Tight security on Oscars night

Some of the biggest names in the film world are out in force in Los Angeles for the Academy Awards ceremony.

Security was tight around the venue , the Shrine Auditorium, as the ceremony got underway , following threats to some of the stars including Russell Crowe, a nominee in the Best Actor category for his performance in "Gladiator ".

The FBI has said it's taking the threats seriously.

In the first awards of the night, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" won for Art Direction and the Best Supporting Actress Oscar went to Marcia Gay Harden for her portrayal of the wife of the American painter Jackson Pollock in the film "Pollock".

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service