5 reasons to watch the 2016 Academy Awards

Hollywood's biggest night will see movie stars, musicians and comedians unite in celebration of film and fantasy. On Feb. 28, all eyes will be on the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to see who takes home Oscar gold in the most anticipated awards show of the season.

This year's Oscars host, Chris Rock, is expected to deliver some hard-hitting and hilarious jokes, much at the expense of the famous faces in attendance. He might even poke fun at the pressure Leonardo DiCaprio might be feeling going into his fifth awards show as a trophy-less nominee. Here, Hello! rounds up five reasons why the Academy Awards will be must-see television.

Chris Rock will host this year's ceremony.

The host

Academy president Cheryl Boone said they picked Chris Rock to be master of ceremonies "to bring some edge and some fun and some funny – intelligent funny – to the telecast".

The comedy star, who is back after hosting in 2005, is sure to address the Oscars race controversy in a cheeky opening monologue, having already hinted at it on Twitter. A few weeks ago he posted: "The #Oscars. The white BET awards", a reference to the Black Entertainment Awards.

Then, in an essay for the Hollywood Reporter Chris talked about race and casting decisions. When auditions were held for a remake of 70s detective show Starsky and Hutch, the funnyman wanted to try out for one of the lead characters – but was told he would only be considered for their sidekick Huggy Bear.

He quipped: “This is not a historical drama! It's a movie based on a TV show, it can be anybody. Who cares. If they want me to play Starsky or Hutch, or even the bad guy, I'm down. But Huggy Bear?"

It remains to be seen how he'll handle the sensitive subject on the big night. Says producer Reginald Hudlin: "I have 1,000 per cent confidence that Chris will deliver something that people will be talking about for weeks."

The predictions
This is definitely Leo's year as the friend he describes as his "homegirl" Kate Winslet has repeatedly predicted. The English rose is also up for supporting actress for Steve Jobs – which is exciting as Titanic fans have been enjoying seeing 'Rose' and 'Jack', their characters from the epic romance, together during awards season.

Everyone will be watching to see if Leonardo DiCaprio finally wins an Oscar.

Elsewhere, newcomer Brie Larson of Room is expected to edge out Cate Blanchett in Carol for the best actress award.

Rocky fans are also hoping best supporting actor Sylvester Stallone will deliver a knockout punch to be honoured for Creed, while Spotlight's Rachel McAdams has Canada rooting for her to pick up the trophy for best supporting actress.

The battle of the rocks
With several mega-engagements between high-profile couples lately, we're looking forward to seeing a lot of bling on the red carpet. Rupert Murdoch will be there in his capacity as Fox Studio head, along with fiancée Jerry Hall, who will set off flashbulbs with her substantial ring, which is reportedly worth $4.8 million and features a 20-carat marquise-cut diamond.

Engaged couple Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch are expected to walk the red carpet.

Fellow Australian billionaire James Packer is the executive producer of The Revenant and if the film wins big as expected he will be celebrating with wife-to-be Mariah Carey, who has been flaunting an impressive 35-carat sparkler since his proposal.

Mariah Carey and fiancé James Packer.

Other hot couples expected include newly engaged Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, who seem to be on an eternal honeymoon and who've been talking recently about how giggling is the key to their union.

Presenters and performers
Key roles will go to Lady Gaga, Sam Smith and Room's nine-year-old adorable boy wonder Jacob Tremblay, who quipped on Twitter: "Oscars presenters still have to do homework #kidproblems".

Lady Gaga is nominated for Best Song.

Also presenting are Jennifer Garner, Patricia Arquette, Rachel McAdams, Eddie Redmayne, Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley, Dev Patel, Sofia Vergara and Motown legend Quincy Jones.

Read More: Full list of Oscar presenters

The parties
The hot tickets are the Vanity Fair do, the Night of 100 Stars party and Elton John's soirée, where the pop legend will perform songs from his new album Wonderful Crazy Night, which doubles as the title of the event. There may even be an appearance by his two cute sons Zachary and Elijah, who charmed everyone last year.