Once the stars enter the Kodak Theatre on Sunday night, the producers of this year's telecast promise a show that will be fun and fresh, but one that will not ignore Hollywood's roots.
"We felt like we wanted to focus during the course of the show on the enduring power of films," said Don Mischer, the Oscars' telecast producer.
"What we're going to give you if you love Hollywood history is a show that you're really going to love," said Bruce Cohen, also a producer. "That much I can promise. There's going to be a lot of Hollywood history presented in a really entertaining way this year."
There will be a spontaneous moment or two that may go on to become part of our pop culture.
There have been many moments of pure unadulterated jubilation, including Cuba Gooding Jr.'s win for "Jerry Maguire" in 1996.
And who can forget Roberto Benigni's top-of-the-seats walk up to the podium at the 71st Academy Awards ceremony?
Or how about 73-year-old Jack Palance's one-arm push-ups?
In 2003, Adrien Brody couldn't help himself, planting a memorable kiss on presenter Halle Berry.
There were also moments of room-silencing drama. In 1972, Sacheen Littlefeather read Marlon Brando's reasons for rejecting his best actor Oscar for "The Godfather."
The heartfelt moments may be the most memorable of all.
Louise Fletcher brought the room to tears when she accepted her best actress award in 1975 in sign language, in honor of her deaf parents.
This year's Oscar ceremony is set to air live on ABC7 from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles on Feb. 27, 2011. Check out a full list of Oscar nominations.
ABC7 and OnTheRedCarpet.com are your news sources for Oscars coverage. Live coverage from the Oscar red carpet begins at 2 p.m. PT. "On The Red Carpet at the Oscars" broadcasts LIVE on ABC7. We're also streaming the show online and on the free On The Red Carpet iPad app, available now in iTunes.
When the last awards have been given out, watch continuing coverage of the Governor's Ball and all the Oscar night parties as "On The Red Carpet at the Oscars" broadcasts LIVE on on ABC7. We're also streaming the show online and on the iPad app.
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