Apps: Oscars on the little screen
An Oscar statue is set up at an entrance to the Kodak Theatre where the 84th Academy Awards ceremony will occur on Sunday. (Feb. 25, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
The Academy Awards are upon us, and it sure seems like more and more of us are using apps designed for small screens to enjoy and enhance movies made for the big screen. Whether you are looking to learn more about all of the nominees through videos and biographies or you like to dish about what your favorite actress or actor is wearing on the red carpet, or you want to bet on winners with friends, we have some mobile app recommendations for you.
Oscars
(iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad; free)
The official app from ABC and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is also the best app available if you own one of Apple's iDevices. In addition to showcasing trailers, nominee back stories and host Billy Crystal's greatest past performances, this app gives users a backstage pass to the biggest entertainment gala of the year. Watch live feeds from behind the curtain, and pretend you're in the control room to choose which cameras to view. The app also gathers all of the Oscars news, buzz and the most notable tweets. You can also use the "My Picks" ballot to share your predictions with friends ahead of time.
Live From the Red Carpet
(iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Windows; free)
For several years now, the best "pregame" show for the Oscars has aired on the E! Entertainment Network. The official Live From the Red Carpet app is ready for prime time this year with a new and improved look and feel. Watch hosts Giuliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest interview the stars, and get an early look at all of their outstanding (or outlandish) outfits. The "Live Event" feature showcases tweets from the hosts and notable celebrities.
Vanity Fair Hollywood
(iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android; free)
Didn't get an invitation to Vanity Fair magazine's famous Oscars after-party? The Vanity Fair Hollywood mobile app lets you be the judge of which nominees should win and which should save their speeches for next year. It also showcases who your friends from Facebook and Twitter are voting for, leaderboard-style.
IMDb Movies and TV
(iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android; free)
It doesn't have to be awards season to enjoy this must-have application. IMDb provides trailers and very detailed information about virtually any movie, television show, actor or crew member around. Download the app to watch clips of the nominees and to find out which movies are worth seeing. Or, for the contrarians among us, IMDb is a great resource for tapping into those worthy film titles that didn't get the love from Academy voters.
Awards Hero: Oscar Edition
(iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad; free)
Awards Hero is a nice tool to create, organize and promote pools (for friendly wagering among friends, of course), and the Oscars edition is beautifully done. The app also includes a nice section that provides historical information for past winners and nominees.
Sources: Appolicious.com, Tribune Media Services
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