Stars use the occasion to showcase creations from top designers using an army of personal stylists to get them ready.

One of the first to arrive at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion was Gwyneth Paltrow who has been nominated for a best actress award.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Sporting a 1950s Grace Kelly look

She showed up unfashionably early in a fantastic full length sugar-pink princess dress as legions of anonymous attendees jostled with her for position on the red carpet.

Britain's Brenda Blethyn has had a dress especially made for the occasion too. Before the ceremony she said:

Gwyneth Paltrow arriving at the Oscars: "It's very exciting"

"It's as much a celebration of fashion as it is a celebration of film and performance.

"Every camera crew one stops and talks to on your way up the red carpet wants to know what you're wearing, who made your shoes, who made the dress, who did your hair, who did your make-up. I mean it's bizarre."

Lynn Redgrave: Nominated for best supporting actress

Emily Watson wore a lace-bodied grey Valentino dress with straight skirt as attended the event for a second time to hear whether she had won the Best Actress title for Hilary And Jackie.

She was last at the event two years ago when she had been nominated for her part in Breaking The Waves.

"I feel less nervous this time, but it seems more chaotic this time," she said as she arrived, adding that she was excited.

Lynn Redgrave, in the running for her role in Gods And Monsters, arrived in a baby blue silk dress with a matching shawl over her arms.

Sir Ian McKellen: His message to fans was "Just go to bed"

Canada's top singer Celine Dion arrived at the venue wearing a peculiar white backless dress with matching white hat - trilby style - at a jaunty coquettish angle.

Kathy Bates, nominated for best supporting actress, arrived on the red carpet in a flattering grey number and said she was thrilled just to be there.

Male attendees traditionally wear more sober dinner jackets. An elegant Sir Ian McKellen said he was jittery about the evening as he arrived at the event.

"Of course, I'm nervous - but excited," said the star, nominated for his performance in Gods And Monsters.