Oscars directors tell stars to keep it short!

The traditional "Oscar Nominees Luncheon" has just taken place in Beverly Hills. This event brings together all of the nominees for a warm-up for the ceremony itself, which will take place on 7th March. At the prestigious meal, the nominees had to prepare two different speeches for the prize-giving. The first had to last no more than 45 seconds and deal with what the statuette means to them. The second consists of the thank-yous, which will take place backstage and be shown later on the Internet.

The decision is intended to get rid of the interminable speeches, which producer Bill Mechanic says are "the single most hated thing on the show". This year, the stars are being brought into line and will have to leave out the thanks to their grandmother, the postman and their first sweetheart!