The excitement is building for Oscar Sunday, with members of the international media already reporting for the red carpet. Meanwhile, construction crews Friday were busy putting the finishing touches in place to make sure everything is perfect for Hollywood's biggest night. It's a race against time to get everything in place, including the golden Oscar statues.
All of the big pieces are in place for the event. One question that remains is whether or not the expansive tent that's protecting the red carpet will have to stay up. During this time of year, crews have to worry about the possibility of rain.
If the weather changes and gets better, they will take the tent down because it looks better and it gets really hot inside the tent.
The producers are convinced the rain won't put a damper on the awards show.
"There are events where if it's going to rain the whole thing is ruined and you're in this complete panic, and the Oscars really isn't one of those," said Oscar producer Bruce Cohen. "We're inside and the carpet's tented, but are we wishing for a beautiful and sunny day? Yes, we certainly are."
And the rain isn't keeping the fans away from seeing all the Oscar magic happen.
"We've had heat, we've had rain, we've had an earthquake, we've had it all. Nothing stops us from being in those bleachers," said Sandy Stratton, who has sat in the bleachers watching the red carpet action for the last 42 years.
Meantime, Oscar hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway are promising a great show and ending.
"They're doing, actually, the category for best make up at the end this year so we know people will tune in," Franco joked.
"Ah yes, best sound editing- they are putting it just before best makeup, so hold your breath until then," Hathaway added with a laugh. "Witty banter aside, PS22 is here and they're performing and they're the most amazing group of kids. It's a bunch of fifth graders from Staten Island with one of the most inspiring teachers you can ever hope to see. They are performing a very moving number."
Viewers can also expect a visually high-tech show and hopefully shorter, more meaningful speeches.
Cohen says he called the first 10 nominees and asked them to come out with great speeches if they win.
Don Mischer, another Oscar producer, says when winners pull out a list, they lose hundreds of thousands of viewers a second.
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.
Oscar.com is your home for the 83rd Academy Awards.
Make your Oscar picks | Get All Access | Get the Oscar Backstage Pass iPad app!
