Hollywood preps for Oscar 2009

An Oscar statue on Hollywood Boulevard remains under covers Friday.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

An Oscar statue gets put in place to welcome Oscar nominees and presenters on Sunday.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Paul Donell, left, and Kim Oldis arrange a rose bouquet under a giant Oscar statue at the entrance to the Kodak Theatre as preparations continue for the 81st Academy Awards, which will be broadcast Sunday.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Chef Wolfgang Puck, left, shows some of his taste creations during the food and beverage preview on Thursday morning for one of the Oscar parties Sunday.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Anthony Ferrero, left, and Abel Murillo give Oscar statues a lift as they’re positioned along the red carpet on Hollywood Boulevard as preparations continue for the 81st Academy Awards on Sunday.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Scenic artist Virginia Belloni touches up handrails before painting them red Thursday afternoon on the Hollywood red carpet in front of the Kodak Theatre.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Oscar statues are ready to be placed along the red carpet.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Scenic artist Dena D’Angelo uses a scrapped cue card as she sprays on gold paint to touch up one of the Oscar statues made of fiberglass that will adorn the red carpet and the Kodak Theatre as preparations continue for the 81st Academy Awards that will be broadcast Sunday.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Scenic artist Gayle Etcheverry sands the base of an Oscar statue made of fiberglass that will be painted and used to adorn the red carpet at the Kodak Theatre on Sunday.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Workmen from American Turf and Carpet roll out the red carpet along Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Kodak Theatre.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The famous red carpet is put in place in front of the Kodak Theatre before Sunday’s Oscars.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Rick Gamboa secures red drapery adorning the bleachers along Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Kodak Theatre as it becomes the red carpet walk in preparation for the 81st Academy Awards on Sunday.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Crowds watch as the red carpet is rolled out in front of the Kodak Theatre.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Alfonso Martin vacuums the red carpet being laid out along Hollywood Boulevard.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Scenic artist Dena D’Angelo sprays gold paint to touch up one of the Oscar statues.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Visiting from Russia, Anna Gorchenena, right, and sister Tatiana brave the rain to check out the Oscar preparations at the Kodak Theatre.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Stephen Allen, left, and John Raccippio move red carpet lights into position.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

David Manigault wraps up a plastic covering as Hollywood holds out hope for a sunny Oscar forecast.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Kodak Theatre is closed Tuesday morning in preparation for the red carpet for the 81st Academy Awards.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Frank Roach, left, and Dominic Smith carry an Oscar statue made of fiberglass.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Scenic artists Dena D’Angelo, right, and Virginia Belloni move Oscar to makeup.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)