Dance routines cut to keep Oscars show within time limits

Dance routines have been cut from this year's Oscars ceremony in a bid to prevent the show over-running.

Instead, a series of short films will be shown, celebrating Hollywood history and the celebrities being honoured on Sunday night.

The traditional dance numbers were cut out two years ago, but brought back last year.

Show producer Laura Ziskin told the New York Post: "Not that I don't love dancing - and I do think there's a place for it done properly in the Oscars - but it wasn't something I particularly understood."

Another time-saving move has also reportedly been introduced - instead of a series of songs from Oscar-nominated performers, who include Sir Paul McCartney, there will be a medley of all the nominated songs.