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.

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.

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

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Los Angeles, 7 March 2010

1. Wide exterior Kodak Theatre, site of Academy Awards ceremony, pan left to red carpet

2. Medium Oscar statue

3. Wide Academy Awards red carpet

4. Wide Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences banner zoom to close on AMPAS

5. Wide 2010 Academy Awards arrivals line

6. Medium Anna Kendrick arrives for Oscars

7. Wide zoom to medium Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Connelly pose at Oscars red carpet

8. Medium Miley Cyrus poses on Oscars red carpet

9. Wide Jake Gyllenhaal on Oscars red carpet

10. Wide pan left Oscars red carpet

STORYLINE

ORGANIZERS CONSIDER EARLIER START TIME FOR OSCAR

Academy Awards organizers are talking about moving up the date of the show, possibly as early as January.

At a meeting Tuesday (22 JUNE 2010), the academy's board of governors discussed the idea of holding the Oscars earlier. Most recent shows have been held in late February.

A statement Wednesday (23 JUNE 2010) by the academy said the earliest any date change could take effect would be for the Oscars in 2012. A firm date of Feb. 27, 2011, already has been set for the 83rd Oscars.

The academy statement said the idea is "being explored as a possibility."

For many years, the Oscars were held in late March but were moved to February in 2004 to shorten what many in Hollywood considered a prolonged awards season.

At the time, Oscar planners said waiting until late March to hand out awards might have been hurting the show's TV ratings, with audiences losing interest by then. Slotting the show in late February brought Hollywood's biggest awards show closer to earlier honors, such as the Golden Globes and ceremonies held by actors and directors guilds.

SHOTLIST

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 8 February 2006

1. Wide exterior Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences building

2. Close up of AMPAS sign

3. Group at table sorting ballots

4. Close up Academy President Sid Ganis (centre, standing) and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Brad Oltmanns (left) and Rick Rosas (right), posing for photographers

5. Group sorting ballots

6. Close up woman counting ballots

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Rick Rosas, Tax Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers:

"Well today's the final leg for the Academy awards, we're taking custody of the ballots from the Academy and we've already audited them this week and we're heading them directly to the US postal service for delivery to the voters. And those ballots will then be sent directly back from the voters to us at Price Waterhouse Coopers, no later than 28th of February"

8. Ballots in boxes being placed on cart

9. Wide shot ballots in boxes on cart

10. PricewaterhouseCoopers' Brad Oltmanns and Rick Rosas push cart through Academy lobby

11. Brad Oltmanns and Rick Rosas push cart to driveway

12. US Postal Service employee and Brad Oltmanns and Rick Rosas load up truck

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Brad Oltmanns, managing partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers:

"When we get the ballots back on 28th, Rick Rosas and I assemble a small team of people to assist us, we open the ballots, and begin the counting process. It takes us three days to complete that and at the end of that counting process the Friday evening before the show, Rick and I are the only two people who know the results of the Academy Award winners."

14. US Postal Service employee and Los Angeles Police office in front of mail truck

15. Mail truck pulls away

OSCAR BALLOTS MAILED

They're in the mail.

Final-award ballots -- all 5,798 of them -- for the 78th Annual Academy Awards were sent this a.m. from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences building in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Completed ballots must be returned to PricewaterhouseCoopers by 5 p.m., Tuesday, February 28. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted.

Listed on the ballots are nominees in 19 Oscar categories. Separate ballots for 5 award categories (foreign language film, short and feature-length documentaries and animated and live-action short films) will be distributed after verification of mandatory member attendance at screenings.

Once the auditing firm has tabulated the votes, the winners' names are placed in sealed envelopes to be opened on Oscar night, Sunday, 5 March.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements for 2005 will be presented on March 5, 2006, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland, and televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. PST. (9am GMT)

A one-hour red carpet arrivals show will precede the telecast at 4 p.m. PST.(8am GMT).

SHOTLIST

APTN Los Angeles, 25 February 2005

1. Wide red carpet

2. Medium Oscar statue pull out to wide

3. Wide red carpet

4. Wide Louis Horvitz and Gil Cates on stage

5. Wide Louis Horvitz and Gil Cates on stage

6. Camera cutaway

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Gil Cates/Academy Awards Producer:

"We had a big rehearsal yesterday. We are doing these nominees and some of these awards in very new an unconventional ways. We had a rehearsal where we had many categories come to experience what it is going to experience what it''s going to be like to get an Oscar award firstly by having the nominees on stage and crossing down to get an award, and also to get the Oscar in the aisle in the audience. We practiced that as well and all that went terrifically."

8. Camera cutaway

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Louis Horvitz/Academy Awards Director:

"It''s going to be a great show. Gil has a lot of ideas to streamline the event in general with the presentation of the awards on stage and with the audience to make it kind of interesting and exciting. Last night as Gil said it was very interesting to bring the nominees down to give them an idea of what they were going to do and everybody received it well. I think everybody is in for a treat. We rehearsed a little music this afternoon and we are looking pretty good."

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Gil Cates:

"It seems to me that what we tried to do- the Oscars is always the leader of things. We were the first show in colour in stereo and all those things. We were the first show to start the memorial. When we began it, people thought it was depressing to do that, now all shows kind of do that. What we wanted to do is to get more of the nominees on camera to make it an emotional show. It would be more emotional if you saw the visual effects community."

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Gil Cates: "I can''t comment on what he''ll say other than to say Chris (Rock) has a sense of humour and everything he says is said humorously. If you take anything he says seriously, more is the pity for you because he really is a funny guy. To the question of whether we will get a young audience, I hope so. That wasn''t the reason we selected him. You need a movie star and someone who is a standup comic so they can deal with the show."

12. Camera cutaway

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Gil Cates:

"The other thing I''ll add is you know we have Beyonce on the show and she''s going to be singing a duet with Josh Groban from the movie ''Polar Express,'' we have Antonio Banderas and Carlos Santana and he''s doing a song from ''The Motorcycle Diaries.'' We have Counting Crows; we have a wonderful French chorus to sing a song with Beyonce. That entertainment looks like it is going to be really good, the best it''s been in years."

14. Wide stage

15. Wide Frank Pierson

16. SOUNDBITE: (English) Frank Pierson/President Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences:

"Chris (Rock) has his own crew of writers. They work with the staff and crew of the show. Principally his material will be written by his regular people that he knows and knows how to work with."

17. Camera cutaway

18. SOUNDBITE: (English) Frank Pierson:

"I think the highlights of this year more than anything else are the diversity of the awards across all the categories- the smaller films that are in contention, they sometimes get overlooked. This year they seem to have stepped to the floor and I think it''s a wonderful thing. Ethnically and racially and in every other way it''s a wonderful diverse year that reflects the diversity of the film audience around the world. I think it''s a great thing."

19. Wide entrance Kodak Theatre

20. Wide Oscar stage

21. Medium Antonio Banderas singing, pull out to wide

22. Close-up Banderas

23. Wide balcony pan to stage

OSCARS ORGANISERS PROMISE TO PROVIDE DRAMA

The Oscars countdown is almost over, but you don''t have to wait until Sunday to find out more details about this year''s Academy Awards.

Academy Awards director Gil Cates says this year''s show will be all about the drama. It''s no secret that Oscars will be presented to winners in more unconventional ways this year. Statues will be presented to winners while they are seated. Also, some Oscars will be presented to the winners while the other nominees are also on stage.

"What we wanted to do is to get more of the nominees on camera to make it an emotional show. It would be more emotional if you saw the visual effects community," Cates said during a press conference.

Cates is also hoping Oscar host, comedian Chris Rock, will shake-up the three-hour show.

Obviously the Oscars is all about the acting, but Academy insiders say the musical performances may just steal the show. Beyonce is set to perform a duet with crooner Josh Groban from ''The Polar Express.'' And they aren''t the only singing combo. Antonio Banderas and Carlos Santana are teaming up to perform a song sung in Spanish from ''The Motorcycle Diaries.'' Banderas practiced his performance at the Kodak Theatre on Friday using a guitarist stand-in.

Academy President Frank Pierson says this is the most exciting show in years because, "Ethnically and racially and in every other way it''s a wonderful diverse year that reflects the diversity of the film audience around the world. I think it''s a great thing."

The Academy Awards air live this Sunday (27 Feb) on ABC.

DIRECTOR JON M. CHU PRAISES FILM ACADEMY CHANGES

Director Jon M. Chu is praising the film academy's recent push for a more diverse membership -- but says it's just one part of a larger shift in Hollywood.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited 683 new members to join the organization this week -- saying its invitees were 46 percent female and 41 percent minority. Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said it was part of a push to diversify its largely white, male membership.

Chu, who most recently directed the magic-themed thriller "Now You See Me 2," directed two of the invitees -- RZA and Byung-hun Lee -- in 2013's "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."

"I'm really excited that the Academy took very serious, real, quick change. I mean that's a pretty dramatic shift. But it's going to take those moves," Chu said. "And there's still a lot to go when you look at the actual numbers. ... It's sort of symbolic in a certain way. But the real work is going to be done in the actual stories that we tell, and the actual actors that we start to get to know and can expose," he said. "The more diverse voices, the more unique new stories, will only help cinema. So as happy as I am for the Academy, that they are making an effort, and that means a lot – I think the real actual work is going to be in the work, not in the awards system."

Chu's is next set to tackle an adaptation of the 2013 book "Crazy Rich Asians."

DIRECTOR JON M. CHU PRAISES FILM ACADEMY CHANGES

Director Jon M. Chu is praising the film academy's recent push for a more diverse membership -- but says it's just one part of a larger shift in Hollywood.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited 683 new members to join the organization this week -- saying its invitees were 46 percent female and 41 percent minority. Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said it was part of a push to diversify its largely white, male membership.

Chu, who most recently directed the magic-themed thriller "Now You See Me 2," directed two of the invitees -- RZA and Byung-hun Lee -- in 2013's "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."

"I'm really excited that the Academy took very serious, real, quick change. I mean that's a pretty dramatic shift. But it's going to take those moves," Chu said. "And there's still a lot to go when you look at the actual numbers. ... It's sort of symbolic in a certain way. But the real work is going to be done in the actual stories that we tell, and the actual actors that we start to get to know and can expose," he said. "The more diverse voices, the more unique new stories, will only help cinema. So as happy as I am for the Academy, that they are making an effort, and that means a lot – I think the real actual work is going to be in the work, not in the awards system."

Chu's is next set to tackle an adaptation of the 2013 book "Crazy Rich Asians."

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 27 February 2016

1. Wide Dolby Theatre with Oscar statue

2. Medium Oscars red carpet with Oscar statue

Lionsgate - no re-sale/no archive

3. BTS b-roll: Jon M. Chu on-set of "Now You See Me 2" (mute audio)

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 30 June 2016

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jon M. Chu/Director: "I'm really excited that the Academy took very serious, real, quick change. I mean that's a pretty dramatic shift. But it's going to take those moves. And there's still a lot to go when you look at the actual numbers. I'm super proud of everyone who got in there. And of course it doesn't determine like any votes or anything like that – which again, isn't a big deal. I feel like the Academy Awards is one thing. It's an award show. It's an organization, it's sort of symbolic in a certain way. But the real work is going to be done in the actual stories that we tell, and the actual actors that we start to get to know and can expose."

Lionsgate - no re-sale/no archive

5. BTS b-roll: Jon M. Chu on-set of "Now You See Me 2" (mute audio)

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 30 June 2016

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jon M. Chu/Director: "The more diverse voices, the more unique new stories, will only help cinema. So as happy as I am for the Academy, that they are making an effort, and that means a lot – I think the real actual work is going to be in the work, not in the awards system."

Lionsgate - no re-sale/no archive

7. Close zoom to wide Jon M. Chu at "Now You See Me 2" premiere (mute audio)

8. Medium Chu at premiere (mute audio)

SHOTLIST

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 10 February 2006

1. Wide establishing of the Kodak Theatre

2. Pan from the entrance of the Hollywood and Highland Center to the shopping center itself

3. Pan of the inside of the the Oscar display room

4. Academy President Sid Ganis poses for photographers

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Sid Ganis/Academy President:

"Well here we have a display of Academy memorabilia, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences memorabilia, relating to the Oscar show. And so we have 50 Oscars here, 50 Oscars that will actually be given out On March 5th to winners."

6. Medium of two women as they observe the statuettes in a glass case

7. Close-up of Oscar statuettes displayed in a glass case

8. Wide of Oscars displayed in a glass case surrounded by photographs

9. Director of Special Projects for the Academy Rany Haberkamp observes exhibit while speaking to someone

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Randy Haberkamp/Director of Special Projects for the Academy:

"It's quite an arrangement because obviously we had to make sure it's in a secure space, but it's also making sure we're bringing, putting it in a way that people will find it interesting and so there's somethig for everybody. Some people will enjoy seeing all 50 Oscars, some people enjoy learing about the Academy's history and some people enjoy just being able to hold an Oscar for the first time."

10. Wide of a man holding the Oscar while being photogtaphed with it

11. Medium shot of the line of people waiting to see the Oscar statuette

12. Close-up of Oscar statuettes

13. Academy President Sid Ganis speaks to reporter

14. SOUNDBITE (English) Sid Ganis/Academy President:

"Pretty soon when we do take them to the Kodak. We're going to have our own little red carpet walk by the 50 of them. We've figured out a way to do that nicely, and in they'll go. They'll have their walk down the red carpet. They'll have the experience of the red carpet, into the theatre and then March fifth in the evening, five o'clock on the west coast, eight o'clock in the east coast, they'll be busy."

14. Wide pan of poster memorabilia

15. Wide of the nominees posters

16. Zoom out of running video with previous Oscar highlights

17. Medium of Oscar statuettes displayed in a glass case surrounded by Oscar vintage photographs

18. Close-up of Oscar stauette

MEET THE OSCARS

Before the Oscars statuettes are placed in the excited hands of its winners, they will sit in a walk-through exhibition at the Hollywood and Highland Center beginning on Friday, February 10th.

"Well here we have a display of Academy memorabilia," explained Academy President Sid Ganis. "Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences memorabilia, relating to the Oscar show. And so we have 50 Oscars here, 50 Oscars that will actually be given out On March 5th to winners. To the winners."

The exhibition, "Meet the Oscars: The 50 Golden Statuettes" features Academy Award-related displays, with a gallery of photographs featuring winners from previous ceremonies.

"It's quite an arrangement because obviously we had to make sure it's in a secure space," explained Randy Haberkamp, the Director of Special Projects for the Academy. "But it's also making sure we're bringing, putting it in a way that people will find it interesting and so there's something for everybody. Some people will enjoy seeing all 50 Oscars, some people enjoy learning about the Academy's history and some people enjoy just being able to hold an Oscar for the first time."

After the close of the exhibition on March 3, the Oscars, under heavy security, will make their way to the Kodak Theatre where they will be handed out during the Awards Presentation.

"Pretty soon when we do take them to the Kodak," noted Ganis. "We're going to have our own little red carpet walk by the 50 of them. We've figured out a way to do that nicely, and in they'll go. They'll have their walk down the red carpet. They'll have the experience of the red carpet, into the theatre and then March fifth in the evening, five o'clock on the west coast, eight o'clock in the east coast, they'll be busy."

Weighing in at eight-and-a half pounds, each statuette is thirteen-and-a half inches tall and s made of gold-plated titannium, a metal alloy. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements for 2005 will be presented on 05 March 2006 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

SHOTLIST

APTN Los Angeles, California USA 22 March 2003

1. WS and pan of entrance to the Kodak Theater with sign for the Academy Awards.

2. CU technician

3. Ground shot red carpet area at theater entrance.

4. MS spectators and security guard.

5. Medium tight shot security guards near Kodak Theater.

6. WS helicopter overhead.

7. Tight shot of crowd milling around near theater.

8. VOX POP: British Tourist/Christopher Rush (English) "I think they could go ahead and celebrate as usual in my opinion. I don't think they should cut back on everything and just have fun, basically."

9. Medium shot of people taking photos.

10. VOX POP: (English) Tourist/Larry Burke "On the one hand, it's nice that there's recognition of something like this that these events are going on over in Iraq. On the other hand, you know, I guess it just seems so remote here. I came in from out of town just to walk around and it just seems like such a different place here."

11. VOX POP: (English) Tourist/ Vicky Plunkett "It just seems like the respectful response. We came here and we would have loved to see the fanfare and everything, but when you think of all our guys over there, it just seems like the respectful thing to do."

12. CU cameraman

13. WS observation bridge near Kodak Theater and pan to Kodak Theater entrance.

FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR TONED DOWN OSCARS

The last preparations are being made for a subtle version of the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood tonight (Sunday 23MAR03).

The usual showbiz extravagances are being toned down for the 75th annual presentation of the Oscars, to show respect at a time of war.

Artisans and technicians were putting the finishing touches to the Kodak Theater on Saturday. A token red carpet has been rolled out at the entrance - but the usual glitzy runway has been cancelled, and celebrities will not stop for pictures.

The spectator bleachers, one of the biggest attractions for tourists and stargazers, have also gone this year.

Extra security guards in uniform and plain clothes have been stationed on Hollywood Boulevard near the Theater, as the traditional tight security at the Oscars is increased. This year, it includes a National Guard mobile lab to test for suspicious biological or chemical substances.

Frank Pierson, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences repeated what Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton told Oscar planners "he felt the safest place to be in America was probably at the Academy Awards on Sunday night."

Despite the changes, tourists and fans lined the streets near the theater hoping to share in Hollywood's biggest night of the year.

Many visitors say they agree with the decision to scale back the festive air of the Academy Awards. Others say it's important to try to proceed with life as normal.

A celebrity or two have backed out of the Oscars because of the war, among them Will Smith, who withdrew as an awards presenter, saying he was uncomfortable attending given world events.

Fellow presenters Tom Hanks and Cate Blanchett are also reported to be staying away.

But Gil Cates, the show's producer, said organizers have seen no more last-minute cancellations among celebrities and other guests than they do every year.

For those who do intend to be there tonight, formal evening wear remains a must, though guests at the 75th Oscars are expected to aim for respectful elegance rather than glitz.

Studios and other Hollywood groups still plan post-Oscar bashes, though many have dropped the usual gauntlet of reporters and photographers outside.

An extreme turn of events could force postponement of the Oscars, or prompt ABC to bump the live broadcast in favour of news coverage. But organisers said they expect the show to go ahead as planned and that the ceremony this year takes on greater symbolic merit.

"At a time when American culture and values are under attack all over the world, we think it is more important than ever that we honour those achievements that reflect us and America at our best," said Pierson.

Cates said a friend who is executive officer aboard a Navy ship told him that it was important to carry on "as normal, as usual, that we should do the show. That it would be kind of a terrible victory for Saddam if we didn't."

If the ceremony does indeed go ahead as intended, a few notable firsts might come out of the Oscars. Some possibilities:

Best-picture favourite 'Chicago' might be the first musical since 1968's 'Oliver!' to win best picture. Four cast members of 'Chicago' are nominated, with best-actress contender Renee Zellweger and supporting-actress

nominee Catherine Zeta-Jones appearing to have the best shot at becoming the first acting winners from a musical since Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey for 1972's 'Cabaret.'

Jack Nicholson could walk away with his fourth Oscar, tying Katharine Hepburn for most acting awards. Nicholson is up for best actor for the black comedy 'About Schmidt,' earning his 12th nomination.

Martin Scorsese could finally win an Oscar, though for a movie considered inferior to his best work. Scorsese is up for best director for 'Gangs of New York,' after losing with his previous nominations for 'Raging Bull,' 'The Last Temptation of Christ' and 'Goodfellas.'

Awards campaigning usually provokes sniping among rival studios, and Scorsese's nomination resulted in this year's nastiest feud. Competitors griped about distributor Miramax's tactics, characterising 'Gangs..' as a summation of Scorsese's work and suggestion that he might deserve the Oscar as a career honour.

Scorsese is considered a front-runner, though critics feel 'Chicago' director Rob Marshall stands a strong chance too - and it was Marshall who took the prize from the Directors Guild of America, whose winner usually goes on to win the Oscar.

Also competing for best director is Roman Polanski, who would face arrest if he entered the United States to attend the awards. Polanski, nominated for 'The Pianist,' has been living in exile since fleeing the United States 25

years ago while on bail, having pleaded guilty to having sex with a minor.

'The Pianist' is part of a best-picture field of generally dark and dour films, including 'Gangs,' 'The Hours' and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.' Yet it is "Chicago," a cynical but rousing song-and-dance satire, that could dominate the evening. 'Chicago' leads the pack with 13 nominations.

Host Steve Martin is expected to crack wise, delivering what Cates called a "don't miss it" opening monologue. Presenting awards will be Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, Harrison Ford, Denzel Washington and Halle Berry,

while Peter O'Toole will be honoured with a lifetime-achievement Oscar.

All that revelry aside, organizers are aiming for a sober, dignified mood, much like the Oscar ceremonies of World War II.

"They've got to send the signal this isn't a self-indulgent party among pampered people," said Tom O'Neil, author of the book 'Movie Awards,' "and just get down to the business of honoring the best movies."

The 44th Annual Academy Awards held in Los Angeles. Getting no less than 5 awards, 'The French Connection'. Best actor Gene Hackman, best actress Jane Fonda. Best film 'The French Connection'. Highlight of the evening, a special oscar for 83 year old Charlie Chaplin, who had returned to the States for the first time in 20 years.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

GV Music Centre - Los Angeles - TV & film personalties arriving. Pan to crowd. SV Elmo Williams & family. LV stars arriving and pan to crowds. SV Gordon Stalberg & family. SV Dennis Stanfell with wife and daughter. Crowds waving. SV Gene Hackman (star of The French Connection) & wife. SV Jackie Coogan & wife. SV crowds applauding. SCU Pan Jane Fonda arriving. GV interior audience and stage. GV audience. Pan Ben Johnson best supporting actor (for The Last Picture Show) - he walks to receive award. he kisses Sally Kellerman then shakes hands and embraces Richard Harris, then Kellerman presents the trophy. Pan to Cloris Leachman best supporting actress (for The Last Picture Show), embraces Raquel Welch then Gene Hackman, kisses and hands over trophy. SV pan Jerry Greenberg for best editing (French Connection) receiving his trophy at 97'. Red Buttons. SV pan Ernest Tidyman for best screenplay French Connection, walks up to gather trophy from Tennessee Williams. SV William Friedkin for best direction The French Connection, receives award from Natalie Wood, he shakes hands with Frank Capra. SV pan Gene Hackman for best actor French Connection receives his trophy from Liza Minelli. SV pan Philip D'Antoni (producer) for best picture French Connection receives his trophy from Jack Nicholson. LV pan audience applauding. GV TV standing ovation pan to Charles Chaplin on stage. SV Chaplin is handed cane and bowler hat by Jack Lemmon. TV standing ovation by audience. GV Chaplin shaking hands with various stars. SV Chaplin ditto with Sammy Davies Junior & Jane Fonda. SV people standing applauding. SV Chaplin & Oona (wife) walk off stage amid applause.

SHOTLIST

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 27 January 2013

1. Exterior shot of Shrine Exhibition Center

2. Wide shot of SAG red carpet

3. Med shot of large SAG statue with red carpet in background

Med shot of Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria on red carpet

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Alec Baldwin, Actor, on shooting last '30 Rock' episode: "It was very tough. We shot the ending - it was exterior in the city late one night outdoors by the water at a harbor in lower Manhattan and it was very cold and it was really, really - people were really, really sad because we're never going to have it that good again. But I have other things."

5. Med shot of Peter Facinelli on carpet

SOUNDBITE (English) Peter Facinelli, Actor, who he's rooting for in the Super Bowl: (Reporter: Who you voting for in the Super Bowl?)

Peter Facinelli: "49er's, because I'm from New York originally but it moved to California way back when and I feel like I have to now that I'm kind of a native."

Wide shot of carpet

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Gloria Ruben, Actress, on being part of film 'Lincoln': "There was something definitely very unique and special about when we were filming this movie. It had such an extraordinary feel - just everybody on the set. There was such respect and such a reverence; a lot of play and a lot of fun but such kind of a reverence about what we were doing."

7. Med shot of Ken Howard

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Ken Howard, Actor, on friend Dick Van Dyke: "One thing I think that's marvelously ironic is that in this first time as we're SAG/AFTRA - Dick Van Dyke's the perfect representative because he did everything. He was an announcer and television and film and Broadway."

9. Med shot of Kelly Osbourne, pull out to wide

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Eric Stonestreet, Actor, on success of 'Modern Family': "We have a great writing staff. It's a - all hands on deck effort over there from craft services to executive producer to actor to gaffer - everybody takes their job very seriously and I think that's what the audience responds to is how every Monday we start a new episode and we strive to make the best half-hour of TV on TV."

11. Wide shot of Steve Buscemi on carpet with wife, Director Jo Andres

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Steve Buscemi, Actor, on 'Boardwalk Empire': "It's always fun to shoot. Those last couple episodes were really - we felt like we were like running a lot. Nucky was on the run literally but I love the writers, I love the paces that they put us through and I'm looking forward to season four."

13. SOUNDBITE (English) John Goodman, Actor, on 'Argo' wins: "It was such a surprise the last few things and I think it's well deserved but it's just a ball. I'm just enjoying it."

14. Med shot of Mayim Bialik on carpet

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Mayim Bialik, Actress, on 'Big Bang Theory' recognition (starts camera on her purse): "It's exciting to be nominated by your peers especially when you're a large ensemble is very a special. It's not easy to be part of a large ensemble so it's especially special."

16. Fashion shot of Sally Field on carpet

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Sally Field, Actress, on how SAG awards differ: "It's all the actors. It's all the tribe and I've always been proud to be a member of the tribe and I will never not be kind of tickled and thrilled every time I say, 'Oh, I'm an actor.' 'What do you do for living?' 'I'm an actor.' So it's great that this is the actors."

18. Medium shot of actresses Jennifer Garner and Julianne Moore posing on red carpet

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Rico Rodriguez, Actor, on preparing for awards: "Actually I woke up at something like 8:30 this morning. I don't know why. I just decided to. My routine is to basically like 5 min. before I have to leave I get ready because I find it ironic how the girls have to do these like three, four hours to get ready while me - I'm just playing James Bond games and like eating my lunch and it's like, 'Oh, I have to get ready? Okay, cool."

20. Med shot of 'Modern Family' stars Rico Rodriguez and Ed O'Neill shake hands and O'Neill's wife Catherin Rusoff comes in shot and hugs Rodriguez.

21. SOUNDBITE (English) Ed O'Neill, Actor, on popularity of 'Modern Family': "I just think it's very entertaining, very fast paced and very well written."

Catherine Rusoff, Actress and O'Neill's wife: "People see themselves in it."

Ed O'Neill: "I think people can kind of identify certain aspects of the different families. If it's not one it's another."

22. Med shot of Edie Falco pull out to wide

23. Fashion shot of Nina Dobrev on carpet

24. Med shot of Neil Patrick Harris pan to shot of Jessica Lang

25. SOUNDBITE (English) Dick Van Dyke, Actor, on being honored with Lifetime Achievement Award: "Well, and it really is kind of a pinnacle of a career and you have to live long enough I think. I'm so tickled. I'm excited and I'm the only one who knows he's going to win."

26. Med shot of Jessica Chastain on carpet, pan to Anna Gunn, pan to Mayim Bialik

27. John Hamm and wife and fellow actor Jennifer Westfeldt

28. Fashion shot of Sofia Vergara

29. Fashion shot of Amanda Seyfried

STORYLINE

ACTORS GATHER FOR SAG WARM-UP TO THE ACADEMY AWARDS

A puzzling Academy Awards season will sort itself out a bit more on Sunday with the Screen Actors Guild Awards, where top performers gather to honor their own in what often is a prelude for who'll go home with an Oscar.

Among nominees for the 19th annual guild awards are Oscar winners Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones for the Civil War epic "Lincoln"; Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway for the Victor Hugo musical adaptation "Les Miserables"; and Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Oscar recipient Robert De Niro for the oddball romance "Silver Linings Playbook."

Actors were buzzing about the awards, the films and their TV shows on the SAG red carpet. Alex Baldwin talked about shooting the final episode of '30 Rock.' "It was very tough. We shot the ending - it was exterior in the city late one night outdoors by the water at a harbor in lower Manhattan and it was very cold and it was really, really - people were really, really sad because we're never going to have it that good again. But I have other things."

Gloria Ruben, who played Elizabeth Kickly in 'Lincoln,' said the cast knew they were part of something special. "There was something definitely very unique and special about when we were filming this movie. It had such an extraordinary feel - just everybody on the set. There was such respect and such a reverence; a lot of play and a lot of fun but such kind of a reverence about what we were doing."

Honors from the actors union, next weekend's Directors Guild of America Awards and Saturday night's Producers Guild of America Awards _ whose top honor went to "Argo" _ typically help to establish clear favorites for the Oscars.

'Argo' cast member John Goodman says he's tickled about the wins. "It was such a surprise the last few things and I think it's well deserved but it's just a ball. I'm just enjoying it."

But Oscar night on Feb. 24 looks more uncertain this time after some top directing prospects, including Ben Affleck for "Argo" and Kathryn Bigelow for "Zero Dark Thirty," missed out on nominations. Both films were nominated for best picture, but a movie rarely wins the top Oscar if its director is not also in the running.

Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" would seem the Oscar favorite with 12 nominations. Yet "Argo" and Affleck were surprise best-drama and director winners at the Golden Globes, and then there's Saturday's Producers Guild win for "Argo," leaving the Oscar race looking like anybody's guess.

The Screen Actors Guild honors at least should help to establish solid front-runners for the stars. All four of the guild's individual acting winners often go on to receive the same prizes at the Academy Awards.

The guild also presents an award for overall cast performance, its equivalent of a best-picture honor. The nominees are "Argo," "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Les Miserables," "Lincoln" and "Silver Linings Playbook."

Yet the cast prize has a spotty record at predicting the eventual best-picture recipient at the Oscars. Only eight of 17 times since the guild added the category has the cast winner gone on to take the best-picture Oscar. "The Help" won the guild's cast prize last year, while Oscar voters named "The Artist" as best picture.

Such past guild cast winners as "The Birdcage," "Gosford Park" and "Inglourious Basterds" also failed to take the top Oscar.

The show features nine television categories, as well.

Receiving the guild's life-achievement award is Dick Van Dyke, who presented the same prize last year to his "The Dick Van Dyke Show" co-star, Mary Tyler Moore. On the red carpet Van Dyke talked about the milestone. "Well, and it really is kind of a pinnacle of a career and you have to live long enough I think. I'm so tickled. I'm excited and I'm the only one who knows he's going to win."

Van Dyke's award will have been presented by his 1960s sitcom's creator and co-star, Carl Reiner, and Alec Baldwin.

SHOTLIST:

1. Pan from entrance of the Kodak Theatre, venue of Academy Awards, to the red carpet

2. Sign: "The Academy Awards"

3. Tilt from Academy Awards sign to Oscar statues wrapped in plastic

4. Media setting up in stands

5. Various of models and TV reporter on red carpet

6. Various of workmen carrying giant Oscar statues

7. Tilt up view of red carpet being steam cleaned

8. Oscar statue wrapped in plastic

9. Fans waiting in front of souvenir store

10. Women from Texas holding signs supporting Jamie Foxx

11. UPSOUND: (English) Vox Pop, Jamie Foxx Fan:

"We love you, great job on ''Ray''. We hope there is a ray of sunshine today - it''s kind of cold."

12. People waiting in front of souvenir shop

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vox pop, Chandra Hawthorne, Movie fan from Texas:

"I am rooting for Jamie Fox of course. Woow. Go Jamie. We are representing from Texas, yeah."

14. SOUNDBITE" (English) Vox pop, Skye Hagood, Movie fan:

"My prediction is Hilary Swank and ''Million Dollar Baby'', because all she came out here - her and her mom with just a car -and that is what I am doing and look how big she is now. She has been in a movie and that is really good and that is what I am going to do and that is who I am rooting for ... Hilary Swank you go."

15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vox pop, Ken Marsh, Movie fan:

"I have seen quite a few of them, I think ''The Aviator'' is absolutely spectacular - in fact it is a toss up between ''Ray'' and ''Aviator''. Especially for historic content - but I loved it that they did the life story of Ray Charles. I think he was a great man and it is a sad thing to lose someone of his stature."

16. Pan of fans seated behind fence

17. Tilt up from flowers to Oscar statue

STORYLINE:

As the sun rose in Los Angeles on Sunday, the frantic work continued to put the final touches to the venue for the evening''s most glamorous event - the Oscars.

Workers were putting the giant Oscar statues in place along the red carpet and TV reporters were filing their preview pieces where just hours from now the stars of Hollywood will be standing in front of thousands of cameras.

Die-hard fans were already gathering across the street from the Kodak Theatre in preparation for the 77th annual Academy Awards.

Many of them are waiting in the hope of getting a glimpse of their favourite actors or actresses.

Martin Scorsese''s Howard Hughes epic "The Aviator" and Clint Eastwood''s boxing drama "Million Dollar Baby" are fighting for best picture and director.

It would be Scorsese''s first Oscar after four previous best director losses, and the first time he has delivered a best picture winner.

Eastwood claimed both prizes with 1992''s "Unforgiven."

The other best picture candidates are the J.M. Barrie tale "Finding Neverland," the Ray Charles saga "Ray" and the road trip comedy "Sideways."

Among actors, "Ray" star Jamie Foxx is a favourite for best actor for his remarkable embodiment of Ray Charles.

Besides his best actor nomination, Foxx was also picked in the supporting category for "Collateral."

Hilary Swank, an Oscar winner for "Boys Don''t Cry," is the favourite to take best actress again for "Million Dollar Baby," while Cate Blanchett is predicted to win best supporting actress for "The Aviator."

SHOTLIST

APTN Los Angeles, 16 January 2005.

1. Wide shot, roof, Beverly Hilton hotel

2. Wide shot Beverly Hilton hotel

3. Wide of fans in bleachers with pan to Golden Globes Awards sign

4. Zoom into Golden Globe Awards sign

5. Pan of Ernst & Young accountants, with pull out and push in

6. Wide red carpet, with pull out

7. Scarlett Johansson walks carpet

8. Debra Messing walks carpet

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicole Kidman/Actor:

"Yes I like feathers, peacocks Gucci..."

10. Kate Winslet walks carpet

11. Prince walks carpet

12. Uma Thurman walks carpet

13. Mick Jagger and Jennifer Garner walk carpet

14. Setup shot of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, with pull out

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah Ferguson/Duchess of York, on why she's attending the Golden Globe Awards:

"Firstly the thing is that I think it is a great place for children to be, children all over the world that they see this happening and they think , maybe one day I can do that, you know, maybe I can walk the red carpet. So it gives children the right to dream. Secondly, I support British Film and British goods abroad and one thing is the film industry and thirdly it is not bad being with all the stars and you know, Leonardo DiCaprio, he has got to get it tonight."

15. Kevin Kline walks carpet

16. Halle Berry walks carpet

17. Kate Hudson walks carpet

18. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver walk carpet

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Javier Bardem/Actor, on Golden Globe Award presence of his film "The Sea Inside":

" Well it is pretty amazing, the movie ' The Sea Inside ' got two nominations and that is a lot I and I guess beyond a foreign movie it is a good movie, that is the reaction of people watching the movie, they like it "

20. Pan up on Cate Blanchett

21. SOUNDBITE (English) Imelda Staunton/Actor, on her first time at the Globes:

" Well it is lovely, it's lovely, very joyous and good fun you know and I dare say the fun hasn't even started yet so, very nice indeed , very nice …"

22. Pan up on Minnie Driver

23. SOUNDBITE (English) Morgan Freeman/Actor, on the significance of Globes and critical attention to "Million Dollar Baby":

"will the critics response was important to the success of any movie, this kind of critical acclaim because that is what we really got, and what we have got is an absolute pantheon of good movies, you know, great outstanding, the Aviator, outstanding, all the ones I have seen so far, all the ones that don't come to mind right now, but I mean we are looking at really terrific work so we are in great company"

24. Wide shot red carpet

25. SOUNDBITE (English) Helen Mirren/Actor, on how the Globes are different than the Oscars:

" It is thought of as a lighter hearted awards ceremony, possibly more fun. I mean I have always enjoyed the Academy Awards because you usually get an amazing show. The Globes are very different. It's a sort of incredibly well-organised Mom-and-Pop organisation, if you know what I mean, so it's always got that kind of slightly loosey-goosey feeling about it and that kind of makes it fun."

26. Pan up and down of Raquel Welch showing off jewelry and gown

27. Camera cutaway

28. SOUNDBITE (English) Miranda Richardson/Actor, on why the Golden Globe Awards are so much fun:

"Well it's a bit of a loose cannon because once the vodka gets flowing you never know what's going to happen really. But don't look at me because I'm chaste and good (laughs). Well what else is there? It's just fun because you can move between the tables and nobody is sitting there like a frightened dummy, well they are, but they move about at the same time."

29. SOUNDBITE (English) Annette Bening and Warren Beatty/Actors:

"I'm a little nervous. It's good to be a little nervous, you know, not a bad thing. But I'm happy to be here."

30. Camera cutaway

31. Wide shot Jean-Pierre Jeunet

32. SOUNDBITE (English) Jean-Pierre Jeunet/Director, "A Very Long Engagement," on the Golden Globe nomination for his film:

"Is it a dream? It's cool, you know. It's not, it's just cool but in fact, if I could be here for each movie, it would be perfect - maybe it would be the case. I start to be used to it."

33. Pan down on Jeunet

34. SOUNDBITE (French) Jean-Pierre Jeunet/Director, "A Very Long Engagement," on the Golden Globe nomination for his film:

(SAME AS TRANSCRIBED ABOVE).

35. Wide carpet, with pull out

36. SOUNDBITE (English) Gerard Butler/Actor, on his first impression of the Golden Globes:

"Obviously I've seen them before. I mean this is fun, it's great coming down, it's a little crazy, it gets a little intense but any time you do something for the first time, for me, it's nice."

37. SOUNDBITE (English) Brooke Adams and Tony Shaloub, on who he's wearing:

"I'm wearing Kinalli, yes."

38. Show attendees make a toast

39. Pan up woman in gown

40. Close up spider jewelry

41. Pan up woman in blue gown

42. SOUNDBITE (English) Brad Bird/Director, "The Incredibles," in the voice of the film's uber-designer, Edna 'E' Mode, assessing the fashion on the red carpet:

"You know, some people look wonderful darling and some people would be better off wearing the red carpet, if you know what I mean?"

43. Fashion shot of designer Taryn Rose

44. SOUNDBITE (English) Taryn Rose/Designer, on what awards-show fashion trends she's seeing:

"I really feel that that retro look, very Hollywood glamour, the satins, will be the highlight of the red carpet. It's going to influence a lot of people's choices and it's great because it's a very glamorous, feminine time but the women are still very strong."

45. Pan up William Shatner

46. SOUNDBITE (English) William Shatner/Actor, on donating his shoes to the charity auction, "Clothes Off Our Backs," to benefit Tsunami-relief efforts:

"well, um, I assume there are various parts of people's clothing coming off to be auctioned to raise money for the tragedy and I am so pleased to be a part of this community that's able to raise funds in that way, in every which way we can, Hollywood is always there, at some emergency."

47. Pan up woman in Andy Warhol Brillo dress

48. Pan up Diane Kruger in Indian-styled dress

49. SOUNDBITE (English) Diane Kruger/Actor on taking risks with red-carpet fashion:

"you know, I think European women, in general, have a little bit more fun with fashion. Like we don't, I'm not afraid to like do something that's a little different, you know, I don't know. I'm just not so comfortable wearing gowns gowns, I feel like everybody steps on your train the whole night and I wanted to be young."

50. Fashion shot Shohreh Aghdashloo

51. SOUNDBITE (English) Shohreh Aghdashloo/Actor, on her choice of gown:

"Definitely. For the Oscars, Seman (?) made my dress, the red dress and I really loved it, so I decided to go to Seman again. But this time, I had cream, an off-cream creamy colour in mind and the minute I told her, she said 'By all means, let's go for it'. Because I have a dark texture, with dark hair, I thought that maybe the best way is to wear something creamy and since I'm not a nominee, I'm just a guest here to enjoy myself, try to make it as simple as possible but of course it has it's Seman's edges on the simple dress but I hope that you like it."

52. SOUNDBITE (English) Raquel Welch/Actor, on how fashion statements have changed since the'60s:

"Well in the 60s and not just to date myself but in the 60s, people were not so careful, they dressed the way they felt. I mean, a lot of people would do outrageous things and wear, I don't know a mini-skirt from home and stuff like that and people would go 'Oh how could she dress up like that?' You know. But there were a lot of different faux-pas, people weren't quite so careful but you've got to see the personality of the person, do you know what I mean, more than just the fashion. And we never did talk about the labels or any of the things that we were wearing, never, it was considered very gauche to be a billboard."

53. P. Diddy walks carpet

54. Fashion shot of Laura Linney

55. SOUNDBITE (English) Imelda Staunton/Actor, on her clothes:

"Roberto Cavalli, yeah, and the back's very nice, yeah. And that's all I know."

56. Mos Def speaks to reporter

57. Fashion shot of Virginia Madsen

58. Fashion shot of Miranda Richardson

59. Shot of man in kilt

60. People cleaning up red carpet after tub of Evian tumbled over and created a flood

61. SOUNDBITE (English) Will Arnett and David Cross/Actor, "Arrested Development," commenting on the red-carpet disaster:

"Like elsewhere around the world, they'd laugh at this 'You call this a disaster?' But here in Hollywood, this is a true disaster."

GOLDEN GLOBES RED CARPET

Celebrities zipped past the waiting international press last night at the Golden Globe awards.

Nicole Kidman, dressed in a blue satiny dress adorned with peacock feathers stopped long enough to tell us who designed her dress.

"Yes I like feathers, peacocks Gucci"

Raquel Welch, sixties icon and sex symbol extra-ordinaire put the event in a historical perspective:

"Well in the 60s and not just to date myself but in the 60s, people were not so careful, they dressed the way they felt. I mean, a lot of people would do outrageous things and wear, I don't know a mini-skirt from home and stuff like that and people would go 'Oh how could she dress up like that?' You know. But there were a lot of different faux-pas, people weren't quite so careful but you've got to see the personality of the person, do you know what I mean, more than just the fashion. And we never did talk about the labels or any of the things that we were wearing, never, it was considered very gauche to be a billboard."

One of the few not in a rush to enter the building was Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, she told APTN :

"Firstly the thing is that I think it is a great place for children to be, children all over the world that they see this happening and they think , maybe one day I can do that, you know, maybe I can walk the red carpet. So it gives children the right to dream. Secondly, I support British Film and British goods abroad and one thing is the film industry and thirdly it is not bad being with all the stars and you know, Leonardo DiCaprio, he has got to get it tonight."

Spanish actor Javier Bardem, lead actor in Globe winning film ' The Sea Within ' was happy to be there :

"Well it is pretty amazing, the movie ' The Sea Inside ' got two nominations and that is a lot and I guess beyond a foreign movie, it is a good movie, that is the reaction of people watching the movie, they like it "

Much lauded actor Morgan Freeman who attended in connection with Clint Eastwood's " Million Dollar Baby ", radiating calm, told us about the meaning of the Golden Globe awards :

" Well the critics response is important to the success of any movie, this kind of critical acclaim, because that is what we really got, and what we have got is an absolute pantheon of good movies, you know, great outstanding, 'The Aviator', outstanding, all the ones I have seen so far, all the ones that don't come to mind right now, but I mean we are looking at really terrific work so we are in great company"

While British Actress Helen Mirren compared the event to the Oscars:

" It is thought of as a lighter hearted awards ceremony, possibly more fun. I mean I have always enjoyed the Academy Awards because you usually get an amazing show. The Globes are very different. It's a sort of incredibly well-organised Mom-and-Pop organisation, if you know what I mean, so it's always got that kind of slightly loosey-goosey feeling about it and that kind of makes it fun."

At some point a bucket filled with bottles of mineral water and ice spilled onto the carpet, a minor disaster, which caused Will Arnett and David Cross/Actor, "Arrested Development," to cammoent.

"Like elsewhere around the world, they'd laugh at this 'You call this a disaster?' But here in Hollywood, this is a true disaster."

Of course fashion is one of the more interesting aspects of the red carpet arrivals at Awards ceremonies, which caused Brad Bird/Director, "The Incredibles," in the voice of the film's uber-designer, Edna 'E' Mode, to say :

"You know, some people look wonderful darling and some people would be better off wearing the red carpet, if you know what I mean?"

A major celebrity party in their own right, the Globes serve as the most prominent ceremony in Hollywood's pre-game show leading up to the Academy Awards on Feb. 27.

The Globes are awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, whose small membership of about 90 people pales compared to the nearly 6,000 film professionals eligible to vote for the Oscars.

Yet the Globes historically serve as a solid forecast that helps set the odds for subsequent film honours.

Golden Globe winners gain attention that can put them on the inside track for prizes from acting, directing and other filmmaking guilds, momentum that often sticks with them right through Oscar night.

All four of last year's Oscar winners for acting - Sean Penn, Charlize Theron, Tim Robbins and Renee Zellweger - earned Golden Globes first. Best-picture champ "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" and its director, Peter Jackson, also preceded their Oscar triumphs with Globe wins.

Along with "The Aviator," other dramatic best-picture nominees for the 62nd annual Golden Globes were "Closer," "Finding Neverland," "Hotel Rwanda," "Kinsey" and "Million Dollar Baby." Joining "Sideways" in the best musical or comedy race were "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "The Incredibles," "Andrew Lloyd Webber's the Phantom of the Opera" and "Ray."

Besides best actor in a musical or comedy for "Ray," Foxx scored nominations for supporting actor in the thriller "Collateral" and actor in a TV movie or miniseries for the prison drama "Redemption."

Robin Williams, a five-time Globe winner for such films as "The Fisher King" and "Good Morning, Vietnam," received the Cecil B. DeMille award for career achievement.

OSCAR CARPET RUSHED OUT IN ADVANCE OF EXPECTED STORMS

About a day earlier than motion-picture academy officials announced it was likely to happen, the red carpet was rolled out onto a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard Tuesday night (25 FEB. 2014) for the 86th Annual Academy Awards -- and with less than an hour's notice to media outlets.

So why the rush?

Blame what the National Weather Service warned would be two storms, the second being "the strongest the area has experienced in about three years."

Forecasters are predicting above-average rainfall, gusty winds, maybe even thunderstorms -- nothing for many parts of the planet, but a big deal for Los Angeles, where mild-and-sunny days are the norm.

The 86th Annual Academy Awards is set for Sunday 2 March, for which the weather service forecasts partly cloudy conditions and only 10 percent chance of rain.

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 25 February 2014

1. Various of 86th Annual Academy Awards arrivals area and red carpet being rolled out onto Hollywood Boulevard

SHOTLIST:

Los Angeles - February 25, 2005

1. Entrance leading into the Academy Award celebrity arrivals area

2. Traffic officer in street in front of arrivals area

3. Hollywood Boulevard street sign

4. Oscar billboard sign

5. Oscar venue entrance

6. Oscar statue

7. Photographer setting up video camera

8. Technician setting up lights

9. Technicians working on lights

10. Technicians working in red carpet entry way

11. Reporter speaking in front of Oscar venue

12. "Academy Award" lettering on red carpet

Los Angeles - February 24, 2005

13.Street scene on Hollywood Boulevard

14. People taking photos near Kodak Theatre

15. SOUNDBITE(English) Voxpop:

"I don''t know. Some of the girls I guess, Jennifer Aniston if she''s free. But, I don''t know, anyone."

16. People waking along Hollywood Walk of Fame

17. SOUNDBITE(English) Voxpop:

"Good fun. It''s typical America. It''s Hollywood in America, yeah typical."

18. Street scene on Hollywood Boulevard

19. Rap artist performing an Oscar-related rap near Kodak Theatre

20. Street performer breakdancing on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Los Angeles - February 25, 2005.

21. Oscar statue and entryway to Kodak Theatre

22. Worker outside theatre, Oscar statue

STORYLINE:

Workers were busy on Friday getting Hollywood''s Kodak Theatre ready for this year''s Academy Awards gala event which takes place on Sunday (US time).

The ceremony honours the best in American and foreign film making.

Outside the Oscar venue finishing touches were being put on a grand, red-carpeted entrance that will welcome a throng of stars and celebrities for the seventy-seventh annual Academy Awards show.

Tourists in the area said they were looking forward to the ceremony.

More than three-thousand people are expected to descend on the Kodak Theatre for the ceremony.

Security will be tight.

On Friday, the streets surrounding the theatre were blocked off already, metal barricades limited walkways and uniformed police officers were standing guard.

The red carpet walkway to the theatre received a bit of a face-lift this year - following recent rainstorms, Academy Award planners were not taking any chances and put up a plastic tent over the red carpet.

OSCARS ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET

Four days before the Academy Awards, it's time to roll.

Workers rolled out massive sections of red carpet along Hollywood Boulevard on Wednesday (18 FEB. 2015) in preparation for the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday.

After laying down the carpet early in the morning, workers immediately got to work using tools to link carpet sections together so nothing trips up nervous nominees before they make it inside for the ceremony.

Actors, filmmakers, publicists and other guests will pose for photographers and stroll down the carpet starting at around 2 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, and the 87th Academy Awards will begin at 5:30 p.m. (0130 GMT, 23 Feb.)

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 18 February 2015

1. Wide Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, site of the Academy Awards

2. Medium Oscar statue outside theatre

3. Low-angle of red carpet rolled up on street with Oscars signage in background

4. Wide workers roll red carpet toward camera with Oscars signage in background

5. Wide pan right workers roll out Oscars red carpet

6. Medium pan left standing workers roll out Oscars red carpet

7. Wide pan left workers roll out Oscars red carpet with Dolby Theatre in background

8. Medium workers kick carpet to roll it out

9. Medium workers move and unfold red carpet

10. Wide workers lay down Oscars red carpet

11. Wide high-angle Dolby Theatre with red carpet along Hollywood Boulevard

12. Medium signage for Dolby Theatre and Oscars

13. Wide workers piece together Oscars red carpet

14. Medium Oscars exterior decor

15. Wide worker pieces together red carpet sections in front of Dolby Theatre

16. Close worker pieces together carpet sections

17. Medium worker pieces together carpet sections

18. Wide tilt up Oscar statue and Dolby Theatre entrance

NILE RODGERS HONORED AT LOS ANGELES SOIREE

Legendary music producer and guitarist Nile Rodgers was the man of the hour Tuesday (3 FEB. 2015) at the eighth annual Grammy Week event in Los Angeles.

The Producers and Engineers Wing of The Recording Academy honored the three-time Grammy-winner with a star-studded gala at the famed Village Recording Studios.

"I'm just overwhelmed," said the 62-year-old recording artist.

"I'm not a good award guy because I don't do music for awards so when things like this happen I get sort of, I absolutely get teary-eyed. I get overwhelmed."

Rodgers has collaborated with artists like David Bowie, Duran Duran, Avicii and Daft Punk on their smash hit "Get Lucky."

He's also a co-founding member and the lead guitarist of the rock-disco band Chic. Rodgers is releasing Chic's first new album in two decades thanks to a recently discovered box of the band's unreleased demos.

"It's Chic," he said of the new music.

"Not only is it classic, the very first single - everybody that was on the very first recording, every single person that was singing on that record, including Luther Vandross, everybody is on that single. It was like something I pulled out I was like 'oh my god! Look at this!' And it's killing. I played it for Pharrell on an airplane a couple of weeks ago. We were headed to Dubai and his exact words, well I can't say his exact words, but it went something like 'Nile, put that blank out right away. Put it out tonight!.'"

The first single from the record is due out in March and the LP is expected to drop in June.

Music industry VIPs and artists including Aloe Blacc and "Weird Al" Yankovic were on hand to celebrate Rodgers.

Yankovic, who had a pop culture moment this year with the chart-topping "Mandatory Fun," was also nominated for a best comedy album Grammy. But the comedian isn't holding his breath for a trophy on Sunday.

"Oh my goodness. I would say I've been studying the Grammys for a while, this might be the toughest comedy category ever in terms of competition. For crying out loud, Patton Oswalt, a dear friend of mine, Sarah Silverman, Jim Gaffigan, Louis C.K. Amazing right? So I've got my fingers crossed, but I'm not counting on anything," he said.

He said he was shocked when last year's winner Kathy Griffin did not receive a nomination.

"It was a tough category and Kathy won last year and she gets nominated year after year. Not even a nomination this year after winning last year. So I saw her right after the nominations came out and I gave her my condolences because it's kind of sad. I mean she obviously would have been nominated in a less crowded year, but this year's just been nuts."

Songwriter Diane Warren, on the other hand, is feeling pretty good about her Oscar odds.

"I bet on myself you know," she said about her best original song nomination for "Grateful" featured in "Beyond the Lights."

"Lucky seven maybe? You know. I mean I think being nominated, I mean not to be cliche, but you know being nominated is amazing. Think of all the songs in movies every year. You know there's so many times that I think I'm going to get nominated and I don't. This time I didn't think I had a chance and I woke up in the morning and here it is."

But the Golden Globe winner is not pleased with her collaborator, singer Rita Ora. Warren says Ora should be trying harder to promote their Oscar-nominated song.

"In all honesty it would be great to not be the only one out there promoting this. Because it's a huge opportunity," she explained.

"I mean she's going to sing for two billion people. Like when is the next time that's going to happen? Probably not, you know, it doesn't happen to that many...it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing that you sing for the Oscars, no matter who you are. So yeah, it would be nice (if she showed more support) and I think it's a hit record you know. Hopefully, maybe it will change and maybe they'll� and maybe when it wins, if it wins."

Ora will perform "Grateful" at the 87th Academy Awards on Feb. 22.

The song is up against "Everything Is Awesome" from "The Lego Movie," "Glory" from "Selma," "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" from "Glen Campbell � I'll Be Me" and "Lost Stars" from "Begin Again."

The Grammy Awards will air live Feb. 8 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 3 Feb. 2015

1. Wide of The Village Recording Studios

2. Wide of sign

3. Wide of Nile Rodgers posing for photos with guests

4. Medium of Nile Rodgers

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Nile Rodgers, producer/recording artist:

"I'm just overwhelmed. I'm not a good award guy because I don't do music for awards so when things like this happen I get sort of, I absolutely get teary-eyed. I get overwhelmed."

6. Zoom in on Nile Rodgers posing for photos

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Nile Rodgers, producer/recording artist - on new music from Chic:

"It's Chic. Not only is it classic, the very first single - everybody that was on the very first recording, every single person that was singing on that record, including Luther Vandross, everybody is on that single. It was like something I pulled out and I was like 'oh my god! Look at this!' And it's killing. I played it for Pharrell on an airplane a couple of weeks ago. We were headed to Dubai and his exact words, well I can't say his exact words, but it went something like 'Nile, put that blank out right away. Put it out tonight!'"

8. Zoom in on "Weird Al" Yankovic posing for photos

9. SOUNDBITE (English) "Weird Al" Yankovic, comedian/recording artist - on his Grammys' competition:

"Oh my goodness. I would say I've been studying the Grammys for a while, this might be the toughest comedy category ever in terms of competition. For crying out loud, Patton Oswalt, a dear friend of mine, Sarah Silverman, Jim Gaffigan, Louis C.K. Amazing right? So I've got my fingers crossed, but I'm not counting on anything."

10. Zoom in on "Weird Al" Yankovic posing for photos

11. SOUNDBITE (English) "Weird Al" Yankovic, comedian/recording artist - on Kathy Griffin's Grammy snub:

"I know, she's been nominated (before). It was a tough category and Kathy won last year and she gets nominated year after year. Not even a nomination this year after winning last year. So I saw her right after the nominations came out and I gave her my condolences because it's kind of sad. I mean she obviously would have been nominated in a less crowded year, but this year's just been nuts."

12. Wide of Diane Warren hugging Nile Rodgers

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Diane Warren, songwriter - on her Oscar nomination:

"Lucky seven maybe? You know. I mean I think being nominated, I mean not to be cliche, but you know being nominated is amazing. Think of all the songs in movies every year. You know there's so many times that I think I'm going to get nominated and I don't. This time I didn't think I had a chance and I woke up in the morning and here it is."

14. Wide of Diane Warren speaking to reporters

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Diane Warren, songwriter - on Rita Ora not showing enough support for their Oscar-nominated song, "Grateful":

"I think honestly I don't want to keep this thing going. I want to think about the positivity of the song, but in all honesty it would be great to not be the only one out there promoting this. Because it's a huge opportunity. I mean she's going to sing for two billion people. Like when is the next time that's going to happen? Probably not, you know, it doesn't happen to that many...it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing that you sing for the Oscars, no matter who you are. So yeah, it would be nice (if she showed more support) and I think it's a hit record you know. Hopefully, maybe it will change and maybe they'll� and maybe when it wins, if it wins, because I bet on myself, you know."

16. Wide of Aloe Blacc

SHOTLIST:-

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 03 March 2006

1. Wide exterior of the Hollywood Blvd and Highland Blvd. intersection with pan up to the Academy Awards poster

2. Wide of red-carpet arrivals line under construction for the Academy Awards

3. Wide of press conference

4. Wide of photographers

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Gil Cates/Oscar Telecast Producer:

"You know, we want to surprise the audience, we want to give them a laugh. We want to have them open a big surprising package and pick things out and say isn't this a surprise? But you're right, there are surprising things on the show and your sources have been correct. We have been doing some very funny stuff."

6. Camera cutaway

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Sid Ganis/Academy President:

"Actually I'm pretty pleased about the social themes of every one of the movies, how very good. Nice to see that films of social significance are making it to the top this year. Was I surprised? I know that each and every one of those movies are absolutely excellent films. Therefore I am not surprised."

8. Gil Cates, Sid Ganis and Louis Horovitz speak to reporters

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Louis J Horovitz/Oscar Telecast Director:

"Gil Cates and Sid at the nominees luncheon gave a great breakdown of what makes a great acceptance speech. And it's to come up there and talk about the work that you just did as a filmmaker and why you were honoured. That's always a good speech. Additionally Tom Hanks and the gang made an eight and a half minute film about were some great moments in Oscar history during the speeches. I really think that if it's meaningful and pointed it affects not only the people in the room peers but it's entertaining for the people at home and ultimately if you don't go along you are not taking time away from your other friends and peers who also want to use their speech on the show."

SOUNDBITE (English) Sid Ganis/Academy President: "And I think by now Lou, most of the artists know that if they pull a piece of paper out of their pockets and put their head down and start reading names from that piece of paper, number one they are going to be boring. They don't want to be boring and the second thing is, you know, in a very short period of time that music will start up."

10. Camera cutaway

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Gil Cates/Oscar Telecast Producer:

"It is always a question of making this show exciting and as relevant to the times as possible and a part of that is the movie that Sid said. On the one hand you have 'Narnia,' and 'King Kong,' and 'War of the Worlds,' on the other hand you have 'Capote,' 'Brokeback Mountain,' and 'Good Night and Good Luck,' so the bottom line, there's a very diverse group of films this year, there's a host that's wonderful, Jon Stewart, we have 'Three Six Mafia' performing and Kathleen Bird York so it should be a fun show."

12. Gil Cates, Sid Ganis and Louis Horovitz speak to reporters

OSCAR-TELECAST PREVIEW

In the last press conference held by the Academy right outside the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, the media had a chance to ask or clarify any outstanding rumours about the Oscar show Sunday evening.

"You know, we want to surprise the audience, we want to give them a laugh,"noted Oscar-telecast producer Gil Cates. "We want to have them open a big surprising package and pick things out and say isn't this a surprise? But you're right, there are surprising things on the show and your sources have been correct. We have been doing some very funny stuff."

The Oscar-telecast producer Louis Horovitz continued. "Additionally Tom Hanks and the gang made an eight and a half minute film about were some great moments in Oscar history during the speeches. I really think that if it's meaningful and pointed it affects not only the people in the room peers but it's entertaining for the people at home and ultimately if you don't go along you are not taking time away from your other friends and peers who also want to use their speech on the show."

Academy President Sid Ganis gave a few pointers at the Oscar luncheon on what winners could say during their acceptance speech. Just to reiterate, he added one more.

"And I think by now Lou most of the artists know that if they pull a piece of paper out of their pockets," noted Ganis. "And put their head down and start reading names from that piece of paper, number one they are going to be boring. They don't wan to be boring and the second thing is, you know, in a very short period of time that music will start up."

REDMAYNE, WASHINGTON, DANES ATTEND PRODUCERS' BIG BASH, NIGHT BEFORE SAGS

Jennifer Lawrence, Kerry Washington and Keira Knightley wore Oscar appropriate gowns in support of their fellow producers' Saturday (24 JAN 2015) night for the Producers Guild of America Awards.

Eddie Redmayne said he was ready for the weekend-long celebration of his movie "The Theory of Everything" beginning with the PGA awards, followed by the SAG awards on Sunday.

"No I see this as an evening to celebrate these brilliant people," Redmayne said about his producers. "As actors, you arrive at the last minute on things. It's the tip of the iceberg with all this work that's been done before hand and on 'Theory of Everything' it took over 10 years for Anthony (McCarten) to persuade Jane, Stephen's first wife to allow the rights to her book and then to write the script and to get it going. So it's always such an achievement on their behalf."

First-time Oscar nominee, "The Imitation Game" director Mortem Tyldum is trying his best to take it all in. Along with the Academy nomination, it's the Norweigan director's first American film.

"It's pretty unreal actually," said Tyldum. "PGA award here, getting the DGA nomination. SAGs tomorrow. Nine BAFTAs, eight Academy Award nominations. It's a little bit overwhelming but its great fun. I'm trying to enjoy the moments."

"The Imitation Game" actor Allen Leech is excited to attend the SAG Awards with both the film and "Downton Abbey." Attending the SAG Awards as a double nominee can have its downfalls.

"Trying to trying to decide what table did sit on," said Leech. "So I did a deal. 'Downton (Abbey)' Golden Globes, and 'Imitation Game' SAGs. So I'm sharing the love. I know, I know it is nice to have that problem."

Mexican director Alejandro G. Inarritu is currently nominated for three Oscars this year for "Birdman." While it brings his Oscar nominations to a total of five, Inarritu explained why it never gets old.

"Well I think at the end, everybody complains that they are long or there are too, all that," said Inarritu. "Beyond all I think reflects the recognition of the colleagues which always I feel honored and humbling and I appreciate that. The fact that we can get together, the crew and the actors together, have a little toast that's always a great opportunity."

Rapper Common won the Golden Globe earlier this month for best original song for "Glory," the theme song in "Selma." Common's acceptance speech when viral, where he praised "Selma" for awakening his humanity. Next up is the Oscars. The rapper said, God willing he will have another acceptance speech ready next month.

"Put it this way, my idea if you get a platform is that you should be prepared. So if I get the opportunity to go up there I will have something to say. Everything won't be all written but it'll be some thoughts I have in my head because that's an opportunity to speak to the world."

The 87th Oscars will be on Sunday 22 February at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 24 January 2015

1. Wide exterior of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel

2. Wide of Jennifer Lawrence posing for photographers

3. Fashion shot, Claire Danes

4. Kerry Washington poses for photographers

5. Adrien Brody poses for photographers

6. Reese Witherspoon poses for photographers

7. Judy Greer poses for photographers

8. J.K. Simmons poses for photographers

9. Julia Louis-Dreyfus poses for photographers

10. Fashion shot, Felicity Jones

11. Eddie Redmayne poses for photographers

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Eddie Redmayne/Actor, on whether PGA is the pre-party to the SAG party:

"That's a very good question. No I see this as an evening to celebrate these brilliant people. As actors, you arrive at the last minute on things. It's the tip of the iceberg with all this work that's been done before hand and on 'Theory of Everything' it took over 10 years for Anthony (McCarten) to persuade Jane, Stephen's first wife to allow the rights to her book and then to write the script and to get it going. So it's always such an achievement on their behalf."

13. Medium of Keira Knightley's stomach, tilt up to her greeting someone on arrivals line

14. Director Morten Tyldum and wife Janne Tyldum pose for photographers

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Mortem Tyldum/Director, on how he describes his first award season:

"It's pretty unreal actually. The war is welcome I couldn't imagine. PGA award here, getting the DGA nomination. SAGs tomorrow. Nine BAFTAs, eight Academy Award nominations. It's a little bit overwhelming but its great fun. I'm trying to enjoy the moments."

16. Camera cutaway

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Allen Leech/Actor, on the toughest part about being nominated for a SAG in television and film:

"Trying to trying to decide what table did sit on. So I did a deal. 'Downton (Abbey)' Golden Globes, and 'Imitation Game' SAGs. So I'm sharing the love. I know, I know it is nice to have that problem."

18. Edward Norton walks arrivals

19. Director Alejandro G. Inarritu and wife Mar�a Eladia Hagerman pose for photographers

20. SOUNDBITE (English) Alejandro G. Inarritu/Director, on what he still enjoys about award season:

"Well I think at the end, everybody complains that they are long or there are too many, all that. Beyond all I think reflects the recognition of the colleagues which always I feel honored and humbling and I appreciate that. The fact that we can get together, the crew and the actors together, have a little toast that's always a great opportunity."

21. Alejandro G. Inarritu speaks to reporter

22. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Alejandro G. Inarritu/Director, on preparing for the Oscar race:

"I have a lot of work right now in Canada. I'm shooting a movie so right now I don't have a lot of time to get ready for the Oscars. I'm working with mountains and snow."

23. Common poses on the carpet for photographers

24. SOUNDBITE (English) Common/Recording Artist, on preparing a speech for a possible Oscar win:

"Put it this way, my idea if you get a platform is that you should be prepared. So if I get the opportunity to go up there I will have something to say. Everything won't be all written but it'll be some thoughts I have in my head because that's an opportunity to speak to the world."

25. Wide of arrivals

JENNIFER HUDSON HONORED WITH A STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

It was just about 10 years ago that Jennifer Hudson was introduced to the world as a contestant on the third season of "American Idol."

She came in seventh place, but used that spotlight to win the role of Effie in the Bill Condon film "Dreamgirls," which resulted in an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2006.

Now she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"I have no words," said the Grammy Award winner after Wednesday's (13 NOV. 2013) ceremony. "Like, I'm very rarely speechless and I am speechless, like I don't really know what to say. Again, it's something I was like, I have to see it to actually believe it. Even here they're like, 'They're giving you a star.' And I'm like, 'Me? Who? Are you sure?' So it's very surreal and it's a lot to take in, so it's going to take quite some time for me to really process it. I have to stroll up this street quite often to be like, yep, yep, it's still there. They didn't pick it up!"

Joining Hudson at the ceremony on Wednesday (13 Nov. 2013) were her music producer Clive Davis and fellow recording artist Raphael Saadiq.

"I have been privileged over the years to work for over 25 years with two of the greatest voices of all time -- Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston," said Davis in his remarks. "I never thought I'd hear another voice to compare and yet staring me in the face was a new voice that did compare. It literally sent shivers up my spine. Well, the rest is in the history books. 'Dreamgirls' came out in 2006, and yes she won the Academy Award, a Golden Globe award, a Screenwriters Guild award... She won 29 awards for that role. And then in 2008 we released her debut album and in that very first year with that very first album she proceeded to win a Grammy Award."

Hudson fans can see her next in "Black Nativity," a musical based on the Langston Hughes play. She is part of an ensemble cast that includes Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett.

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 13 Nov. 2013

1. Wide of Hollywood Boulevard

2. Wide of Hudson unveiling star

3. Cutaway of cameramen

4. Medium of Hudson waving to crowd

5. Camera cutaway

6. Wide of Hollywood mayor introducing Hudson

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Clive Davis/Music Producer:

"I have been privileged over the years to work for over 25 years with two of the greatest voices of all time -- Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. I never thought I'd hear another voice to compare and yet staring me in the face was a new voice that did compare. It literally sent shivers up my spine. Well, the rest is in the history books. 'Dreamgirls' came out in 2006, and yes she won the Academy Award, a Golden Globe award, a Screenwriters Guild award... She won 29 awards for that role. And then in 2008 we released her debut album and in that very first year with that very first album she proceeded to win a Grammy Award."

8. Wide of crowd

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Jennifer Hudson/Recording Artist:

"It's the same thing I said when I won my Academy Award, it's 'Look what God can do!' I knew I would get emotional and I'm sure my mom is in heaven like, 'Jenny, stop crying!' But now is the time to cry, mama, it is! I don't know where to start. It is an amazing honor as we all know and I did not see it coming and I'm so honored to be here with so many that I love. And I feel as though we're all family. And so even all of you guys, I love you too. Whoo! It's one thing to be in this type of position, but it doesn't mean anything if you can't make a difference in the world. I hope someone, and I always say that every time we go out we make sure we treat everyone like family, so with that being said I'm so honored that all my family is here with me today."

10. Medium of Hudson flanked by Clive Davis, left, and Raphael Saadiq, right

11. Wide of trio

12. Medium cutaway of cameramen

13. Medium of Hudson lying on her star

14. Wide of Hudson standing on star

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Jennifer Hudson/Recording Artist:

"I have no words. Like, I'm very rarely speechless and I am speechless, like I don't really know what to say. Again, it's something I was like, I have to see it to actually believe it. Even here they're like, 'They're giving you a star.' And I'm like, 'Me? Who? Are you sure?' So it's very surreal and it's a lot to take in, so it's going to take quite some time for me to really process it. I have to stroll up this street quite often to be like, yep, yep, it's still there. They didn't pick it up! (Laughs)"

16. Medium of Clive Davis posing with fans

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Clive Davis/Music Producer:

"well her talent is remarkable. And it's just beginning and that's the cool thing, that here's she getting this star and you just know, everybody knows, it's really just beginning.

18. Close-up of star, pull out to medium

SHOTLIST

1. Pan of red carpet area outside Kodak Theatre

2. Close up of electronic sign with Academy Award/Oscar display

3. Pull of Kodak Theatre entrance

4. Mid of workers on cherrypicker in front of Oscar statue outside Kodak Theatre

5. Wide of worker on cherrypicker spray painting Oscar statue

6. Close shot of worker on cherrypicker spray painting Oscar statue

7. Mid of workers setting up Oscar statues in red carpet area

8. Mid of Oscar statues and Oscar banner

9. Various of workers spray painting statue

10. Close up of Oscar statues, banner in the background

11. Mid shot of people near Kodak Theatre

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Howard, Long Beach, California resident:

"You know, this is the first time that I've been up here to see all of this. It's quite a production. I didn't realise it was so major, because on TV you just see little bits of it. But this is just blocks and blocks of cameras and chords and everything. It's really neat, exciting."

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Nick, British tourist:

(Question: "What do you think about all of this?")

Answer: "Brilliant. It's my wife's birthday and we're coming out especially for Oscars to see the awards, well, as live as we can anyway. My wife's a big George Clooney fan, so she's hoping he'll pick up an award. And, we don't get good TV coverage back in England on it, but we'll be able to see it all of it here on the networks as well as take in some of the atmosphere of it here live, so it's a massive production, but it's good to be here anyway".

14. Mid of barricades at entrance to red carpet area/TV camera crane crew in background.

15. Wide of Oscar statue in red carpet area outside Kodak Theatre.

16. Wide of Academy Award billboard above Hollywood Boulevard.

17. Pull down billboard.

STORYLINE

No matter who wins on Sunday, Hollywood can both brag about an unusually daring crop of Academy Awards films and hang its head in embarrassment that hardly any came from the studios that dominate the movie business.

The Oscars are as establishment as it gets in the entertainment world.

So it's a triumph of art over commerce that low-budget, fierce dramas such as the cowboy romance "Brokeback Mountain", the ensemble tale "Crash", the Truman Capote story "Capote" and the Edward R. Murrow saga "Good Night, and Good Luck" are the awards darlings this time over the escapist blockbusters that often rule.

Meanwhile Oscar is getting a makeover, outside the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, as final preparations are underway ahead of Sunday's Academy Awards.

Workers are busy putting the final touches on Oscar statues, banners and the red carpet in time for the gala awards event Sunday evening.

Host Jon Stewart is known for his political comedy on American TV's "The Daily Show" and many of the nominated films have political themes, however, Oscar producers are promising no political uproar at the 78th Annual Academy Awards Sunday.