Kidman, Watts spark Oscars talk

Naomi Watts (as Diana, Princess of Wales) visits Australia in a scene from film Diana. Source: Supplied

THE gold paint on Ben Affleck's Best Picture Oscar has barely had time to dry, but already the race for the 2014 Academy Awards is on.

The confirmation last week of a December 27 release date in the US (likely to be Boxing Day in Australia) for Nicole Kidman’s Grace of Monaco sets the Grace Kelly biopic up as a leading Oscar contender.

Kidman won’t be the only Australian playing a princess who’s vying for awards. Naomi Watts’ turn as the late Princess of Wales in the movie Diana has been termed “stunning” by insiders who have seen early footage.

Grace of Monaco will be distributed in the US by The Weinstein Company – who have great Oscars form. TWC films have won the Best Actress gong two years running: Meryl Streep in 2012 for The Iron Lady and Jennifer Lawrence this year for Silver Linings Playbook.

Announcing his company’s acquisition of Grace of Monaco, Harvey Weinstein said: “Nicole Kidman’s commanding performance is the perfect portrait of a woman who was not only royalty, but who also remains a legend of the silver screen and a fashion icon.”

Nicole Kidman (as actor turned princess Grace Kelly) in a scene from film Grace of Monaco

Grace Kelly herself won an Oscar in 1954.

Playing Prince Rainier to Kidman’s Kelly in the movie is Britsh actor Tim Roth.

Watts has called playing Princess Di a “high, high, high risk”, but her co-star Naveen Andrews (who plays Diana’s lover, Dr Hasnat Khan) has said “no one else” could have pulled it off. Diana is eyeing a September/October release.

As usual, Streep will be in the Oscars mix – she’ll be seen in November in August: Osage County, an adaptation of the acclaimed stage play. The drama’s heavyweight cast also includes Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Naveen Andrews (as Dr Hasnat Khan) and Naomi Watts (as Diana, Princess of Wales) in a scene from film Diana.

A strong ensemble cast could also catapult The Butler into contention.

The true tale of a White House butler who served eight Presidents, it stars Forest Whitaker as the butler, Oprah Winfrey as his wife, John Cusack as Nixon, Alan Rickman and Jane Fonda as the Reagans and Robin Williams and Melissa Leo as the Eisenhowers.

Other actors gaining early Oscar heat include Leonardo DiCaprio, whose role in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street may snuff out hopes of a nomination for the Australian-made The Great Gatsby, and Tom Hanks, who plays Walt Disney in Saving Mr Banks and the titular character in Captain Phillips, about the 2009 hijacking of a US cargo ship by Somali pirates.

Last week it was announced the 2014 Academy Awards will take place on March 2 – a week later than this year, to avoid a television clash with the Winter Olympics.

Forest Whitaker in a scene from film The Butler.

Rumours are already circling as to who will host the ceremony, too. Leading the race so far is Justin Timberlake.
 

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Obama not surprised by Oscars flap

Michelle Obama presents the Oscar for Best Picture. Source: Supplied

MICHELLE Obama says it was "absolutely not surprising" that her appearance at the Oscars attracted criticism.

Mrs Obama's appearance at the Academy Awards ceremony provoked a national conversation in the US about whether it was appropriate, after some conservative critics accused her of selfishly crashing the event in an attempt to upstage it.

She attributed the chatter to a culture shift that has spawned legions of bloggers, tweeters and others who talk about anything and everything all the time.

"Shoot, my bangs set off a national conversation. My shoes can set off a national conversation. That's just sort of where we are. We've got a lot of talking going on," Mrs Obama said only somewhat jokingly before an appearance in Chicago, her hometown, this week.

"It's like everybody's kitchen-table conversation is now accessible to everybody else so there's a national conversation about anything."

In what was not the first-ever Oscar appearance by a first lady, Mrs Obama was beamed live from the White House into Sunday's ceremony in Los Angeles to unseal the envelope and announce that the night's final award, for Best Picture, would go to Argo. In 2002, then - First Lady Laura Bush appeared at the ceremony on videotape.

Americans have long been fascinated by their first ladies, scrutinising everything from their clothes and hair to the issues they promote and how they raise their children.

Mrs. Obama acknowledged that she and US President Barack Obama have added appeal, and perhaps sometimes are subject to extra scrutiny, because they are the first black family in the White House but also a young couple (she turned 49 last month; he's 51) with young children (daughters Sasha, 11, and Malia, 14).

She said she doesn't give a second thought to critical comments about what she does as first lady.

Her strategy, she said, is to do things that further her larger goals and Oscar night fit with her support for the arts. She recently invited the director and cast members from the Oscar-nominated film Beasts of the Southern Wild to the White House to participate in a question-and-answer session with students from Washington and New Orleans who had seen the film at the executive mansion.

"I just don't think about that stuff," said Mrs Obama, who was asked for her reaction to the criticism during an interview with a small group of reporters who were invited to accompany her on a three-city tour marking the third anniversary of her "Let's Move" campaign against childhood obesity.

She said she was astounded by the buzz about cutting her hair to add bangs, which she unveiled on her birthday, just before inauguration weekend.

Asked if she was surprised that the bangs made the news, Mrs Obama said: "I was, I have to say. I'm like, 'it's a haircut.'"

In the interview, Mrs. Obama also revealed that she used a lot of salty language as a 10-year-old, which she said she didn't realize until the year it cost her the title of "best camper" at the day camp she and her brother, Craig, attended every summer. The experience taught her a lesson, she said.

"I was going through my cursing stage," she said. "I didn't realise until my camp counselor at the end came up and said, 'You know, you would have been best camper in your age group but you curse so much.' And I was thinking, 'Really. Was it that noticeable? And I thought I was being cool. Little did I know I lost 'best camper.' I didn't curse again."

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Why Hathaway changed Oscars dresses

Anne Hathaway in the pink Prada gown she wore to the Oscars, just hours after switching from Valentino. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

Amanda Seyfried's dress was reportedly very similar to Anne Hathaway's original Oscars gown. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

ANNE Hathaway has finally revealed the reason she ditched her original Valentino gown for the notorious nipple-showing Prada dress just hours before she was due to walk the Oscars red carpet.

The 30-year-old actress - who won Best Supporting Actress at the ceremony on Sunday - surprised onlookers when she arrived in a pale pink Prada gown just hours after Valentino released a statement saying they had dressed the 'Les Miserables' star for the high profile event.

Anne explained that she "deeply regrets any disappointment caused" but decided to wear something different after she heard another actress, rumoured to be her co-star Amanda Seyfried, was wearing something very similar to her original choice.

"It came to my attention late Saturday night that there would be a dress worn to the Oscars that is remarkably similar to the Valentino I had intended to wear," she told People.com, "and so I decided it was best for all involved to change my plans.

"Though I love the dress I did wear, it was a difficult last minute decision as I had so looked forward to wearing Valentino in honour of the deep and meaningful relationship I have enjoyed with the house and with Valentino himself. I deeply regret any disappointment caused."

Italian designer Valentino, 80, is a long-time friend of the actress and designed the custom pink and white wedding dress she wore for her Italian nuptials to Adam Shulman in September.

Anne was styled by celebrity fashion guru Rachel Zoe for the event, who also reportedly helped Best Actress winner Jennifer Lawrence select her Christian Dior Haute Couture gown.

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The 12 best-dressed Oscars blokes

Eddie Redmayne, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Chris Pine on the red carpet. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

YEAH, yeah, yeah, it's always a female fest when it comes to analysing the hits and misses on the Oscars red carpet.

So let's unleash some of the best dressed boys from yesterday's star-studded Academy Awards.

Time to give a gold star to all the blokes who lit up the ruby rug with simple, well-cut suits, shiny shoes and a sleek overall vibe.

Hugh Jackman: He might have missed out on the Oscar, but our very own Hugh was rocking it in Tom Ford - but we all know he never sets a foot wrong, either dressed or under-dressed!

Daniel Day-Lewis: Great to see the 55-year-old Oscar winner stepping out in a chic shade of midnight blue.

George Clooney: While we noticed 'Cloons' was sporting a lot more salt-than-pepper yesterday, we can't deny the man looked handsome with his shaggy hair and Giorgio Armani suit.

George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis and Hugh Jackman put their best foot forward at the Oscars. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Jeremy Renner: The Bourne Legacy star - who was presenting on the night - kept his look simple but sleek, wearing a custom Givenchy suit with just the right amount of bling - a glitzy Van Cleef watch.

Ben Affleck: The main man of the evening, Affleck donned a tres smart three-piece suit, along with a beard trimmed to perfection - definitely two trends to look out for.

Tim Burton: The red carpet needs a touch of eccentric and the top film director delivers in spades every time.

Channing Tatum: Another bloke who opted for a chic three-piece, but his best accessory would have to be his stunning wife’s baby bump.

Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum and Justin Theroux at the Oscars. Pictures: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Bradley Cooper: ANY man who takes his mum as his Oscars date deserves a huge stamp of approval, but then, he can do no wrong in the sartorial stakes.

Justin Theroux: The focus might have been on Jen's baby bump (of lack thereof) but this man proved to be her best accessory.

Eddie Redmayne: He'd look good in a paper bag, but the Les Mis star in his Alexander McQueen tux was a definite hit.

Joseph Gordon Levitt: The Dark Knight star looked totally dapper in a Gucci suit and sporting a sleek 'do.

Chris Pine: Our resident dream boat of the evening. The Star Trek actor stepped out in a head-to-toe Ermenegildo Zegna look with Salvatore Ferragamo shoes. Gold star for him.

Tim Burton, Jeremy Renner and Ben Affleck at the 2013 Oscars. Pictures: Getty Images Source: Supplied

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Hathaway practised 'likeable' Oscars speech

Anne Hathaway backstage after winning her Best Supporting Actress Oscar at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Picture: AP Source: AP

ANNE Hathaway reportedly practised her Oscar acceptance speech to be more likeable.

The Les Miserables star learned her lesson after she was ridiculed for her rambling BAFTA acceptance speech, and has admitted she was stung by the backlash.

“It does get to me,” the Best Supporting Actress winner said.

“But you have to remember in life that there’s a positive to every negative and a negative to every positive.”

Anne Hathaway, left, and her husband Adam Shulman in the audience at the Oscars. Picture: AP

A source told US Weekly that a nervous Hathaway did rehearse her Oscar speech quite a bit to come across as more likeable.

“She was very aware that she had been the butt of everyone’s jokes”, the source said.
 

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Inside Vanity Fair Oscars after party

Kerry Washington, Solange Knowles and Vanessa Hudgens arrive at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

THE Vanity Fair Oscars after party is THE must-stop event for winners, near-winners, the beautiful people, their stunning and accomplished friends and anybody who's anybody, really.

When the golden statues had all been handed out, dresses changed and noses re-powdered, the real "it" crowd of the Academy Awards teetered off to party the night away at the Sunset Tower, West Hollywood.

"Inside, you couldn't move a foot without bumping into someone fabulous and famous," wrote USA Today of the glamourous shindig held by Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Graydon Carter.

PICTURES: Stars hit up exclusive Oscars after-parties

Here's just some of what went down on the night:

Jennifer Lawrence arrives at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

One woman’s sole job was to continuously hoist a section of Jennifer Lawrence’s silver-metallic dress "to the southern hemisphere of her buttocks so the best actress can use her knees properly", reported The Washington Post. After making headlines with her trip up the stairs, Lawrence was keen to avoid another stumble, declaring to a handler: “I need to change, I can’t walk,” while reportedly looking slightly traumatised.

Around zero-dark-thirty (midnight) those bearing Oscars began to arrive. While most recipients waved them around and posed for photos, one golden statue rested unloved and almost forgotten on a couch, until "a tall man reaches his weathered hand backward to make sure it’s still there". Daniel Day-Lewis a.k.a D-Day.

Saly Field and her son Samuel arrives at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party, with Sally showing off the runners she swapped for stilettos. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

Sally Field ditched the stilettos for a pair of comfy runners, which she was more than happy to reveal underneath her long red Valentino gown. The 66-year-old sprinted down the arrivals line at the glittering bash a few inches shorter but wearing a smile of relief.

The Washington Post caught Hugh Jackman enduring "eight lonely seconds of having no one talk at him", while others reported he was the most sought after for photos by other guests.

Ang Lee, Director of Life of Pi, celebrated a hugely successful night by chowing down on an In-N-Out Burger, with Oscar in hand. Picture: Instagram Source:

Forget the caviar, foie gras and oysters, the most popular dish of the night was an In-N-Out burger in a paper sleeve - courtesy of the stand parked out the front. "I love how they are so highbrow, but they serve In-N-Out burgers," Daniel Day-Lewis told USA today.

Google glasses were the hit gadget of the night. Google founder Sergey Brin and his wife, Anne Wojcicki, traversed the party wearing a pair, shooting video and letting guests try on the prototypes. “We’ve come a number of times, and no one ever wants to talk to us,” Ms. Wojcicki said. “Now we’re very popular.”

Anne Hathaway carrying her Oscar for best supporting actress greets comedian Sarah Silverman. Picture: AFP Source: news.com.au

Anne Hathaway "got her nips under control" writes Perez Hilton and ditched the notorious pink Prada number for a silky Saint Laurent blue number that continued to "underwhelm". The AnneHathawayNipples Twitter account would have been somewhat disappointed they didn't get to make an equally bold statement at the after-party.

The LA Times reports Reese Witherspoon "looking exhausted and a bit dejected" and "was escorted out early".

The enormous train on Hilary Swank's dress. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

Hilary Swank wore a bright red dress so long and puffy that she had trouble fitting into a bathroom stall. “It’s ridiculous, right?” she joked to the women waiting in line with her, writes the LA Times.

The LA Times also reported the night's best unscripted moment occurred when a "very serious" Tommy Lee Jones pushed past a server offering him mini-cupcakes, several of which had the words “Tommy Lee Jones” written on them in red frosting. Trays full of cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery were decorated with names of films and nominees.

Russell Brand arrives at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. Picture: AP Source: news.com.au

Russell Brand showed up looking cleaner than anyone had ever seen him. Perhaps Katy Perry has had a bit on an influence on the notoriously grungy comedian?

Casey Affleck was at the after-party to throw back a couple of drinks with his brother and Oscar winner, Ben. Sounding almost relieved he didn't have to suit up for the ceremony, he told The Washington Post that being at home was a much better ticket. “It’s like the Super Bowl: it’s so much more comfortable, and you have a better view."

Both the Jennifers - Jennifer Lawrence and Jennifer Garner. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

The Jennifers had trouble keeping themselves on their feet on Oscars night. Following on from Lawrence's very public face-plant while accepting her award, Jennifer Garner stumbled on her long train and almost lost her footing while posing for a posse of paparazzi on the Vanity Fair red carpet. Awkward. 

Meanwhile, at Elton John's after party, Britney Spears' new hair colour, Heidi Klum's boobs, Kim Kardashians' baby bump and Jim Carrey's bizarre footwear all came out to party on Oscars night.

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Inside Vanity Fair Oscars after-party

Kerry Washington, Solange Knowles and Vanessa Hudgens arrive at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

THE Vanity Fair Oscars after-party is THE must-stop event for winners, near-winners, the beautiful people, their stunning and accomplished friends and anybody who's anybody, really.

When the golden statues had all been handed out, dresses changed and noses re-powdered, the real "it" crowd of the Academy Awards teetered off to party the night away at the Sunset Tower, West Hollywood.

"Inside, you couldn't move a foot without bumping into someone fabulous and famous," wrote USA Today of the glamourous shindig held by Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Graydon Carter.

PICTURES: Stars hit up exclusive Oscars after-parties

Here's just some of what went down on the night:

Jennifer Lawrence arrives at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

One woman’s sole job was to continuously hoist a section of Jennifer Lawrence’s silver-metallic dress "to the southern hemisphere of her buttocks so the best actress can use her knees properly", reported The Washington Post. After making headlines with her trip up the stairs, Lawrence was keen to avoid another stumble, declaring to a handler: “I need to change, I can’t walk,” while reportedly looking slightly traumatised.

Around zero-dark-thirty (midnight) those bearing Oscars began to arrive. While most recipients waved them around and posed for photos, one golden statue rested unloved and almost forgotten on a couch, until "a tall man reaches his weathered hand backward to make sure it’s still there". Daniel Day-Lewis a.k.a D-Day.

Saly Field and her son Samuel arrives at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party, with Sally showing off the runners she swapped for stilettos. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

Sally Field ditched the stilettos for a pair of comfy runners, which she was more than happy to reveal underneath her long red Valentino gown. The 66-year-old sprinted down the arrivals line at the glittering bash a few inches shorter but wearing a smile of relief.

The Washington Post caught Hugh Jackman enduring "eight lonely seconds of having no one talk at him", while others reported he was the most sought after for photos by other guests.

Ang Lee, Director of Life of Pi, celebrated a hugely successful night by chowing down on an In-N-Out Burger, with Oscar in hand. Picture: Instagram Source:

Forget the caviar, foie gras and oysters, the most popular dish of the night was an In-N-Out burger in a paper sleeve - courtesy of the stand parked out the front. "I love how they are so highbrow, but they serve In-N-Out burgers," Daniel Day-Lewis told USA today.

Google glasses were the hit gadget of the night. Google founder Sergey Brin and his wife, Anne Wojcicki, traversed the party wearing a pair, shooting video and letting guests try on the prototypes. “We’ve come a number of times, and no one ever wants to talk to us,” Ms. Wojcicki said. “Now we’re very popular.”

Anne Hathaway carrying her Oscar for best supporting actress greets comedian Sarah Silverman. Picture: AFP Source: news.com.au

Anne Hathaway "got her nips under control" writes Perez Hilton and ditched the notorious pink Prada number for a silky Saint Laurent blue number that continued to "underwhelm". The AnneHathawayNipples Twitter account would have been somewhat disappointed they didn't get to make an equally bold statement at the after-party.

The LA Times reports Reese Witherspoon "looking exhausted and a bit dejected" and "was escorted out early".

The enormous train on Hilary Swank's dress. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

Hilary Swank wore a bright red dress so long and puffy that she had trouble fitting into a bathroom stall. “It’s ridiculous, right?” she joked to the women waiting in line with her, writes the LA Times.

The LA Times also reported the night's best unscripted moment occurred when a "very serious" Tommy Lee Jones pushed past a server offering him mini-cupcakes, several of which had the words “Tommy Lee Jones” written on them in red frosting. Trays full of cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery were decorated with names of films and nominees.

Russell Brand arrives at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. Picture: AP Source: news.com.au

Russell Brand showed up looking cleaner than anyone had ever seen him. Perhaps Katy Perry has had a bit on an influence on the notoriously grungy comedian?

Casey Affleck was at the after-party to throw back a couple of drinks with his brother and Oscar winner, Ben. Sounding almost relieved he didn't have to suit up for the ceremony, he told The Washington Post that being at home was a much better ticket. “It’s like the Super Bowl: it’s so much more comfortable, and you have a better view."

Both the Jennifers - Jennifer Lawrence and Jennifer Garner. Picture: Getty Source: news.com.au

The Jennifers had trouble keeping themselves on their feet on Oscars night. Following on from Lawrence's very public face-plant while accepting her award, Jennifer Garner stumbled on her long train and almost lost her footing while posing for a posse of paparazzi on the Vanity Fair red carpet. Awkward. 

Meanwhile, at Elton John's after party, Britney Spears' new hair colour, Heidi Klum's boobs, Kim Kardashians' baby bump and Jim Carrey's bizarre footwear all came out to party on Oscars night.

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Oscars set to light up Twittersphere

If Jacki Weaver, Hugh Jackman or Naomi Watts win in their respective categories expect Australian Twitter users to start commenting. Source: The Courier-Mail

YOU can simply tune into the Oscars. Or you can watch them with the peanut gallery on Twitter.

While Hollywood parades in tuxedos and gowns, grandly celebrating itself, a freewheeling cacophony of quips and sarcasm - something like a digital, million-times multiplied version of those balcony Muppet onlookers, Statler and Waldorf - will provide a welcome and riotous counter-narrative to the pomp.

The second-screen experience is never better than on Oscar night, when a separate (and some might say superior) entertainment experience plays out on social media. The running commentary, in which comedians and others parody the glamorous stars and their sometimes laughable speeches, has become as central to the Academy Awards as the red carpet.

'Magic' 3D-printing pen brings your drawings to life

"Following the Oscars on Twitter is like watching the show with one hundred million of your drunkest friends," says Andy Borowitz, the humorist and author who's often been a standout tweeter on Oscar night.

Last year, he succinctly summarised the previous two best-picture winners, The King's Speech and The Artist, as "an English dude who couldn't speak" and "a French dude no one could hear".

Live tweeting major TV events, from the Super Bowl to the Grammy Awards, has become engrained in our viewing by now, forming a virtual water cooler that has boosted ratings.

But the Academy Awards stream is particularly captivating because it provides an antidote to the on-screen, buttoned-down glamour. Comedians assemble as if by duty.

"You gotta say something. Someone has to say something," says comedian Billy Eichner. "To just stand by and watch it happen is almost too tense. It's cathartic. You've got to just get it out on Twitter because if not, we're all going to be bottled up thinking about how awkward Anne Hathaway made it for one billion people in real time. I don't begrudge her the award; I'm just saying she's a ridiculous person."

The Oscars has become one of the biggest social media events of the year. Last year's telecast at one point set a then-record for 18,718 tweets-per-second.

A statuette could be handed out for a new award: most tweeted tweet. In 2011, that honour went to The Onion, which lamented: "How rude - not a single character from Toy Story 3 bothered to show up."

Last year, The Artist may have won best picture, but Martin Scorsese's Hugo easily bested it with 110,179 tweets to 78,509 for The Artist, according to Twitter metrics analyst TweetReach.

This year, the academy has partnered with Twitter to track the top categories with an index measuring the percentage of positive tweets about the nominees.

When the 85th annual Academy Awards air on Sunday on ABC, countless comedians and others at home will be ready on their mobile phones and laptops with tweets to skewer.

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All the Oscars action LIVE

Quvenzhané Wallis, 9, is the youngest to hit the Oscars red carpet. Here's her adorable interview. Watch Oscars live on Nine at 12.30pm AEST. Oscars Special 9.30pm AEST.

THE climax of Hollywood's awards season - the 85th Academy Awards - have begun in California. Follow it LIVE here all day.

The Californian sun sparkled on golden Oscar statuettes lining the way as the A-list fashion parade got underway ahead of the awards ceremony.

Ben Affleck's Iran hostage drama Argo is bidding to edge out Steven Spielberg's Lincoln in one of the most open races in years.

REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES

Best Supporting Actress nominee Anne Hathaway. Picture: AFP

Tinseltown's A-list stars offered up a healthy serving of old-school Hollywood glamour on the Oscars red carpet, with strapless gowns and pale colors most definitely in vogue.

Among the first down the Dolby Theatre runway was Jessica Chastain, nominated for best actress for Osama bin Laden manhunt movie Zero Dark Thirty, who played down her hopes for the evening.

Best Supporting Actress nominee Jacki Weaver arrives on the red carpet. Picture: AFP

''I'm not going to win the Oscars tonight. I just don't think it's my year,'' Chastain, who wore a strapless beaded flesh-colored Armani gown, told CNN.

Chastain said she chose her dress because it's a "very Happy Birthday, Mr. President kind of dress." See what she means . . .

Chastain's main rival, Silver Linings Playbook'star Jennifer Lawrence, strutted her stuff in a strapless cream Dior gown with a full puffy skirt.

Actress Naomi Watts arrives at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre. Picture: AP

''This was such a passion project for all of us,'' she told E! television on the red carpet, referring to the romantic comedy with an edge that earned a total of eight nominations, including one for best picture.

Suraj Sharma, the 19-year-old star of Ang Lee's spectacular 3D fantasy Life of Pi, said he hoped the Taiwan-born director would win.

Musician Keith Urban, left, and actress Nicole Kidman. Picture: AP

''I've seen how hard he's worked.

''I really hope it comes through and he wins,'' he told broadcaster E!.

Nine-year-old Quvenzhane Wallis, the youngest ever best actress nominee, for Beasts of the Southern Wild, wore a bejeweled navy blue Armani dress - accessorised with an age-appropriate fluffy puppy purse.

Actor George Clooney, left, and Stacy Keibler arrive at the Oscars. Picture: AP

''It has been crazy!'' Wallis said of all the attention given to her breakout performance, adding that her fellow nominees were ''more sophisticated.''

Amy Adams, a best supporting actress nominee for her performance in The Master, was on trend in a strapless pearly gray Oscar de la Renta princess gown with soft layers of tulle floating to the ground.

Reese Witherspoon got the strapless memo, but changed up the color palette in a cobalt blue and black Louis Vuitton, and glammed it up with some old-school Veronica Lake curls tumbling down.

Les Miserables star Amanda Seyfried opted for a pale purple halter neck Alexander McQueen with a sexy keyhole neckline and upswept hair.

Best supporting actress nominee and two-time Oscar winner Sally Field, who starred opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln, made a bold statement in a signature Valentino red dress with sheer long sleeves and a train.

And she definitely won the award for best accessory of the night - she arrived with Lincoln co-star Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays her son in the film, on her arm.

Justin Theroux, left, and Jennifer Aniston arrive at the Oscars. Picture: AP

For fashion and jewelry designers, having an A-list star show up on the Oscars red carpet in one of their creations is worth more than any print advertising - thanks to the global coverage of Tinseltown's biggest night.

Last year, Angelina Jolie's leg-popping appearance in a strapless black velvet Versace gown with a thigh-high slit went viral - and gave the Italian fashion house unbeatable media exposure.

We hear Aussie Best Actress nominee Naomi Watts is wearing Armani while Best Supporting Actress nominees Anne Hathaway and Sally Field will be wearing Valentino Couture, as will actress Jennifer Aniston.

Actor Daniel Day-Lewis and wife Rebecca Miller. Picture: Getty Images

Heidi Klum had a team of people to help prepare her for Oscars night.

She tweeted "Getting all dolled up with @LindaHayMakeup for one of my favorite nights of the year!

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck will be cooking for the 1500 guests at the post-Oscars Governor's Ball. Check out what's on the menu.

Actress Jennifer Garner and actor-director Ben Affleck. Picture: Getty Images

Earlier today, Aussie actor Hugh Jackman told Triple M in Sydney he'd prepared for Oscars night with an early-morning swim with his seven-year-old daughter Ava, before heading in for a final rehearsal at the Dolby theatre.

"I gotta tell you I'm feeling pretty good," the Best Actor nominee said.

"I went to rehearsals last night and I caught a glimpse of Seth MacFarlane who's hosting it and it took me back to 2009 when I hosted, and I was like - being nominated is a walk in the park.

"It also helps being in a category where there's Daniel Day Lewis, you don't even have to worry about an acceptance speech.

Jackman tipped Argo to win Best Picture and Ang Lee to take out Best Director for Life of Pi.

Actress Veronica Ferres on the Oscars red carpet. Picture: Jason Merritt/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Singer Adele arrives to the Oscars. Picture: AFP

In a heavily musical show, British songstress Adele is to sing the 007 theme Skyfall as part of a segment feting 50 years of Bond films - and legendary diva Barbra Streisand will give her first Oscars performance for 36 years.

Ben Affleck - who would be the first person to win best picture without being nominated as director since Driving Miss Daisy in 1990 - got a diplomatic boost on Saturday when new US Secretary of State John Kerry tweeted best wishes.

''Good luck BenAffleck and enArgo at the Oscars. Nice seeing StateDept & our Foreign Service on the big screen.-JK,'' wrote Kerry, referring to the film's plot about an audacious CIA plot which rescued six US diplomats from Tehran.

Reese Witherspoon arrives on the red carpet. Picture: AFP

Steven Spielberg, bidding for his first best picture Oscar since Schindler's List in 1994, tops the nominations with 12 nods for Lincoln - but Argo has cleaned up in Hollywood's awards season so far, despite having only seven.

Although he started the season two months ago as the favorite, Spielberg may have to settle for the best director award - one that Affleck cannot beat him to, having not been nominated in the category, in a perceived snub.

One near-certainty is that Lincoln star Daniel Day-Lewis will be named best actor, a record third for the British-Irish actor after wins in 1990 for My Left Foot and in 2008 for There Will Be Blood.

For best actress, the early favorite was Chastain, but the clever money is now on Jennifer Lawrence for her turn in Silver Linings Playbook.

The best supporting actress race is more open, although Anne Hathaway is probably still the frontrunner for her heart-wrenching turn in Les Miserables, which is also nominated for best picture.

The most unpredictable race of all is perhaps for best supporting actor, with Hollywood legend Robert De Niro tipped by some for playing Cooper's father in Silver Linings Playbook.

Jessica Chastain. Picture: Getty Images

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