finally wins the prize that had thus far eluded him. The excitable director rushed through his thank yous, promising to make another "12 or 15" films with
songs. Determined to out-sing one another, Beyonce and Hudson deliver a painfully off-key performance. Sing girls, don't holler. Simon Cowell would not be impressed.
claims its second prize of the night. Michael Arndt accepts the award and thanks everyone who worked on the film "when nobody wanted to make it". He also thanks his family - who once travelled 600 miles in a van with no clutch.
The humble composer bows his head to a standing ovation before giving a moving acceptance speech - in Italian. Fortunately, Eastwood is on hand to translate. Who knew he spoke fluent Italian?
4.45PM
: Jerry Seinfeld proves he's still around as he presents Best Documentary Feature.
joins the film-makers on stage to accept the award.
His speech: "People all over the world, we need to solve the climate crisis," Gore said after receiving the award.
"It's not a political issue, it's a moral issue, with the possible exception of the will to act. But the will to act is a renewable resource. It's time to renew it."
claims its third award for the night, as Guillermo Navarro accepts the prize. Paltrow should be commended for how fluently she says Navarro's name - it just rolls off her tongue.
4.05PM:
Tom Cruise presents the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to ex-Paramount chief Sherry Lansing.
A former script reader, Lansing became the first female president of 20th Century Fox in 1980, aged just 35.
Setting a prime example on how to give a simple acceptance speech, Canonero says: "I would like to thank anyone who had anything to do with this movie."
makes it two from two, claiming the Achievement in Makeup Award. David Marti and Montse Ribe are the first recipients to get shunted off for over-staying their welcome.
Slowing down the pace, DeGeneres quickly wins the crowd over with her astute observations and commentary on various nominees.
"If there weren't blacks, Jews and gays, there wouldn't be an Oscars," DeGeneres says seriously, before a Gospel choir ascends the theatre and dances in the aisles.
Cue schmaltzy music... And we're live. First-time Oscar host
Ellen DeGeneres
seems nervous as she takes the stage - in a crimson velvet suit with white loafers. Rambling, the comedienne talks about her childhood dream of hosting the Academy Awards.
2.25PM:
The red carpet is closed, the stars are inside. Just five minutes to go until this year's Oscars are revealed.
actress managed to keep a straight face when she said nominated co-star Jennifer Hudson "really deserved to win". Beyonce will still get some time to shine when she performs the nominated song Listen during the ceremony.,
1.35PM:
Forest Whitaker
isn't counting his chickens before they hatch but admits he may have a couple of names scribbled on some paper in case he does win.
isn't snubbing the Oscars. And neither is his fiance, Australian actress Isla Fisher, who looks like a pint-sized Jessica Rabbit in her forest green frock.
avoids gossip mongering by bringing his Mum as his Oscar date. Perhaps girlfriend, Israeli model, Bar Refaeli was busy...
1PM:
Less than two hours to go before the 79th Academy Awards ceremony and the red carpet is thick with glamourous celebrities and their not-so-glamourous counterparts.
