And the winners are...

The world's most prestigious cinematic prize-giving ceremony is to be hosted by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. The actors say they are very honoured to be presenting the 82nd ceremony. Steve Martin, recently seen as Inspector Clouseau, has already performed the role of Oscar compere twice, in 2001 and 2003.

The news was greeted with tongue-in-cheek sarcasm. Martin declared that he is happy to be co-hosting the Oscars with his enemy Alec Baldwin, while Baldwin replied that he did not know how to play the banjo, but was nonetheless delighted to have been chosen by the Academy. (Steve is a keen banjo player and has even won an Emmy for his unmatched fingering technique!)

The news is well-timed for the two actors. The DVD "It's Complicated", the latest comedy by Nancy Meyers, in which the pair star, is about to be released in the United States. Nothing happens by chance in Hollywood!