Hollywood is getting ready for Oscars night with Irish star Peter O'Toole hoping to finally win after being pipped on seven previous occasions.
O'Toole (74) is in the running for the Best Actor award for his performance in Venus. This is his eighth Oscar nomination.
However, he may well be disappointed, as Forest Whitaker is favourite to take the prize in the category for his inspired performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.
In the best actress category, Dame Helen Mirren is the hot favourite for the Best Actress for her portrayal of Elizabeth II in The Queen.
Martin Scorsese's gritty cop thriller The Departedis favourite to land the best picture prize, but the field is considered relatively open. The Queen, Babel, Letters From Iwo Jimaand Little Miss Sunshineare each in with a chance.
Comic Ellen Degeneres will host the 79th annual Academy Awards ceremony from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.