Organisers of the Oscars insisted the show would go on next month despite the Golden Globe ceremony being cancelled due to the Hollywood writers’ strike.

In the last official briefing before the big show, Oscar producer Gil Cates, director Lou Horvitz and Academy president Sid Ganis promised no political uproar – and no rain – at the Academy Awards tomorrow.

Comedian Billy Crystal has confirmed he turned down the chance to host this year's Oscars ceremony because he is too busy with his one-man stage show 700 Sundays.

Comedian Billy Crystal has revealed he turned down the job of presenting this year’s Oscars, despite being begged to take it by producers.

Comedian Jon Stewart has been asked to host this year’s Oscars, the Academy of Motions Pictures Arts and Sciences announced today.

Hollywood’s biggest stars walked off-camera, dazed but delighted, into hugs and high-fives.

Oscar bosses are standing behind Chris Rock as their choice to host this year's Academy Awards ceremony, despite the comedian calling the event a "fashion show" that is only watched by homosexuals.

Oscar organisers are to shake up the way nominees find out who has won and collect awards at this year's ceremony.

Clint Eastwood has become the odds-on favourite to claim the Best Director Oscar next month after beating rival Martin Scorcese again at the Directors Guild Awards (DGA) on Saturday.

Acclaimed comedian Chris Rock is gearing up for his most high-profile stand-up date of his career - as host of the Academy Awards.

The producer of this year’s Oscars telecast has ordered winners to keep their acceptance speeches short and warned that if they don’t they will be drowned out by the orchestra.

Comic actor Steve Martin is to host the 75th Academy Awards next year.

This year's Oscar winners will have only 45 seconds to say thank you.