Film stars gather ahead of ceremony

Dozens of the stars of the 85th Academy Awards have been rehearsing for their big night.

Some dressed down in jeans and hoodies, while others were already in their smartest suits, or chic dresses and spiky stilettos, but they all seemed excited to be part of the big show.

They paraded through the Dolby Theatre at 15-minute intervals - Meryl Streep, Ben Affleck, Reese Witherspoon, Richard Gere, Jennifer Aniston, John Travolta, Jack Nicholson and dozens more.

Catherine Zeta-Jones was also present, as she prepares to join other stars in a tribute to the revival of interest in big-screen musicals.

Those taking part rehearsed their lines in front of an audience of show workers and awarded prop Oscars to rehearsal actors.

They also searched the theatre from the stage, searching for where their seats will be.