Hollywood was under the tightest security lockdown in its history tonight just hours ahead of the 74th annual Oscars, as the world waited to discover who will reign over Tinseltown this year.
After one of the most bitterly contested and nastiest Oscars campaigns in years, the suspense was almost over as the stars dashed between their hairdressers and makeup artists to ensure they make a splash at cinema's Holy Grail event.
The stakes this year: Will a black star walk off with a best actor statuette for the first time in 38 years? Will Russell Crowe's legendary temper cost him a gong and have voters plumped for a fantasy film over an exuberant musical or over a psycho-drama tarnished by an alleged smear campaign by a rival studio?
"It's really anyone's guess what the outcome of this race will be, but it will be one of the most interesting Oscar nights in years, following the dirtiest campaigning season I've ever seen," said film expert Mr Richard Natale.
The scene outside the Academy Awards' new custom-built home, the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, was one of frenzied last-minute activity, excitement and intense security early today.
Star-watchers who underwent stringent background and security checks to win the prized 400 public seats outside the venue turned up at dawn - 11 hours before the show - to take their seats beside the red carpet.
"If you love movies, you have to see an Oscars ceremony once in your life," said Mr Paul Giuliano from Washington DC, who arrived before 3 p.m. (Irish Time).
Placing shrubs, flowers and decorations around the red carpet area, armies of workers were putting the final touches on the walkway, where the 3,300 guests will arrive for the show that starts at 1 p.m.
Huge gold Oscars statues towered over the area, which lies under the shadow of the famous Hollywood sign.
Shops in the rather seedy commercial area, which locals hope will be revived by the return of the Oscars to Hollywood for the first time in 42 years, were shut and sealed by security officers late yesterday.
Police helicopters hovered above the area, snipers were expected to be placed on nearby rooftops, streets were sealed off for 15 blocks around the venue and airspace above Hollywood was closed to traffic ahead of the event.
The hundreds of journalists from around the world were subjected to repeated security checks, while casual onlookers were barred from the area.