Oscar contenders vying for gold on big night

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- As the hours dwindle until the stars hit the Oscar stage, take a closer look at the top contenders at this year's Academy Awards.

Check out Oscar.com and make your picks on who you think will win at this year's Academy Awards.

Director Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" is one of nine movies up for the coveted best picture prize.

View an interactive map of all closures expected this week.

Also going for Oscar gold is "The Artist," "The Descendants," "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "The Help," "Midnight in Paris," "Moneyball," "The Tree of Life" and "War Horse."

View a live cam of Oscar red carpet preparations.

For best actor, the nominees are: Demian Bichir in "A Better Fife," George Clooney in "The Descendants," Jean du Jardin in "The Artist," Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and Brad Pitt in "Moneyball."

Ten amazing Oscar facts you should know about.

The five women in the best actress race are: Glenn Close for "Albert Nobbs," Viola Davis in "The Help," Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," Meryl Streep for "The Iron Lady" and Michelle Williams" for her role in "My Week with Marilyn."

See the full list of nominations for the 2012 Academy Awards.

Check out the best Oscar moments of all time.

Check out moments in Oscar history on the interactive timeline available on the official Oscar.com website.

Oscar.com also hosts the official Oscar blog, which will feature red carpet fashion trends and tips from chef and lifestyle experts for hosting the best Oscar party.

Leading up to the ceremony, "On The Red Carpet" co-host Rachel Smith will be doing interviews with hair and fashion stylists and makeup artists for the "Best Dressed" video series featured on Oscar.com.

The awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 on ABC7.

• Live coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. PT with On The Red Carpet at the Oscars.
• Live coverage of red carpet arrivals begins at 4 p.m.
• The 84th annual Academy Awards starts at 5:30 p.m.
• A complete wrap-up of the winners and after parties starts at 8:30 p.m.

OnTheRedCarpet.com will have complete coverage of the Oscar season, including an exclusive interactive live stream show LIVE from the red carpet. Follow @OnTheRedCarpet on Twitter and "Like" On The Red Carpet on Facebook, and download our FREE entertainment news app for the iPhone and iPad.

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