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Celebrity Chatter: Oscars 'Will Go On' Despite Possible War

Ceremony Could Be Postponed For Two Days

Michelle Solomon, Staff Writer

What will happen to the Academy Awards ceremony if America is at war with Iraq?

"The show will go on," said Oscar producer Gil Cates.

As sure as he sounded, Cates did admit to having a contingency plan if a conflict arises.

Depending on the timing of a possible strike, the ceremony could be postponed for two days, but Cates said he expects that would be the extent of the delay.

Not only are the Oscars an awards event but they are a television event and if the awards are delayed, it could mean a ratings dip for ABC, the network hosting the awards, and scores of unhappy advertisers. ABC execs are concerned about viewers surfing to other networks for war news or a major or a developing war story during the broadcast that could cause interruption.

The likelihood of a 48-hour postponement is the most talked-about scenario, according to insiders. In the event of war close to Sunday's telecast, networks would go to a around-the-clock war reporting operation, thus forcing the postponement until networks went back to regularly scheduled programming.

The prospect of postponement is causing jitters with those planning for the big 75th anniversary event.

Academy Awards presenter and nominee schedules would have to be considered, catering and parties postponed and limousines rescheduled.

You could say that Oscar's motto is "the show must go on." It has been canceled or postponed only three times in the Academy's history: A flood in Hollywood in 1938 caused cancellation, the ceremony was postponed and took place two days after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, and moved back a day in 1981 after an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.

Meanwhile, whether we are at war or not, the hot-button issue may serve as an opportunity, as it has in past years, for presenters to express their views on war.

Cates said he would prefer that presenters not change their scripted introductions in any way. Winners have 45 seconds to say whatever they'd like, but for most it's their time to shine and, depending on priorities, to thank their agents and Mom and Dad. Officials have asked presenters to stick to the script and rumors swirl that a winner who takes a political platform will find their speech cut.

One potential speechmaker could be presenter Richard Gere who, when presenting at the Oscars in 1993, said his piece about China's occupation of Tibet. Gere has been tapped as a presenter this year, but he is not nominated for an award.

Academy officials say they are urging presenters and awardees to steer clear of politics because it is a turnoff to the television audience and not because they agree or disagree with viewpoints.

Liza With A ZZZZZ

After a recent concert cancellation in Detroit for her "Liza's Back" show, Celebrity Chatter was curious as to why Liza Minnelli would abruptly bow out.

The entertainer's spokesman said that the singer is doing "self-health" at the Caron Foundation in Pennsylvania. "It's part of her recovery from dependency," Richard Hoffman told the Chicago Sun Times. Hoffman said she spends eight weeks at the center each year.

Also on hold is her first-year wedding anniversary celebration. The party that was expected to have 1,200 guests with more than 80 stars scheduled to perform at the Marriott Marquis in New York is on hold because of the "threat of war."

A press release states:

"With the threat of war imminent and considering more than 1,200 guests would be traveling from many different parts of the world, Liza Minnelli and David Gest have decided to postpone their anniversary party which was to be held at the Marriott Marquis in New York on April 15. The couple feels that it is not an appropriate time for a celebration until after the resolution of the problem with Iraq, when a new date will be announced. According to Liza Minnelli, 'We held off sending our invitations out because we want to have our party when the world is at peace and people can come and enjoy themselves.'"

But the first release announcing the party was sent out March 3. Hasn't the threat of war been looming for a while? Hmmm.

Darn, I'm bummed about the cancellation of the party. Each guest was to get a Liza and David Easter basket, which included a signed limited edition CD of two new songs and produced by hubby Gest for the special occasion.

Can I get a raincheck?

In other Liza news, she has signed an exclusive deal with MAC Cosmetics. The press release says "Expect to see Liza's extravagant lashes gracing counters worldwide this fall."

Britney's Moldy Glass On Display

A glass used by Britney Spears to drink orange juice from before she appeared on a radio show in Cologne, Germany, will go on display.

The glass, which later turned moldy, will be the star of the touring show.

Also included will be a water bottle used by Mick Jagger and ash tray used by singer Robbie Williams.

The exhibition is touring five German cities, according to ananova.com.

Michelle Solomon's gossip column, Celebrity Chatter, appears each Monday. E-mail us with questions or comments. Michelle Solomon@Celebrity Chatter.

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