Academy rolls up the red carpet

Oscars producers have said the traditional pre-ceremony parade, when celebrities tarry in a red-carpeted paddock for photographs and interviews, will be cut back on account of the war.

Oscars producers have said the traditional pre-ceremony parade, when celebrities tarry in a red-carpeted paddock for photographs and interviews, will be cut back on account of the war.

Gil Cates, the man in charge of the ceremony, said that "keeping in mind the world situation, the Academy has elected to prepare a more sober pre-show and a scaled-back arrivals sequence. The traditional splashy red carpet arrivals line will be truncated."

Cates said celebrities arriving by car would enter the theatre directly, rather than stopping to talk to press or show off their frocks. However, he did say that some provision would be made for the taking of photographs, but that arrangements had not yet been finalised.

The announcement is the clearest indication yet that the ceremony will still go ahead on Sunday night, albeit in a more muted incarnation.

Staff and agencies

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
Low-key Oscars get go-ahead

5pm: The 75th Academy Awards are expected to be held this Sunday but will be stripped of their glitz in response to the outbreak of war. By Annie Lawson.

Annie Lawson

21, Mar, 2003 @5:57 PM

Article image
War-torn Oscars hit ratings low

10.30am: The conflicting spectacle of war hit viewing figures for Sunday night's Oscars, sending audience levels to an all-time low. By Dominic Timms.

25, Mar, 2003 @1:49 PM

Muted Oscars goes ahead with call for peace
A muted Oscars ceremony went ahead in Hollywood last night with a call for peace which was greeted with loud applause.

Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles

24, Mar, 2003 @12:21 AM

What to say about: Michael Moore
Looking for an excuse to take a pop at Michael Moore? His anti-Bush speech at the Oscars presented the perfect opportunity.

Matt Keating

01, Apr, 2003 @2:59 AM

Raspberry time for Hollywood's worst
Every year, on the eve of the Oscars ceremony, the Golden Raspberry - or Razzie - awards are made for the worst films of the previous year, and 2002 has provided no shortage of candidates.

Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles

10, Feb, 2003 @2:37 AM

Polanski's victim urges Oscar jury to ignore past
The director and his film should be judged on artistic merit, the academy is told.

Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles

25, Feb, 2003 @10:26 AM

No fear of Virginia Woolf at Golden Globes
Nearly 40 years after the film Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? walked off with a bunch of Oscars, the English author proved that she continues to have the Hollywood touch.

Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles

21, Jan, 2003 @10:25 AM

Article image
Peace prevails at the Oscar night love-in

Anti-Bush tirade from Michael Moore eclipses surprise of Polanski award.

Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles

25, Mar, 2003 @11:27 AM

Glitz out as stars ponder Oscar protest
Anti-war feeling leads to tight security and crackdown on glamour at ceremony.

Amelia Hill, London and Edward Helmore, New York

23, Mar, 2003 @3:17 AM

Politics and war skew betting on the Oscars
Studios cash in on US mood to promote films with a social message.

Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles

03, Feb, 2003 @10:37 AM