Los Angeles, Mar 23: Hollywood is forging ahead with final preparations for the 75th annual Academy Awards, the traditional high point of the film year that is fighting not to become a casualty of war with Iraq. It's been a week of hand wringing in Hollywood over whether to go ahead with the Oscars ceremony during the controversial U.S.-led war against Iraq. But Frank Pierson, president of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences, finally declared it would be business as usual on Sunday. Frank Pierson, President of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (English): "We are in a time of crisis and uncertainty and the question arises: 'Will the show go on?' And the answer is 'Yes.'" Academy officials deny that large numbers of stars are pulling out, but Will Smith is one actor who's already cancelled his appearance.


"Tomb Raider" star Angelina Jolie is another who won't be attending. And actresses Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett are also reported to be uncertain.


But on the streets of Los Angeles the general feeling is that to cancel the show would be tantamount to conceding defeat.


Jim Gillespie: "I think we gotta take chances. I mean, if we stop everything that is going on in the country now, then pretty much they are winning the war."


Stringent safety arrangements have been made at the downtown Hollywood Kodak Theatre for the three-and-a-half-thousand stars and their guests.


The Los Angeles police chief is reported to have said the Academy Awards will be the safest place in America to be on Sunday night.


Bureau Report