1. The pre-Oscar spike in non-surgical procedures at Hollywood plastic surgeons is down.

2. The usual line-up of stars will be missing from the pre-show red-carpet gawking.

3. ABC put commercials on the for-sale rack, cutting rates for a 30-second spot to 1.4 million this year from 1.8 million charged in 2008. Apparently, keeping star power sequestered wasn’t enough.

4. Even with reduced rates, some long-time advertisers have pulled out completely, including L’Oreal, Dove, American Express and General Motors.

5. The post-Oscar Vanity Fair party – one of the most celebrated bashes on the after-awards circuit – says it’s going green by using recycled décor from previous years.

6. The film studios cut back on their own advertising campaigns to give their nominees a better chance at winning.

7. The favoured best-picture winner for tonight, Slum Dog Millionaire, is in a unique position that may not come again soon for independent films. F

8. There will be endless chatter from commentators on the role of extreme fashion in a time of extreme hardship.

9. However, there is one exception.

via firedfornow