After a skimpy red-carpet offering with only a handful of high wattage stars, the second round of dress-spotting occurred during the ceremony itself. A line-up of former winners including stars like Whoopi Goldberg and Halle Berry announced nominees in several categories, and presenters who apparently had slipped in the back entrance appeared for the first time.

Queen of comedy Tina Fey left her glasses at home to announce the screenwriting award to the Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter in a plunging silver gown with cap sleeves. Jennifer Aniston presented alongside Jack Black in a silvery white dress decorated with curving silver lines.

Some "reveals" were more successful fashion moments than others. In presenting best actress in a supporting role, Angelica Huston wore a vivid purple gown that could have been snatched from an episode of Dynasty, with silver flowers trickling down one side.

Queen Latifah wore a navy gown on the red carpet with an embellished neckline and tulle train, but for her song recognising the actors who have died in the past year, she turned up in something shiny blue, with a ribbon wrapped round it.

Reese Witherspoon presented the best director award to Danny Boyle in a blue and black gown with asymmetical straps and confused blocks of colour on the skirt.

For the best actress award, Nicole Kidman appeared onstage in a white sparkled gown with feathers sprouting from the bosom and hem. In the same presentation, Sophia Loren stood, hand on hip, in gold with stiff frilled sleeves and a pearl collar, while Shirley MacLaine appeared in a ladylike black suit with a string of pearls.

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