FIRST PUBLISHED: February 22, 2008 3:50 PM EST
LAST UPDATED: February 22, 2008 4:03 PM EST

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

As film's biggest night approaches, Access Hollywood's own Shaun Robinson and Tony Potts are on the scene at the Kodak Theater bringing the details on the 80th Annual Academy Awards.

Though heavy rain is predicted for Sunday's ceremony, the red carpet will still shine bright with Hollywood's hottest celebrities. Access' own Shaun Robinson will join host Regis Philbin and co-host Samantha Harris for the official 30-minute red carpet arrivals show on ABC preceding the 80th Academy Awards.

Just days before the ceremony, Access' Tony Potts headed inside the Kodak Theater with Oscar producer Gil Cates, who says the show will open with a "boom," along with at least one "startling" moment among the many surprises planned for the top secret telecast.

(For photos of young Hollywood at the Academy Awards, check out Access' Oscar's "21 and Under" photo gallery.)

Jon Stewart, back for a second time as Oscar host, brought his own writing team to help deliver his trademark edgy humor, including the possibility of a few barbs about people seated in the Kodak. Jon reassures Access his jokes will be the last thing a nominee remembers if they're lucky enough to win.

"They are waiting to find out if they are winning their life-changing award. They are not even going to remember [my jokes]. They are going to wake up and be backstage holding gold," Jon says.

After getting past Jon and finishing their speeches without the orchestra playing, Oscar winners will relax in style at the Architectural Digest Oscar greenroom, with a patent leather bar and a light fixture borrowed from the New York Metropolitan Museum.

The Academy is not the only one prepping for Sunday. Elton John's AIDS Foundation will host its 16th Annual post-Oscar party, where 680 guests will dine on a five-course feast and enjoy a live show featuring Elton in a duet with Mary J. Blige.

For everything Oscar, log on to Access' Oscar page.

Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
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