82nd Annual Academy Awards set to open

The highly-anticipated Oscars is just hours away. Media from around the globe prepare to capture the memorable moments. While crews complete the final preparations, Oscar fans are also filling the bleachers.

The countdown of 82nd Annual Academy Awards show is underway, and the red carpet is bustling with activity.

Ahead of the star arrivals, security must see that the fans are in place. As they eagerly await their favorite movie idol, they enjoy food, refreshments, and camaraderie.

Oscar Fan Ashley Beck said, "I just love anything Hollywood. Movies, television. So it's so neat to be here and experience it first hand."

Many won their coveted seats in the stands by registering for an online lottery.

Oscar Fan Ashley Beck said, "Well, I signed-up on Oscars.org, oscars.com, and they picked my name, I got really lucky. I live in Chicago. And, I just spent all of my life watching the Oscars on TV and to finally be here in person to see it all happen. It's been a dream. It's really wonderful."

The Oscar for best picture is now a tougher prize to win. The academy expanded nominations to ten films this year.

At the front of the pack are 3D blockbuster "Avatar" and Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker". Both films earned nine nominations from the Academy.