Charlize Theron's latest hairdo has got Twitter aflutter.

Steven McIntosh
Entertainment Reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There's been so much conversation and controversy around this year's Oscars ceremony we've almost forgotten about the actual awards they're handing out.

The Academy has tried to make a number of changes, including introducing new categories, dropping some musical performances and putting the announcement of some winners in the ad breaks as a way to save time in the often-bloated ceremony.

But they have rowed back on nearly all of them, leaving viewers wondering just what they’ll have in store for audiences to keep them engaged this year and try to stop viewing figures from falling further.

The biggest change is the lack of host. Kevin Hart was announced as the presenter. Then unannounced. Then the Academy tried to find someone else, without success.

So what will it be like instead? We know there will be plenty of celebrities introducing each category, including Jennifer Lopez, Tina Fey, Awkwafina and Daniel Craig to introduce the categories.We also know Queen and Adam Lambert will open the show with a musical performance in place of what would normally be an opening stand-up routine from the host.

But what else? How will the ceremony be guided? Will there be supermarket-style announcements narrating which category is coming up next?

There's less than an hour until we find out.

Read more: How will the Oscars ceremony be different this year?

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Even if Glenn Close doesn't get her hands on the best actress award, she can take heart that she's certainly won the "star who's dressed most like an Oscar statuette" award, which I just made up but should totally be a thing.

Also, props for having a cape so long it needs a separate person to keep it in the manner to which it is accustomed.

Glenn, you are a true star.

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Glenn Close is hotly tipped to pick up the best actress award for her role in The Wife - it will be the star's seventh nomination, making her the most nominated actress without a win in Academy Awards history. Could that all change tonight?

Steven McIntosh
Entertainment Reporter

Image source, Gett

If you happen to be in LA right now and considering taking a nice leisurely taxi ride anywhere, we can strongly advise against it.

The streets surrounding the Dolby Theatre are locked down. Barriers are up and security is high as the stars arrive for tonight's Academy Awards.

BBC News is one of many media outlets in the press room this evening. That's the area where all of tonight's winners will be brought after they leave the stage.

They'll then answer questions from the world's media - everything from "How does it feel to win?" and "Where will you display your Oscar?" to "Hey, shouldn't you be heading back Alfonso because it can't be long until you win your next award?"

Stay tuned to the live page after the ceremony starts to hear all the reaction from winners hot off the stage.

Image source, Sid Gentle Films/Jason Bell

A key theme emerging on the red carpet tonight has been spotted by Buzzfeed's Eleanor Bate...

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Colin Paterson is in LA and has just finished hosting a special preview show, where a host of nominees and special guests dropped by on their way to the ceremony.

Have a listen back to it here.

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Get yourself clued up before the long night ahead with a look at the full list of nominations.

Frontrunners for the coveted best picture are royal romp The Favourite, Netflix epic Roma and real-life drama Green Book.

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Lifestyle guru Marie Kondo looks like she's taken her own advice, and chosen joy as she makes an early appearance on the red carpet.

The Tidying Up With Marie Kondo star chose a Jenny Packham dress for her first Oscars appearance.

And she looks super excited to be there!

So who are you hoping will win tonight? How's the ceremony going to play out without a host?

Get in touch and let us know your predictions, and your reactions as the winners are announced.

Email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk, tweet@BBCNewsEnts, external, or post a message on our Facebook page, external.

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Broadway star Billy Porter made a statement in a black velvet Christian Siriano dress and matching bolero jacket.

Porter is known for championing gender fluid style. He won a Tony for his role as the original Lola in the Kinky Boots musical.

And the award for most excited Oscar nominee goes to Richard E Grant.

The Can You Ever Forgive Me? star is up for best supporting actor.

Even though he doesn't know if he's won yet, he's been literally jumping for joy just to be taking part.

Image source, Getty Images

BlacKkKlansman director Spike Lee paid tribute to his late friend Prince with his purple suit.

Lee is wearing a Purple Rain-inspired Ozwald Boateng suit. Round his neck is a custom-made diamond, gold and opal necklace in the form of the symbol Prince used as his name.

The stars are making their way to the red carpet for the 91st Academy Awards.

There's no host this year, so how will the show pan out?

Actress Anne Hathaway - who co-hosted the 83rd ceremony with James Franco in 2011 - has already offered some words of wisdom...

Stay with us for all the ins and outs of Hollywood's biggest night, as it happens!