2006 Academy Awards Countdown

All around Hollywood the clocks are counting down to the motion picture event of the year, with excitement and anticipation building ahead of the 2006 Academy Awards ceremony. Movie stars, studio executives and film fans are waiting to find out whether favourite Brokeback Mountain will take the glory, or whether underdog Crash will cause a big upset.

Of course a surprise in any of the major award categories is always a possibility. actors and studios know from years gone by that voting does not always occur as expected and that big wins can occur against all odds. 

The ceremony starts at 1700 Los Angeles time (0100 GMT).