Oscar show opens with ribbing by Martin, Baldwin

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Oscar show opens with ribbing by Martin, Baldwin

LOS ANGELES — The Academy Awards have gotten under way with some playful ribbing of Hollywood stars by hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.

Martin and Baldwin, the first dual emcees at the Oscars since 1987, made light fun of nominees including Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, Woody Harrelson, James Cameron, Mo’Nique and Kathryn Bigelow.

Before their monologue, the show began with an introduction of lead-acting nominees and a song-and-dance number by Neil Patrick Harris.

Bigelow’s the Iraq War drama “The Hurt Locker” and Cameron’s sci-fi epic “Avatar” are tied for the Oscar lead with nine nominations each, including best picture and director.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 82nd annual Oscars are under way in Los Angeles.

An introduction of lead acting nominees and a song-and-dance number by Neil Patrick Harris opened Sunday night’s show before hosts Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin took over.

“Avatar” and “The Hurt Locker” are the favorites in an expanded field of 10 best-picture nominees. Each has nine nominations.

Favorites in the top acting categories are Sandra Bullock for “The Blind Side” and Jeff Bridges for “Crazy Heart.”

On the Net:

Academy Awards: www.oscars.org