Los Angeles, Jan 25: Hollywood held its breath today, hours ahead of a pre-dawn unveiling of the 2005 Oscar nominations, as three films jostled for poll position in the
race for cinema's top prize.
India's 'Swaas' is competing for Foreign Film Category. Tinseltown was a-flutter with speculation over which movies and stars would scoop up the Oscars, as the 77th annual
Academy Awards braced for a strict security lockdown to protect its most-prized secrets.
"The first stretch of the greatest race is almost run and tomorrow morning we will know for sure who will dominate the Oscars line-up," said awards Pundit Tom O'neil.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has ordered a strict overnight lockdown of its Beverly Hills headquarters to prevent leaks ahead of the 5:30 am (1900 IST) announcement by Academy President Frank Pierson and Oscar-winning Actor Adrien Brody.
"The building will be locked down from about 8:30 pm this evening and phone lines and all other forms of communications out of the building will be cut off," said Academy Spokeswoman Leslie Unger.
However, even as officials stanched any leaks of which films and stars the 5,800 Oscar voters have selected for this year's competition, three movies towered above the competition: "The Aviator," "Million Dollar Baby" and "Sideways."
Bureau Report
