No Oscars Would Mean No Pay Day for Thousands

As the writer's strike drags into its sixth week and the networks' well of fresh television programs runs dry, viewers -- already left with little to tune in to -- may be deprived of their award shows fix come the new year.

And if the lights really do go out on the biggest night in Hollywood, it wouldn't just be disappointed viewers who would feel it but also the hundreds if not thousands of people who work behind the scenes to ensure that shows like the Academy Awards go off without a hitch -- from those who roll out the red carpet or make sure the A-list stars are properly (and beautifully) accessorized.

No official cancellation announcements have been made, but with three prominent award shows just around the corner -- the Golden Globes airs in January, the Grammy's in early February and the Academy Awards just a few weeks later -- industry insiders have been speculating about how the shows will air without a team of writers in place to craft the monologues and introductions.

Former head writer for the Oscars Bruce Vilanch told Variety that an Academy Awards ceremony sans writers would certainly make for interesting -- if not dull -- television.

"There might be an Oscar show, but I fear that it will look more like your high school graduation than it ever has before," Vilanch told the trade publication.

But those close to the awards are carrying on business as usual, despite the dark cloud that continues to linger over Los Angeles.

"We don't know what's going to happen, but it's still 2½ months away and we're proceeding to do all the things we would expect to do except for writing," Leslie Unger, spokeswoman for the Academy, told ABC News. "Sets are being built, all of the logistical planning in terms of the venue and city are being taken care of, and we're still planning our nominations event."

"But I'm not saying we're not worried," added Unger, who said the rumors of the show being canceled altogether are an "exaggeration."