It could be a puzzling evening for millions of Oscar viewers.
There is no question about star power among the presenters at tonight's 69th Academy Awards, with Goldie Hawn, Mel Gibson, Sandra Bullock and Jodie Foster among them. And with a dozen nominations, "The English Patient" is a favorite to win the best picture award.But those obscure nominees: Ever hear of Brenda Blethyn, Anthony Minghella or Armin Mueller-Stahl before this year?
While the likes of Blethyn, a best-actress contender for "Secrets & Lies," may not be household names, organizers insist there will be plenty of excitement during the ceremony, to air live on ABC.
"I think it's a terrific horse race," Academy Awards producer Gil Cates said. "But more importantly than that, it's rewarding excellence, it's getting the people who make movies together to meet one another."
On Sunday, the 17th annual spoof of the Academy Awards dis-honored actress Demi Moore and "Striptease" as the worst of 1996.
"Striptease" won the Razzie for worst picture, actress (Moore), screen couple (Moore and Burt Reynolds), director (Andrew Bergman), screenplay (Bergman) and song ("Pussy, Pussy, Pussy - Whose Kitty Cat Are You?"). The Golden Raspberry Foundation declared it: "Demi Does Dullest."
The Razzies are staged at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel as sort of a Bronx cheer for Hollywood as celebs sink into the Oscar-season of self-adulation. No stars ever show up to collect their $2.19 Razzie trophies, a golfball-size raspberry atop a film reel that is painted gold.
The awards were organized by John Wilson, a Los Angeles-area writer for movie advertising trailers and TV commercials. Voters include 475 foundation members ranging from film industry professionals, journalists, publicists and Wilson's friends.