UNITED STATES 24 February 2008 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences holds 80th awards ceremony

Political satirist and talk show host Jon Stewart hosts the 80th Academy Awards ceremony in 2008 in Hollywood. If rumors that studio chiefs and screenwriters are about to end their three-month battle turn out to be true, then the ceremony is likely to proceed with its usual glitter and glamor. If not, there are likely to be picketers outside and few people inside.

Members of the Screen Actors Guild have stood in solidarity with striking writers since their walkout began Nov 5. But directors, documentarians, writers and other craftspeople — from first-time nominees to Oscar alums — also said Tuesday that they won't attend a picketed ceremony.

The threat of pickets wrecked January's Golden Globes ceremony, after actors — prodded by the Screen Actors Guild — boycotted the show. UPDATED Feb/08