Lawless picks sick kids over Oscars

Lucy Lawless will forgo Sunday's Academy Awards in favour of a charity ball to benefit Starship hospital.

Lawless yesterday confirmed she would attend the Mercedes-Benz Auckland Cup Charity Ball on Monday, which is raising funds for the Starship Foundation.

The $250-a-head ball is part of Auckland Cup Week, which starts on Saturday. A week devoted to the "sport of kings" is a bid to see Ellerslie emulate the Melbourne Cup carnival.

The Auckland Cup will be held next Wednesday, March 8, the middle day of the three-day carnival. The $600,000 group one Mercedes Derby features on Saturday. The $150,000 Darley Stakes and $150,000 Diamond Stakes feature on March 11.

Yesterday Lawless said she ranked supporting Starship well above red-carpet events in Hollywood.

"My commitment to the children in my home country is paramount. It's worth making this trip home to support Starship even if it means forsaking one of Hollywood's premiere nights."

Lawless will also be a special guest at Ellerslie on Auckland Cup Day.

* For charity ball tickets, contact Amylouise Miller on (09) 580-1260 or visit the link below.