New-look Oscars

Oscar producer Gil Cates is set to break Oscar traditions in a bid to spice up the awards show and attract younger viewers.

Fast-quipping presenter Chris Rock will have the freedom of a huge stage with a runway extending to the audience.

"Chris is an upfront, right-at-you kind of guy," Cates said, "so we needed to format the show to accommodate that."

Another new technique will have all the nominees in some categories on stage together, while in other categories the nominees will be seated in the same section of the theatre and the presenter will join them in the audience.