Muted Oscars Goes Ahead With Call for Peace

A muted Oscars ceremony went ahead in Hollywood last night with a call for peace which was greeted with loud applause.

Chris Cooper who won the best supporting actor prize for his role in Adaptation, said: "In light of all the trouble in this world, I wish us all peace."

Catherine Zeta Jones won the best supporting actress prize for her role in the musical Chicago. The eight-months pregnant star collected her first ever Oscar for her portrayal of ruthless murderess Velma Kelly, beating Meryl Streep, Kathy Bates, Julianne Moore and co-star Queen Latifah.

Near the event at the Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard crowds of demonstrators opposed to and in favour of the war gathered.

Steve Martin, the master of ceremonies, made a number of jokes about the circumstances of the event, noting that the traditional red carpet had been scrapped for the night. He said sarcastically: "That'll send them a message."

He went on to say that everybody had been in favour of him presenting the show "except France and Germany".

But he also made some of the more traditional jokes, saying Nicole Kidman had worn a false nose in every film she had ever made, except for The Hours. And he added: "Roman Polanski is here - get him!" a reference to the fact that the director of the nominated film The Pianist is still wanted for statutory rape.

Until the last minute officials had kept their options open, despite the fact that a number of actors had dropped out, saying that they thought it was "inappropriate" to be present. Apart from the red carpet being abandoned, many actors dressed down for the event. Activity around the theatre was intense, with hundreds of police, some with rifles drawn, stationed around the perime ter.

Other early awards went to Spirited Away from legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, which was named best animated feature film, and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, which won in the category of best visual effects.

Chicago also picked up awards for art direction and for best costume. The best live-action short went to This Charming Man. The honorary Oscar, which had previously been announced, went to Peter O'Toole.