Oscar-nominee Oldman 'trying not to stress'

First-time Oscars nominee Gary Oldman has said he will be reminding himself to enjoy the Oscars this weekend - and trying not to get stressed.

Oldman is up for best actor for his role as George Smiley in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'.

It is Oldman's first ever Academy Award nomination. He said he was trying to stay calm about tomorrow's event.

"There's a lot of stress around it and you mustn't let that contaminate you," he said. "You must surrender to the process and have fun with it."

Meanwhile, 'The Artist' began what is shaping up to be an amazing weekend for the silent black and white movie by picking up six trophies at the Cesar Awards in France yesterday.

The Oscar favourite claimed the Best French Film of the Year and the Best Director prize.

Going into Sunday's Oscars, The Artist has picked up more than 70 accolades around the world to become the most awarded French film in history.

And in a surreal twist in the lead-up to tomorrow night's awards, comic Sacha Baron Cohen has threatened to attend the Oscars dressed as a fictional military dictator.

He released a video online, as part of a stunt to promote his new film in which he plays a dictator.

British actress Julie Ormond says she's looking forward to see his outfit on the red carpet.

"I think he's brilliant. He could arrive in a g-string and I'd be very happy," she said.