With the Oscars just days away, Hollywood is packed with parties, gift suites and a stream of movie stars bound for the Kodak Theatre.
___
WINNING EXHIBIT: Movie fans can get a taste of awards-season movie magic at the Hollywood Museum's just-opened "And the Winner Is…" exhibit. Check out Meryl Streep's nun's habit from "Doubt," Kate Winslet's gray dress from "The Reader" and Mickey Rourke's fighting outfit from "The Wrestler."
Memorabilia from past Oscar contenders and winners is also displayed, including Hannibal Lector's mask from "Silence of the Lambs" and Sylvester Stallone's boxing gloves from "Rocky."
"And the Winner Is…" will be on view until March 29.
___
CALLING THEM OFF THE CARPET: At least one person believes the secrecy surrounding this year's Oscar presenters — including keeping them off the red carpet — is a wise idea.
"You want to see who are they wearing and what are they wearing," said veteran red carpet maven Joan Rivers. "And, if you're doing that on the red carpet, you don't necessarily have to tune into the show."
Rivers says pre-show arrivals telecasts — like the ones she used to host — helped erode ratings for the Academy Awards.
"Of course, we took away," she said. "There's no question that these took away. I'm just surprised it took they that long to figure it out."
Rookie Oscar producers Laurence Mark and Bill Condon have promised sweeping changes to the Academy Awards, and have been careful to keep many details under wraps.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 Academy Award Nominees
PLAY IT NOW: Oscar 2009 Preps Underway (Feb. 18, 2009)
PLAY IT NOW: Access Extended: Heidi Klum's Reveals New Victoria's Secret Makeup Kit
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Oscars - Red Carpet - Awards Season
