Champagne carpet and crisis team ready for Oscars celebration on Sunday

Decorative Oscar statues stands near spotlights and red drapes as final preparations are made for the 95th Academy Awards, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, on March 11, 2023.- AFP

LOS ANGELES, March 12 (Reuters): Hollywood stars will walk a champagne-colored carpet at the Oscars on Sunday when organizers aim to keep the spotlight on "Everything Everywhere All at Once," "Top Gun: Maverick" and other nominated films that brought crowds back to cinemas.

In case of an unexpected twist, a crisis response team will be on hand at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The group was formed after Will Smith smacked Chris Rock on stage last year, tarnishing the film industry's most prestigious ceremony.