February 26, 2007	Monday	Safar 8, 1428

LOS ANGELES, Feb 25: The limousines have been charged up, the hairdressers and stylists have worked their magic and the stars are ready to stroll down the red carpet in dresses that have been begged, borrowed or -- perish the thought -- bought.

And, of course, the champagne is on ice and the trendy parties booked.

Hollywood was ready for its big night on Sunday -- the Oscars. And this year there are a couple of notes of suspense in proceedings that have been cut and dried and downright boring over the years.

The experts agree that no one knows who is going to win best film, adding some tension in the rarefied Oscar air.

It has been years since the best picture nomination was as much of a toss-up as this year.

In addition, in the last 10 days, several experts have moved away from predictions that all the best acting nominations are locked up and are predicting close contests in three of the four -- best actor, best supporting actor and best supporting actress categories.

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN: Only Helen Mirren is regarded as a shoo-in for best actress for her regal work as Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen.”

In the days leading up to the Oscars, some heavyweight critics have thrown their support to “Sunshine,” while some Oscar voters have turned their noses up at the movie, saying it is too lowbrow to merit an Oscar.

Whatever the final choices, the Academy Awards are one evening in the flurry of Hollywood awards events where elegance and opulence, rather than in-your-face body-flaunting, are celebrated.

Many eyes will be on Ellen DeGeneres, the comedian who is hosting her first Oscars.

She promises a kinder, gentler show.

L.A. Weekly Hollywood columnist Nikki Finke said viewers should expect at least one major change: all the acting awards may be given in the last third of the show instead of a couple at the start.—Reuters