As of now, the Oscars are on. We think they will stay on. Thousands of anti-war protesters are expected. Protest organizers say they need the air-time and coverage because the networks aren't giving them enough.

We support anti-war protests but we think this will backfire on the anti-war movement, particularly in the U.S. We doubt those who tune in to watch the Oscars, ourselves included, are going to look at the protesters and say, "Gee, I should be with them tonight," or even, "I'd like to hear what they have to say." We think protesting during the Oscars will weaken the message and hurt the cause.

There's a time and a place for everything. These actors worked hard all year to create movies to entertain us and make us think. They have earned their night. For three hours of a Sunday evening, we should give them their due and leave the war out of it. Except, of course, for those of them that choose to use their 45 seconds of acceptance time to oppose the war. We think that's fine. It's their time and they can do what they want with it.

The winners are being allowed to say whatever they want on any topic, including the war. Presenters, such as noted anti-war activist Susan Sarandon, however, have to stick to the script.

Again, we are all for the participants in the Oscars expressing their opposition to the war during their speeches. But we think the protestors should pick another night--or limit their protests to the afternoon before the ceremonies begin.

A small number of celebrities, including Will Smith and Angelina Jolie - both due to present awards - and Cate Blanchett and Tom Hanks, have pulled out of the ceremony, voicing disgust that America's annual parade of self-congratulation is going ahead despite the war. Designers Giorgio Armani and Collette Dinnigan have cancelled trips to Hollywood to dress the stars and left it to their US-based associates to do the pampering instead.

Donning an anti-war totem is also popular. Among the actors who have said that they will wear anti-war badges are nominees Day-Lewis, Adrien Brody, Pedro Almodóvar Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore as well as veteran star Dustin Hoffman.

Ben Affleck is among those who has apparently not yet made up his mind. Instead he has announced that the final decision will rest with his stylist.

The 500 photographers, TV cameramen and reporters who normally work the carpet have been told that this year the stars do not want to talk and have undergone FBI background checks before they were issued with their credentials.