And the award for best party in a starring role goes to...

Nicole Mowbray
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 27 February 2005 01.05 GMT

For those in the know, tonight's Academy Awards ceremony is a rather staid and tedious distraction from what Oscar weekend is really all about. Which is, of course, partying. All those expensive jewels, dresses and accessories only look their best when paired with a glass of fine champagne in a rather fabulous venue.

Start, bright-eyed - yesterday, noon... Dress designer Diane von Furstenberg and billionaire Barry Diller hosted their 10th Oscar lunch at their Hollywood home.

Then, as the sun begins to set... Jeffrey Katzenberg of DreamWorks threw his 'Night Before' party at the Beverly Hills Hotel, with food by Jamie Oliver.

Before going to... The Miramax party. Six hundred celebrated Miramax's 20 nominations at the Pacific Design Centre, as well as being entertained by the studio's own 'Max' awards ceremony, complete with chocolate Oscar statuettes. Then rest, before tonight's events.

First stop... Arnold Schwarzenegger hosts the Governor's Ball at the Hollywood & Highland complex - the biggest party in Hollywood. This is the first 'refreshments' stop for Oscargoers after the ceremony and the one party everyone attends.

Second stop... Graydon Carter's Vanity Fair party is THE place to see and be seen. Held at Morton's restaurant, people are prepared to lie, cheat and steal to get in without an invite - the only exceptions are made for those with a gold statuette.

Third stop... The Elton John Aids Foundation and Chopard party. Elton will perform, with the Scissor Sisters.

Fourth stop... The young and funky will be at the Aids Project Los Angeles, hosted by Jennifer Love Hewitt at The Abbey.

Fifth stop... Celebs - previous winners and nominees - will work the room late into the night at the Night of 100 Stars party at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Sixth and final stop... Agents Patrick Whitesell and Rick Yorn's bash. The few hundred guests will be at a private home free from advertising, corporate sponsorship and, most importantly for the stars, photographers.