The countdown to the Oscars has begun. And STAR Movies is pulling out all stops to present it live to viewers in India on March 24. Telecast time is 6.30 am with a primetime repeat on the same day at 9.00 pm.

To be hosted by veteran comedian, actor and novelist Steve Martin, the Oscars this year will see a keen contest between Adrien Brody (for his role in The Pianist), Nicholas Cage (Adaptation), Michael Caine (The Quiet American), Daniel Day-Lewis (Gangs of New York) and Jack Nicholson (About Schmidt) for the Best Actor trophy while the female lead will see Nicole Kidman (for The Hours), Renee Zellweger (Chicago), Julianne Moore (Far from Heavan), Salma Hayek (Frida) and Diane Lane (Unfaithful) battling it out for the coveted bronze statuette.