Close Up

On a new episode of ABC's "Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson," LZ explores the idea of chosen family with comedian and actress Margaret Cho, CNN's Don Lemon and the Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart. Honored as a Best New Podcast of 2021 by Spotify, "Life Out Loud" features thought-provoking, poignant and engaging conversations with some of the most influential and inspirational people in the LGBTQ+ community. Award-winning journalist LZ Granderson draws from his own experience as a gay, Black father. This season’s topics have included faith, trans acceptance, and community. Guests have included Ariana DeBose, Chasten Buttigieg, Ts Madison, and Dan Savage, among others. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you're listening now by searching for "Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ginger Zee and the whole ABC entertainment team are back for one final episode breaking down all the biggest moments from the 93rd Oscars. From the surprise winners and poignant speeches, to the daring production choices and unexpected dance break from one of Hollywood’s most revered stars -- this awards show was one for the ages! And after a year spent in sweats, the celebrities brought their A-game with over-the-top red carpet fashion statements like the only the Oscars can deliver.

The 93rd Oscars are right around the corner, and we’ve got everything you need to know before the envelopes are opened and the statues are handed out. Ginger Zee teams up with Chris Connelly, Kelley Carter, Jason Nathanson and Janai Norman to share their predictions and favorite Oscars memories. This is the perfect primer to get you ready to enjoy Hollywood’s biggest night this Sunday, April 25 at 8pm ET on ABC.

Hollywood is synonymous with glamour, but it’s not all frivolous and superficial. What the stars choose to wear on Oscar Sunday can send a powerful message. Janai Norman talks to stylist Joe Zee about the groundbreaking fashion statements we’ve seen on red carpet, and how the pandemic could impact how the nominees dress this year. Plus, Ginger lands her biggest “get” for this series. Academy Production and Logistics Manager Lauren Selman pulls back the curtain on Hollywood’s biggest night and shares a glimpse behind the scenes.

What does it take to win Best Picture? It’s more complicated than you might think. ABC News Radio’s Jason Nathanson joins host Ginger Zee for a crash course in the campaign tactics and number crunching that determines who gets to accept Hollywood’s biggest honor. Plus, learn the backstory of a love story like no other between a man and an octopus.

Host Ginger Zee and The Undefeated’s Kelley Carter discuss the importance of representation on and off camera, and how the Academy’s changing membership is reflected in this year’s Oscars nominations. Plus, Best Actress nominee Andra Day on the leap of faith it took for her to jump into acting and portray her idol, Billie Holiday. And, the director behind the Oscar-nominated documentary short "A Love Song for Latasha" explains why keeping Latasha Harlins’ memory from fading became her passion project.

You can watch almost all of this year’s Oscar nominated movies from your living room, but without blockbuster releases and battles over box office rankings many of the best new films have flown under the radar. Host Ginger Zee and ABC News entertainment contributor Chris Connelly help get you up to speed on all the extraordinary movies you may have missed. Plus, a preview of the history that could be made on Oscar Sunday, and how the Academy is contending with all the curveballs of COVID ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night.

An inside look at this year's Academy Awards, coming Thursday, March 25. A six-part series hosted by Good Morning America's Ginger Zee, featuring Chris Connelly, Kelley Carter, Janai Norman, and Jason Nathanson. Watch the 93rd Oscars Sunday, April 25 on ABC.

In the year since its release, "Frozen 2" has become the number one animated movie of all time and its Grammy-nominated soundtrack has spent the most weeks at number one of any soundtrack – surpassing the record set by the first "Frozen" film! ABC News' Ginger Zee is back with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the Oscar-winning husband and wife team behind the music for "Frozen" and "Frozen 2," for an intimate look at the impact of songs like "Into The Unknown," "When I Am Older" and "Show Yourself" -- all which have taken on unexpected new meaning in 2020. - A rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Frozen 2. For the first time, the Oscar-winning filmmakers of Walt Disney Animation Studios are pulling back the curtain, revealing the creative process that brought the next chapter in the Frozen saga to life! And step "Into the Unknown" with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for a sneak peek at Frozen 2's all-new soundtrack. Hosted by Ginger Zee of ABC News. A production of ABC Audio in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Loving this series? Tell us with a rating and a quick review: http://bit.ly/2CZNQ4a

** Note: This episode contains "Frozen 2" spoilers. "Show Yourself." "Into the Unknown." "Lost in the Woods." These are just some of the songs that steer the emotional narrative of "Frozen 2." ABC News' Ginger Zee sits down for an intimate, one-of-a-kind performance of these songs by the team that wrote them: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. In this episode, you'll get a deeper look into the songwriting process from raw idea to finished product. - A rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Frozen 2. For the first time, the Oscar-winning filmmakers of Walt Disney Animation Studios are pulling back the curtain, revealing the creative process that brought the next chapter in the Frozen saga to life! And step "Into the Unknown" with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for a sneak peek at Frozen 2's all-new soundtrack. Hosted by Ginger Zee of ABC News. A production of ABC Audio in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Loving this series? Tell us with a rating and a quick review: http://bit.ly/2CZNQ4a

** Note: This episode contains "Frozen 2" spoilers. Josh Gad, who is back as the lovable snowman, Olaf, in Disney's "Frozen 2," talks with ABC News' Ginger Zee about the growth of his character, and the hilarious recording sessions that help bring him to life. Zee also talks with "Frozen 2's" co-head of animation Becky Bresee, and supervising animator of "Elsa," Wayne Unten about the dizzying array of animated designs that make the film a moving work of art. - A rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Frozen 2. For the first time, the Oscar-winning filmmakers of Walt Disney Animation Studios are pulling back the curtain, revealing the creative process that brought the next chapter in the Frozen saga to life! And step "Into the Unknown" with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for a sneak peek at Frozen 2's all-new soundtrack. Hosted by Ginger Zee of ABC News. A production of ABC Audio in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Loving this series? Tell us with a rating and a quick review: http://bit.ly/2CZNQ4a

** Note: This episode contains "Frozen 2" spoilers. The power of music is that it can make our hearts beat faster, give us a hint of what's to come or leave us wanting more, sometimes all at once, and the score for "Frozen 2" is no exception. Disney Animation head of music Tom MacDougall and composer Christophe Beck spoke with ABC News' Ginger Zee about creating the film's powerful instrumentals and how the score is used tell Anna and Elsa's story on a deeper, more emotionally-resonant level. - A rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Frozen 2. For the first time, the Oscar-winning filmmakers of Walt Disney Animation Studios are pulling back the curtain, revealing the creative process that brought the next chapter in the Frozen saga to life! And step "Into the Unknown" with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for a sneak peek at Frozen 2's all-new soundtrack. Hosted by Ginger Zee of ABC News. A production of ABC Audio in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Loving this series? Tell us with a rating and a quick review: http://bit.ly/2CZNQ4a

** Note: This episode contains "Frozen 2" spoilers. From the animators to the artists, the songwriters to the actors, everyone plays a role in bringing a project like "Frozen 2" to life. ABC News' Ginger Zee talks with the Oscar-winning team of producer Peter Del Vecho and "Frozen 2" director Chris Buck about bringing all the elements together, and breaking new ground with passion, vision, and a little bit of patience. - A rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Frozen 2. For the first time, the Oscar-winning filmmakers of Walt Disney Animation Studios are pulling back the curtain, revealing the creative process that brought the next chapter in the Frozen saga to life! And step "Into the Unknown" with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for a sneak peek at Frozen 2's all-new soundtrack. Hosted by Ginger Zee of ABC News. A production of ABC Audio in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Loving this series? Tell us with a rating and a quick review: http://bit.ly/2CZNQ4a

** Note: This episode contains "Frozen 2" spoilers. "Frozen" became the top-grossing animated feature of all time after its 2013 release, so creating a sequel to the beloved film about two royal sisters' unbreakable bond wasn't something "Frozen 2" writer/director Jennifer Lee took on lightly. Lee talks with ABC News' Ginger Zee about the challenges of crafting a new adventure for Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, and being a creative leader at Walt Disney Animation Studios. - A rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Frozen 2. For the first time, the Oscar-winning filmmakers of Walt Disney Animation Studios are pulling back the curtain, revealing the creative process that brought the next chapter in the Frozen saga to life! And step "Into the Unknown" with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for a sneak peek at Frozen 2's all-new soundtrack. Hosted by Ginger Zee of ABC News. A production of ABC Audio in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Loving this series? Tell us with a rating and a quick review: http://bit.ly/2CZNQ4a

From the first note, to the last lyric, what does it take to craft a new musical journey for "Frozen 2?" Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the husband and wife team who created the music for "Frozen" and "Frozen 2," talk with ABC's Ginger Zee about composing the film's new soundtrack. - A rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Frozen 2. For the first time, the Oscar-winning filmmakers of Walt Disney Animation Studios are pulling back the curtain, revealing the creative process that brought the next chapter in the Frozen saga to life! And step "Into the Unknown" with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for a sneak peek at Frozen 2's all-new soundtrack. Hosted by Ginger Zee of ABC News. A production of ABC Audio in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Loving this series? Tell us with a rating and a quick review: http://bit.ly/2CZNQ4a

A rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Frozen 2. For the first time, the Oscar-winning filmmakers of Walt Disney Animation Studios are pulling back the curtain, revealing the creative process that brought the next chapter in the Frozen saga to life! And step "Into the Unknown" with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for a sneak peek at Frozen 2's all-new soundtrack. Hosted by Ginger Zee of ABC News. A production of ABC Audio in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Loving this series? Tell us with a rating and a quick review: http://bit.ly/2CZNQ4a "Inside Frozen 2" is produced by ABC Audio, makers of "The Dropout," the award-winning daily ABC News podcast "Start Here," and more: http://www.abcaudio.com/podcasts

The 2022 Oscars telecast will go down in history! For the Season 1 finale of Close Up, host Kelley Carter checks in with two Hollywood Reporter pals – ABC News Radio Entertainment correspondent, Jason Nathanson, and Entertainment Director at "The Grio” Cortney Wills to discuss Will Smith, the “slap heard around the world,” and the overshadowed-but-important wins of the night. CODA broke the mold, taking home the Oscar for best picture and one of its stars, Troy Kotsur became the first deaf man to win an acting Oscar. And West Side Story's Arianna DeBose became the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar. There’s so much learn and even more to celebrate in this season finale of Close Up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve seen Do the Right Thing, Malcom X, or Juice – the cult classic from 1992 that catapulted rapper Tupac Shakur into movie stardom – then you know Ernest Dickerson’s work. Dickerson is a cinematographer-turned-director who’s known best for his many collaborations with Spike Lee, and his roster of gripping thrillers. Host Kelley Carter talks with Dickerson about his love of the horror genre (he’s loved it since the age of four !!), the ways horror films of the 50s and 60s influenced his work, and the process of making Juice and his new thriller DMZ. Then, Vanity Fair’s Anthony Breznican and The Curvy Film Critic Carla Renata join Kelley to talk about the rapper-to-actor transition, the power of the underdog at the Oscars, and their bets for Sunday’s Oscars show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Sorkin’s writing style is iconic – dialogue is quippy, fast-paced, and robust – the kind you got in West Wing, Newsroom, and Sports Night. And Sorkin gives us all of that in his latest film – Being the Ricardos – a Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz biopic for which both Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem are nominated for Oscars this season. Host Kelley Carter sits down with the writer/ director Aaron Sorkin to talk about what makes this biopic different from the Lucille Ball biopic you might expect, why he made the Kidman casting choice (it was a controversial one), and how script writing is both thrilling and agonizing all at the same time. Then, Senior Culture Critic for Andscape, Soraya McDonald, and award-winning poet, essayist, and cultural critic Kimberly Reyes, join Kelley to talk about what they thought of the film, and their feelings on the controversy from the Critics Choices Awards – spoiler: they’re not happy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corey Hawkins. Even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ve probably seen his work. Remember Dre in Straight Outta Compton? How about Benny in the film adaptation of In the Heights? Or, most recently, Macduff in Joel Cohen’s Tragedy of Macbeth? Host Kelley Carter sits down for a conversation with Corey about chasing the right role, trusting the process and getting to work with legends like Denzel Washington. Then, President of the African American Film Critics Association Gil Robertson and ABC News Radio Entertainment correspondent, Jason Nathanson, join Kelley to discuss Corey’s Macbeth performance, the new movie theatre experience and our favorite new series on the small screen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices