Oscar venue undergoes final makeover

Organisers of this year's Oscars bash are putting the final touches to the legendary Kodak Theatre.Half a dozen workers have been pulling the glittering gold curtain into position and securing the giant sized Oscar statue that will grace the world's most watched red carpet.Despite a spot of bad weather, the yearly spectacle has still managed to attract a huge audience from around the world.The Academy Awards have been held at the Theatre, which is normally reserved for live concerts, since 2002.Some of Britain's best known actors are up for this year's Oscars with Dame Helen Mirren leading the way for the Best Actress award, for her regal role in The Queen.Hot on her heels are fellow British stars Dame Judi Dench for her role in Notes On A Scandal and Kate Winslet for her part in Little Children.Peter O'Toole is the only Brit in the Best Actor category, picking up his eighth nomination for his depiction of an ageing actor in Venus.He faces strong competition from Forest Whitaker in the Last King of Scotland and Will Smith.The 79th Academy Awards will be held on February 25.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | February 20, 2007

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