'Birdman' and 'Boyhood' battle for Oscars glory

'Birdman' and 'Boyhood' battle for Oscars glory

The brightest stars in Hollywood converged on Sunday for the Oscars, the film industry's biggest night of the year, with dark comedy "Birdman" and coming-of-age drama "Boyhood" in a duel for top honors. A-listers -- and rain showers -- hit the red carpet for the annual pre-show fashion parade ahead of curtain up at the Dolby Theatre at 5:30 pm (0130 GMT Monday). The sealed-off stretch of Hollywood Boulevard outside the venue turned into a glittering throng of designer dresses and sparkling jewelry, with giant umbrellas in red or black helping to keep carefully chosen outfits and makeup pristine. Julianne Moore, Patricia Arquette and Eddie Redmayne are among those widely tipped to take home acting prizes during the extravaganza, which will be hosted by song-and-dance man Neil Patrick Harris.