AP ENTERTAINMENT

Los Angeles, 27 February 2016

1. Wide exterior intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue in Los Angeles, zoom in on Academy Awards signage

2. Wide Dolby Theatre in Hollywood with Oscar statue

3. Close Oscar statue

4. Low-angle view of red carpet outside Dolby Theatre

5. Medium Oscars signage on wall

6. Wide Oscar statue with signage

7. Medium tilt down Oscar statue

8. Wide red carpet outside Dolby Theatre

9. Close electronic signage with Oscar nominees

10. Wide Oscars red carpet from high angle

11. Medium media outside Dolby Theatre

12. Wide media outside Dolby Theatre

13. Close Dolby Theatre signage

14. Wide push in Dolby Theatre with workers and media outside

15. Wide Dolby Theatre with red carpet from high angle

16. Wide Oscars signage in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD PREPARES FOR SUNDAY'S ACADEMY AWARDS

Hollywood is bracing for an Academy Awards that more than any in recent memory has the feel of a high-stakes showdown.

After a second straight year of all-white nominees prompted industry-wide scrutiny, viewers and stars alike are hanging on the opening words of host Chris Rock.

Media gathered on the red carpet and workers made final preparations on Saturday (27 February) outside the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, which will be at the center of a swirling storm over diversity in the movies and at the Oscars. Protests are planned near the red carpet and some viewers are organizing a boycott of the broadcast.

The 88th Academy Awards are this year charged with enough politics and uncertainty to rival an election debate. Arrivals for the ceremony are to begin by 6 p.m. Eastern (2300 GMT) on Sunday, with the show kicking off at 8:30 p.m. Eastern (0130 Monday GMT) on ABC in the United States.

Security around Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue is especially heighted because Vice President Joe Biden will be attending to give a special presentation with Lady Gaga aimed at combating sexual violence.