show, the official lead-in to the 94th Oscars, at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on ABC. The 90-minute special will highlight Oscar nominees, performers, and presenters, and give fans around the world an insider’s look at Hollywood’s biggest night. The show will feature a special appearance by DJ M.O.S.

How do I play Oscars Pick ’Em?
There’s still time to predict the winners! Through Sunday, March 27, at 4 p.m. PT, you can play for free on ESPN and compete for fun prizes. (Click here for the official rules.)

How can I watch the Oscars?
The awards ceremony will be held Sunday, March 27, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and in more than 200 territories worldwide. You can stream the show if you subscribe to Hulu + Live TV.

ABC News Radio will also feature reporting by entertainment correspondent Jason Nathanson, who will interview nominees and provide in-depth live backstage coverage.

Who are the nominees?
Films from across The Walt Disney Company combined to earn 23 Academy Award nominations. West Side Story leads with seven, followed by Nightmare Alley with five; Encanto with three; Cruella and The Eyes of Tammy Faye with two each; and Free Guy, Luca, Raya and The Last Dragon, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) with one apiece. For a complete look at the 2022 nominees, please visit the Oscars website.

Who are the Oscars hosts?
As previously announced, Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes will share hosting responsibilities. This will mark the first time hosting the ceremony for each of them. “I feel really blessed because I have two incredible co-hosts,” Hall says. “What’s been so fun thus far is being able to collaborate and bounce ideas [off of each other].”

Sykes hopes “something crazy” will happen during the ceremony, saying, “I think that’s what keeps it exciting. Be prepared to see something different. Just be open! Just have fun!” Unsurprisingly, Schumer shares Sykes’ sentiment, saying, “I like the unpredictable. The most interesting moments happen when things go wrong, so that’s what I’m most looking forward to that night. I’m going to really prepare and work on my jokes with Wanda and Regina, but the off the cuff stuff? There’s nothing like it.”

Who are the Oscars presenters?
The all-star lineup taking the stage includes Halle Bailey, Stephanie Beatriz, Josh Brolin, Ruth E. Carter, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kevin Costner, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jacob Elordi, Jennifer Garner, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tiffany Haddish, Woody Harrelson, Tony Hawk, H.E.R., Anthony Hopkins, Samuel L. Jackson, Lily James, Daniel Kaluuya, DJ Khaled, Zoë Kravitz, Mila Kunis, Lady Gaga, John Leguizamo, Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Shawn Mendes, Jason Momoa, Bill Murray, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Rosie Perez, Tyler Perry, Chris Rock, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jill Scott, Naomi Scott, J.K. Simmons, Kelly Slater, Wesley Snipes, Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Shaun White, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Yuh-Jung Youn, and Rachel Zegler.

Who are the Oscars performers?
Four of this year’s five nominated songs will be featured during the telecast: King Richard’s “Be Alive,” performed by Beyoncé; Encanto’s “Dos Oruguitas,” performed by Sebastián Yatra; No Time to Die’s “No Time to Die,” performed by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS; and Four Good Days’ Somehow You Do,” performed by Reba McEntire. The Academy invited Van Morrison to perform his nominated song, Belfast’s “Down to Joy,” during the show, but he is unable to attend the Oscars due to his tour schedule.

Encanto cast members Adassa, Beatriz, Mauro Castillo, Carolina Gaitan, and Diane Guerrero, along with Becky G and Luis Fonsi, will also sing “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” marking the first live performance of the song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Oscars’ music director, Adam Blackstone, will lead an all-star band that includes blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, percussionist and singer Sheila E., and pianist Robert Glasper. Joining them during the show will be a live orchestra and DJ D-Nice, the latter of whom will also perform during the Governors Ball, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official post-Oscars celebration. The Samples, the vocal group led by Jason White, will also be on the lineup. The producers will continue to announce musical guests and performances in the lead-up to the show.

Who makes up the Oscars creative team?
Emmy® Award–nominated producer Will Packer will produce the Oscars, marking his first involvement with the ceremony. “The power, the beauty, the romance of the imagery in movies has always attracted me,” he says. “I’m fully embracing the challenge of bringing an ode to one of the most iconic mediums in the world to life.”

Two-time Emmy-winner Glenn Weiss will direct the Oscars for the seventh time since 2016. Additional returning talent includes supervising producer Rob Paine; production designer and creative director David Korins; lighting designer Robert Dickinson; talent producer Taryn Hurd; head writer Jon Macks; and writers Dave Boonem, Mitch Marchand, Agathe Panaretos, and Chuck Sklar. New to the team are music director Adam Blackstone and writers Dana Eagle, Suli McCullough, and Danielle Schneider.

How can I watch Oscars post-show coverage?
On the Red Carpet After the Awards (9 p.m. PT) and On the Red Carpet After Dark (11:35 p.m. PT)—both hosted by Pennacchio—will recap the awards, fashion, and parties after the ceremony; correspondent Karl Schmid will broadcast from the Vanity Fair party, and ABC7’s Christiane Cordero will be live at the Elton John Foundation Gala. Pennacchio will return to host On the Red Carpet After the Awards at 7 a.m. PT on Monday, March 28. He will joined by ABC7’s Brandi Hitt and Leslie Lopez, 6abc’s Alicia Vitarelli, and Williams. All three post-shows will be available to stream online.

Good Morning America will have full coverage of the Oscars on Monday, March 28, starting at 7 a.m. ET/PT on ABC, featuring backstage interviews from Sunday’s show.

The After Oscar Show edition of Live with Ryan and Kelly will follow at 9 a.m. ET/PT, with Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa celebrating iconic characters and films, from The Eyes of Tammy Faye’s Tammy Faye Bakker to Spider-Man: No Way Home’s Spider-Man. Ripa and Seacrest will score the first winners’ interviews as they walk offstage, while Maria Menounos will interview stars on the red carpet. Later, Carson Kressley and Eva Chen will deconstruct all of the night’s fabulous looks with Ripa and Seacrest. Returning this year is Live’s popular Predict the Winners Ballot Contest. One entrant with the most correct answers will win a grand prize of $10,000. In addition, all viewers who fill out a ballot will be entered to win $5,000! (Click here to read the official rules.)

Later that afternoon, Robach and Holmes will anchor GMA3 from Los Angeles’ Academy Museum. They will give a special surprise to a movie fan and frontline worker. Following the Oscars, ABC Audio’s entertainment podcast Close Up, hosted by Carter, will feature a roundtable discussion with Hollywood insiders who attended the show who will share behind-the-scenes stories and discuss memorable red carpet moments.

Enjoy “Friends of the Festival” Events During the 2022 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

Great news for foodies this spring: At the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort, additional “friends of the festival” events are available to the public—furthering the tasty fun of the 2022 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival! These includes food/beverage education and tasting seminars featuring Golden Road Brewing, Peltzer Family Cellars, and Sake from Nova Brewing Co. at GCH Craftsman Bar at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, as well as a Mixology Seminar at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and an outdoor Winemaker reception (with culinary action stations) featuring Silver Oak and Twomey Wines at the Rose Court Garden, both at the Disneyland® Hotel.

Events each include a commemorative gift!

Dates:

  • March 22 – Education & Tasting Seminar w/Golden Road Brewery (beer) @ GCH Craftsman Bar

($95 per person, not including tax and gratuity)

  • March 29 – Education & Tasting Seminar w/Peltzer Family Cellars (wine) @ GCH Craftsman Bar

($95 per person, not including tax and gratuity)

  • April 6 – Winemaker Reception w/Silver Oak/Twomey @ Rose Court Garden at Disneyland Hotel

($275 per person, not including tax and  gratuity)

  • April 12 – Mixology Seminar at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

($75 per person, not including tax and gratuity)

  • April 19 – Education & Tasting Seminar w/Nova Brewing Co. (sake) @ GCH Craftsman Bar

($95 per person, not including tax and gratuity)

Education and Tasting Seminars—GCH Craftsman Bar, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

Learn from beverage industry experts in these 45-minute Beverage Education and Tasting Seminars. Each experience will include a guided tasting selected by the presenter and paired with upscale hors d’oeuvres. Seminars also include a special commemorative gift. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; a valid photo ID is required.

Select Tuesdays | 11 am
$95.00 per person, per seminar (not including tax and gratuity)
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to each seminar at GCH Craftsman Bar.
Tuesday, March 22 – Golden Road Brewing (Beer)
Tuesday, March 29 – Peltzer Family Cellars (Wine)
Tuesday, April 19 – Nova Brewing Co. (Sake)

Mixology Seminar—Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Disneyland® Hotel
Learn from expert Trader Sam’s bartenders in this 45-minute Mixology Seminar. The seminar includes guided instructions for crafting a cocktail and the opportunity to make your own. Includes a special commemorative gift. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; a valid photo ID is required.

Tuesday, April 12 | 10 am
$75.00 per person, not including tax and gratuity

Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to the seminar at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.

Winemaker Reception—Rose Court Garden, Disneyland® Hotel
Experience culinary action stations paired with the acclaimed wines of Silver Oak and Twomey. Director of Winemaking, Nate Weis, joins the Disneyland® Hotel Culinary Team for an evening of wine education and interactive small plate delights. Includes a special commemorative gift. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; a valid photo ID is required.

Wednesday, April 6 | 6pm
$275.00, not including tax and gratuity
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to the reception at Rose Court Garden.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Education and Tasting Seminars include complimentary 3-hour self-parking validation at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa.
  • Mixology Seminar includes complimentary 3-hour self-parking validation at the Disneyland® Hotel.
  • Winemaker Reception includes complimentary 5-hour self-parking or valet parking validation at the Disneyland® Hotel.
  • Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; a valid photo ID is required.
  • Guest might be seated with mixed parties at the same table.
  • Space is limited and advance reservations are recommended. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.
  • Full payment is due at time of booking. Once booked, there are no cancellations, exchanges, or refunds.
  • No discounts apply.
  • Events and event elements and information, including, without limitation, presenters, schedules, pricing, menus, and hours are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.
  • Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland® Resort including updates on required face coverings.

5 Delightful Details from the Better Nate than Ever Press Conference

By Courtney Potter

In Disney’s musical comedy Better Nate Than Ever, 13-year-old Nate Foster (Rueby Wood) has one mega-huge goal: to be on Broadway. There’s only one problem… He can’t even land a part in his Philadelphia middle school’s play! But when his parents (Norbert Leo Butz and Michelle Federer) leave town and his seemingly less-than-supportive older brother Anthony (Joshua Bassett) heads off to a track meet, Nate and his best friend Libby (Aria Brooks) sneak off to the Big Apple for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove everyone wrong. A chance encounter with his long-lost Aunt Heidi (Emmy® winner Lisa Kudrow) turns Nate’s journey upside-down—and together they must learn that life’s greatest adventures are only as big as your dreams.

Written and directed by High School Musical: The Musical: The Series creator/executive producer Tim Federle, based on his acclaimed novel of the same name, Better Nate Than Ever premieres on the Disney+ “stage” in just a few weeks’ time. Recently, members of the film’s cast joined Federle for a joyful virtual press conference where they shared some memorable, meaningful anecdotes.

Brooks on what she loves most about her character Libby, Nate’s BFF:
“Libby’s goals in life are very different than mine,” she explains. “She loves to be behind the scenes. That’s not me, personally,” Brooks adds with a laugh. “So tapping into that was something different—but at the same time, I won’t say it was too difficult either, because the way she does things is [still] very similar to how I would do things. I thought it was really inspiring how Tim wrote the film—because usually in those coming-of-age movies, it’s the main character trying to figure themself out, and then the sidekick or the best friend knows what they want. And I thought it was interesting that Nate knew what he wanted, but Libby didn’t—so it flipped [that idea], and I thought it was a really cool take on it… I love Libby. I loved getting to play her!”

Bassett recalls why he wanted to be involved in the project from the jump—and his memories of living in NYC for the first time during filming:
“When we were shooting season two of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Tim pulled me aside and he was like, ‘Hey, we’re making this movie, and I’d love for you to consider the role of Anthony. Can I send you the script?’,” the actor remembers. “And I said, ‘Absolutely.’ … I literally sat down in a coffee shop and in one go, I didn’t get up—I just read the whole thing. I picked up the phone immediately and I was like, ‘Tim, how can I be a part of this film? I need to be a part of this.’

“It was pretty cool shooting in New York,” he continues, “It was my first time living there. I remember wrapping [a scene] on 42nd Street and saying, ‘You know what? I think I’m just gonna walk home.’ And the crew were like, ‘Are you sure? It’s 30 blocks back to your hotel.’ I’m said, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’m gonna walk!’ Being in the city, being with this cast every day, it really was an adventure. We always had so much fun.”

Wood explains why seeing someone like Nate on screen is so important… and how thrilling it is to be making his big-screen debut in a musical comedy:
“I think Nate is a force,” the newcomer says. “He wants to be himself—and the whole story is about him learning just how to do that; learning about who he really is. That’s really magical and really important. I was very lucky to grow up with an amazing support system—I had the most loving group of people around me, and there’s a lot of kids and people out there who don’t have that, who feel like they don’t fit in. And I hope that people can see this movie and watch Nate and really feel like they belong and they have a place in the world.

“I love theater and that’s where my heart is,” he adds. “And being able to make my movie debut in a project that’s about Broadway is just so cool—because not only can I enter this world of Hollywood [filmmaking], but I can also stay with the singing, the dancing, the extravagance, the glamour. I thought it was so amazing and so perfect!”

Kudrow on what made this experience so unique—and so special:
“Set life was fantastic,” the iconic Friends star explains. “I mean, it was the best life. In between shooting, we were sitting in the same room—which I love with all my heart. Especially when it’s nice people. I just loved every step of the way with this project. Reading the script without even putting it down to do something else—it was so perfectly written, and the story just made me think, ‘I wanna be a part of this. This is joy; this is about so many good things that I wanna be a part of.’ And then Tim just knows what he wants and can be generous enough to let everyone do what they do—and you can trust when he says, ‘I’ve got it.’ I’d think, ‘Really? That was two takes.’ He’d say, ‘No, I’ve got it!’ He was so nurturing, and everyone was just so nice. It was really the perfect work environment, I have to say.”

Federle on how his own life informs the film, and what he hopes audiences take away:
“I would take a Greyhound bus after school, at night—I don’t know why my parents let me do this—and then I would go to an audition the next morning,” the writer/director explains. “It’d be a 10-hour bus trip [from Pittsburgh] to New York City. I’d walk to the audition—in one instance, I auditioned for Radio City; I got cut—and I walked right back to Port Authority and took the bus home. And it was ‘the dream’; I was never happier than when I was making like, a dollar a week [performing] because I was surrounded by like-minded people. And that means so much more than the metrics of ‘follows’ and comments and likes and money. It’s not about any of that. It’s about coming together with a group of people, of like-minded souls, to make something. And I think I had that dream from the time I was a teenager crashing auditions—unsuccessfully, by the way,” he adds, chuckling.

“I’m just a ‘theater kid’ from Pittsburgh who dreamed of getting out of my hometown and dancing on Broadway,” he continues. “I never really dreamed of turning that into a movie. And I think the amazing thing about growing up is—it never stops happening, if you surround yourself with people who allow you to dream. This cast brought the movie to life in a way I could only imagine, and I can’t wait for audiences to see it… it’s a dream come true.”

See Disney’s Better Nate Than Ever on Disney+ beginning Friday, April 1!

QUIZ: Can You Finish the Lyrics to These Encanto Songs?

Attention all musical lovers: how confident are you in your ability to finish the lyrics of Walt Disney Animation Studio’ newest fan favorite Encanto? This Colombian-inspired film has stolen the hearts of Disney fans of all ages with its heartwarming tale and catchy tunes. For those of you who have the entire movie’s soundtrack memorized, test your knowledge with this quiz!

“Let's be clear, Abuela runs this show, whoa / She led us here so many years ago, and every year ____________.”

Correct! Wrong!

“A seven-foot frame / Rats along his back / When he calls your name, _______.”

Correct! Wrong!

"Dos oruguitas desorientadas / En dos capullos, ____________.”

Correct! Wrong!

“Under the surface, I hide my nerves and it worsens, _____________.”

Correct! Wrong!

“I can't heal what's broken / Can't control the morning rain ____________.”

Correct! Wrong!

“I may not be as strong but I’m getting wiser / Yeah, _________.”

Correct! Wrong!

QUIZ: Can You Finish the Lyrics to These Encanto Songs?

You may need to rewatch Encanto a few more times. Grab some popcorn and hop onto Disney+ to brush up on your knowledge. Just like Mirabel learned, practice makes perfect!

Chances are you have these songs stuck in your head right now! You may not have gotten all of them correct, but we are still impressed. Abuela Alma would approve.

Even Bruno couldn’t see this one coming. We bet you play Encanto’s soundtrack in the car, in the shower, and everywhere in between. You probably even have the dance moves down!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

Don’t miss plenty of “Good 4 U” content coming to broadcast TV and Disney+ this week! On Tuesday, it’s Open House night on Abbott Elementary, and not everyone is taking the event seriously; later that evening, see if black-ish’s Dre chooses a work event over a family function in a brand-new episode. Travel through alternate timelines by watching the new French original series Parallels, debuting all episodes Wednesday. Spring into the new season with the premiere of The Wonderful Spring of Mickey Mouse on Friday, followed by the highly anticipated launch of OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) that same day.

Abbott Elementary—Tuesday, March 22, at 9 p.m. ET, on ABC
Your favorite teachers are back! It’s Open House night at Abbott Elementary and it seems Janine (Quinta Brunson) is the only one preparing for event; while she’s stressing out about meeting the mother of her struggling student, the rest of the faculty is unbothered. Meanwhile, Gregory (Tyler James Williams) is shocked when he finds out how Ava (Janelle James) was chosen as the school’s next principal. Plus, a visit from Barbara’s daughter stirs up trouble.

black-ish—Tuesday, March 22, at 9:30 p.m. ET, on ABC
Dre (Anthony Anderson) is nominated for an Ad World Award, but the event conflicts with an important family function. Will he choose career over family? Olivia (Katlyn Nichol) returns from Yale to visit Junior (Marcus Scribner), and he’s pulling out all the stops with a full day of Los Angeles activities.

Parallels—Wednesday, March 23, on Disney+
In the French original series, the lives of four teenage friends are turned upside down when a mysterious event separates the group into different timelines. The friends will do anything to understand what has happened and try to get back to their former lives. Will they succeed? All six episodes will be available to stream on Disney+ worldwide!

The Wonderful Spring of Mickey Mouse—Friday, March 25, on Disney+
Oh boy! Spring is here and Mickey Mouse and his friends are eager to explore all that the season has to offer in the second installment of The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse. The extended special fittingly looks at spring through the lens of a nature documentary.

OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)—Friday, March 25, on Disney+
Get ready to rock, because Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated original film is here! The Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter takes a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her triple-platinum Geffen Records debut album SOUR, to Los Angeles. Along the way, she recounts the memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. Follow Rodrigo’s journey through intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage!