As the Oscars ceremony is scaled down and stars like Will Smith have pulled out of attending, nominated actress Nicole Kidman assures she'll be flying in for the show. The leggy beauty, nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours, is determined to attend the Hollywood ceremony on Sunday, despite the somber tone that the American-led war with Iraq has now set. Kidman's confirmation has silenced speculation in Hollywood circles that she had planned to stay away what is expected to be her winning night. The actress's publicist Catherine Olim says, "She's still planning on flying in with her family. Fingers crossed."

Oscar nominee Meryl Streep may follow fellow star Will Smith and turn down her invitation to this year's Academy Awards. The legendary actress, who has two films - Adaptation and The Hours - in contention for top awards this year may be a no show at the Kodak Theatre because she is uncomfortable about celebrating when America is at war. A source told gossip site Pagesix.Com, "Meryl Streep has been making noises that she won't go, but as of now she's still in. It could be trouble if this takes off and people don't show up."

Angelina Jolie's Academy Awards dress has been stolen in London. The Girl, Interrupted Oscar-winner's figure-hugging red corset dress worth $4,500 and that of American socialite Paris Hilton were taken during a raid on the car of British designer Scott Henshall just days before he was due to fly out to Los Angeles to dress the pair tonight. Other dresses, accessories and jewelery worth a total of more than $50,000 were also stolen from the Bmw which was parked in London's swanky Knightsbridge. Henshall has been frantically searching the capital for the missing gowns. He says, "I would offer a cash reward to anyone who returned them in time. I have already been searching litter bins in the area in case the dresses were dumped. There were 20 outfits in the collection and now the nine most glamorous have gone. There is no way I can remake Angelina's or any of the other dresses in time."

Oscar nominee Nicolas Cage is upset with reports he's dating a 23-year-old violinist, and planning to take her to the Academy Awards on Sunday. A British tabloid reported the romance with Hilary Hahn, but Cage is insistent he'll be attending the Oscars alone on Sunday. And he's also keen to point out that he isn't dating the violinist. He says, "Hilary is a friend of mine. I have tremendous respect for her as an artist, however there is no romantic involvement between us." Cage is nominated for his dual role as screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and his brother Donald in the film Adaptation.

The world's media are being shut out of Sunday's Academy Awards by a paranoid Hollywood. After Wednesday's announcement that the Academy would make this year's event "glitz-free" because of war in Iraq, party organizers have followed suit - scrapping grand red-carpet entrances and banning the press. The Vanity Fair Party is the most significant casualty. Camera crews, photographers and reporters have all been blacklisted from the black-tie bash at Hollywood eaterie Morton's. A source says, "It's the second biggest gawking event of the Oscars - after the red carpet, but some celebrities were saying the media presence would have them feel very uncomfortable. If they're caught on camera laughing or whooping it up, they come across as shallow. If they try to look solemn and comment on the whole thing, they come across as shallow."

Stunning actress Halle Berry's planned outfit for the Academy Awards is so dazzling, her stylist promises it will even be inspiration to the troops fighting in the Middle East. The Oscar-winning beauty regularly shines on the red carpets of star-studded events with her classy outfits. And despite the withdrawal of the red carpet from the Hollywood ceremony on Sunday in recognition of the American-led war with Iraq, Berry still plans to turn heads when she puts in an appearance to present the Best Actor award. Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch, will dress the Monster's Ball star, Jim Carrey and Iman, says he's advised his clients to stick to their original attire. He says, "If a picture of Halle gets out and those guys in the service see it, it will only inspire them all the more."

California's National Guard have been called in to Sunday's Academy Awards to help protect stars from potential terrorist attacks. Authorities in the Golden State have kitted out troops with a mobile testing lab to quickly detect any chemical or biological threat. State Governor Gray Davis says, "I can say the Academy Awards will be as safe and secure as any awards ceremony ever held. The value to the Los Angeles Police Department is that the lab can get results within 30 minutes."

Superstar Jennifer Lopez was left devastated after dropping her $1.5 million diamond engagement ring down a sink. The singer was dining at posh Hollywood eaterie The Ivy when disaster struck. After dashing to the bathroom, J.Lo took off the six-carat pink diamond ring - given to her by fiance Ben Affleck - so she could wash her hands. But she could only watch in horror as the gem slipped down the sink. According to eyewitnesses she screamed, "Oh my god! Somebody help me - this is an emergency." A source at the restaurant confirms, "It was her worst nightmare. Everyone could hear shrieks coming from the bathroom and the staff leapt into action." Within seconds workers were called to open up the drainpipes - and the ring was found. Lopez was so grateful she handed out a $110 tip to staff, telling pals later, "Ben would have killed me if I lost the ring. And I would have probably killed myself too." The pair, who met on the set of 2002 movie Gigli, are rumored to be planning their wedding for later this year.

Controversial hip-hop star Eminem has set a new record, after sales of his 8 Mile DVD generated a whopping $40 million - on its very first day of release. The DVD, which was released on Tuesday, set a record for an R- rated film, Universal Home Video reports. More than 2 million DVDs were sold in a single day. The disc, available in both censored and uncensored versions, contains new rap battles and Eminem's new music video "Superman," which is available only on the DVD.

Britanny Murphy and her boyfriend Ashton Kutcher are just like the newly wed characters they play in new comedy Just Married. The Clueless star is convinced she has found her soulmate in "wonderful" Ashton - leading to rumors they soon could be married themselves. And the stunner believes they are just like the couple in their comedy film. She says, "There are a lot of similarities. What's been wonderful is that we met in a very pleasant way while making this film and that everything that's happened between us since then has just been this wonderful experience. I sometimes put too much pressure on myself to find a soulmate but with Ashton it's been very easy and sweet and we're just so happy together."

Diva Celine Dion has postponed the unveiling of her Hollywood Walk Of Fame star - which was due to take place today - because of the war on Iraq. The "My Heart Will Go On" star has joined a long list of celebrities to cancel or delay such events because of America's conflict in the Middle East. She released a statement - shortly before troops started their strike against Iraq, saying, "I do not feel it is appropriate at this time to celebrate this milestone in my career when we are on the brink of war. My thoughts and prayers are with the men, women and children who are involved in this at home and overseas."

Nicolas Cage's ex-wife Patricia Arquette is celebrating after becoming a mom again. The pretty actress gave birth to daughter Harlow last month - a sister for her son Enzo from a previous relationship with Paul Rossi. The father of Arquette's second child is actor Thomas Jane, who is engaged to the Human Nature actress.