NZ producer excited about Oscars

Director Taika Waititi (C), stands between producers Catherine Fitzgerald (L) and Ainsley Gardiner at a Hollywood dinner. Picture / Reuters

New Zealand producer Ainsley Gardiner still cannot believe she is about to take part in the Oscars ceremony.

Preparation for the big night was well underway with Ms Gardiner speaking to Newstalk ZB from her hotel suite with curlers in her hair.

Ms Gardiner produced 'Two cars, one night' which is up for an Oscar in the short film category.

The 11-minute black and white movie was filmed in the Te Kaha Hotel carpark in the East Cape over four nights in 2003.

The film tells of the friendship and romance that forms between two boys and a girl waiting for their parents in the carpark outside a pub. 

It has won 10 international festival awards, including the short film award at the Berlin Film Festival.

Ms Gardiner said that while she has kept the nerves at bay, she does not think the nomination will fully sink in until she steps onto the red carpet.

She had no idea what to expect but was looking forward to the atmosphere and could not wait to sit in the famous theatre that she has watched every year on television.

She was feeling good about the film's chances and said it appeared the top honour will be down to a choice between their film and one other.

Ms Gardiner will be keeping it an all kiwi affair when she finally arrives on the red carpet outside the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood - she will be wearing a frock from New Zealand designer Zambesi.

Watching the Oscars

The 77th annual Academy Awards ceremony starts on Sky Movies 1 at 2.30pm today and runs until 6.30pm.

The short film category is expected around 4pm.

A replay runs on TV2 at 10.30pm.

- Newstalk ZB and Herald