How will Netflix fare on Sunday at the Oscars?

Right now, it’s not looking too good.

Though the streaming platform came with quality movies poised for many wins, they may yet again leave empty handed.

This year, Netflix has 37 Oscar nominations. That’s up from 24 last year and 14 the previous year.

But last year, with campaigns designed to win presidencies, they came away with just one winner, Laura Dern as Best Supporting Actress in “Marriage Story.”

The streamer had pinned hopes this year to David Fincher’s “Mank,” but that plan collapsed early. Even Amanda Seyfried’s bid for Best Supporting Actress has fizzled with the rise of Yuh-Jung Youn  in “Minari.” At this point, Netflix would be thrilled for Glenn Close to take a sentimental win in “Hillbilly Elegy.” “Mank” may still pick up Best Production Design.

Their strongest chances are in the lead actor and actress categories. Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman each won Screen Actors Guild Awards for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” As SAG voters comprise a huge chunk of Academy members, the odds are good that one or both actors, Boseman posthumously, could take home Oscars.

For a while it seemed like Boseman, who died tragically young and had a moving story, was a cinch. But Riz Ahmed won last night’s Spirit Award, Anthony Hopkins took BAFTA. So Boseman’s chances are a little iffier.

Davis now seems more likely to grab the gold. But front runner Frances McDormand is attached to “Nomadland,” the presumed Best Picture and could be swept in despite her lack of interest. And Carey Mulligan — who has a strong silent following —  won the Spirit Award for “Promising Young Woman.” So even Davis is a little vulnerable going into Sunday’s show.

If they both win, it will be the first time lead actors win from a movie not nominated for Best Picture.

But for Netflix, it’s Best Picture that remains out of reach. They’re going to lose on Sunday to “Nomadland” despite a valiant effort and many excellent films. Their front runner became “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” which won Best Ensemble at SAG but only because “Nomadland” wasn’t really a picture with a group of actors. And “Chicago 7” suffered from not having a lead actor (all the actors went supporting).

In past years, Netflix has aimed high with movies like Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” and Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma” — great movies, in my opinion, ones we will watch again and again — but no luck. They came thisclose each time. And not for lack of trying. Massively expensive campaigns with clever ideas followed each film. But the Oscar Gods went against them.

On Monday, Netflix starts all over again. Will they surprise us in 2022? As the expression goes, every dog has its day. Netflix’s will come sooner or later.

Guess who’s coming to the Oscars?

Why, it’s Frances McDormand, nominated for Best Actress in “Nomadland.” Sources tell me she WILL appear on Sunday night’s Academy Awards. There’s a strong chance she will win.

McDormand has bypassed all the other awards shows this season like the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild. She’s appeared on the cover of Vogue and in the New York Times, but McDormand has mostly not done publicity for “Nomadland.” She’s left that to director Chloe Zhao, to author Jessica Bruder, and even to the real people who played themselves in the movie.

Otherwise, McDormand has been MIA.

Frances already has two Oscars, for “Fargo” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” There’s a chance she’ll be up for another one next year for her work as Lady MacBeth. She’s ‘over it,’ as they say.

But at least she’ll deign to be there on Sunday. That leaves just Anthony Hopkins as the nominee most likely not to be there.

Who will McDormand’s companion be? My guess is she’ll bring her son, Pedro Coen, if not husband Joel Coen. If Frances wins, she’ll undoubtedly give a memorable speech. Even if she loses, she should be allowed to give the speech.

FRIDAY UPDATE 3:15PM “Minari” star and nominee Steven Yeun has been added to the show.

EARLIER As you may have heard, it’s going to be a different kind of Academy Awards show on Sunday.

The producers say it will be more like a move than awards show, with a “cast” instead of presenters.

They’ve just added two nominees to the cast. Viola Davis and Riz Ahmed have joined the group that already includes Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Bong Joon Ho, Don Cheadle, Bryan Cranston, Laura Dern, Harrison Ford, Regina King, Marlee Matlin, Rita Moreno, Joaquin Phoenix, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Renée Zellweger and Zendaya.

I don’t know about you, but I want to see this movie.

The Oscars begin at 8pm on Sunday night on ABC. But at 6:30pm they’re going to have a 90 minute special with all the nominated Best Songs performed.

Simultaneously, at 7pm, for an hour, Elton John is having a virtual special to raise money for his AIDS Foundation. Dua Lipa is performing and a lot of celebs like Neil Patrick Harris and Lady Gaga will be involved. It costs a mere 20 bucks. You can buy the tickets here.

I basically forgot all about the Independent Spirit Awards. Didn’t you?

Duh! They’re on TV tonight at 10pm, “live,’ and virtually. I cannot control my excitement.

Seriously, no press release, nothing. “SNL”‘s Melissa Villasenor is hosting, somehow.

Why so late, 10pm? To guarantee no one watches.

Here’s something funny. Deadline reports that Film Independent is also hosting a Viewing Party for audiences worldwide to gather from home to watch and chat online via Looper; registration has closed for that. Virtual tickets went from $2000 (for individuals) to $5000 (for VIPs) and $20000 for tables of 10. The annual event raises funds for the nonprofit 501(c) arts organization.

Yes, please, here’s my 20 thou.

For the first time, the Spirit Awards have added TV prizes to see if that will boost interest.

So make a pot of coffee, and see you at 10pm EST.  And if “First Cow” wins anything, you’re allowed to moo.