Oscar Web Site Gets Video and Blog Boost

Feb. 25, 2005 &#151 -- In this week's Cybershake, we take a look at how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is dressing up its official Web site for the Oscar awards show. Plus, we note the bad news that computer viruses are no longer limited to just computers.

It's been considered the "Super Bowl for women." But the academy will be trying a host of new tricks to attract a wider audience to its 77th Annual Academy Awards event, scheduled to air this Sunday on the ABC television network.

For example, first-time host Chris Rock might bring in a crowd of male viewers to the televised gala with his provocative humor. But for an even younger, hipper crowd, the Academy is adding more digital bells and whistles to its official Oscar.com Web site.

Currently on the Web, Oscar fanatics can see digital videos of the best acceptance speech moments of the past 36 years. Then during the pre-show telecast on Sunday, viewers can submit votes online. The winning "best" moment will be announced live during the televised pre-show.

Prior to the actual award ceremony, visitors can also submit online ballots with their guesses of which actors and films will walk away with golden statuettes. The contestant with the most accurate predictions could win a complete home theater setup, including a new high-definition TV set.

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On Sunday, the Web site will also host live digital video footage that supplements the televised coverage.

"We [will] have more video clips than ever before," says Larry Terenzi, producer for Oscar.com. "We're going to have the red carpet [coverage], live on the site, as well as press room interviews and even the Governor's Ball [held after the awards show] as well."

And for the first time, the site has its own "blog," or Web log. Written by Gill Cates, a veteran producer of 11 previous Oscar award shows, the daily online journal highlights some of the behind-the-scenes antics and frantic preparations that have been part of producing this year's event.