OSCAR(r).COM KICKS OFF THE 79TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS(r) WEEKEND WITH EXCLUSIVE SNEAK-PEEK OSCAR COVERAGE AND MORE VIDEO THAN EVER BEFORE

Ellen DeGeneres Video Diaries, "Road to the Oscars(r)" Coverage, Thank You Cam, Fashion Reporting & Commentary, Plus Two Exclusive Online Sweepstakes Promotions

With Hollywood's most celebrated night only days away, Oscar.com, the official site for the 79th Annual Academy Awards, is providing movie fans with more video than ever before, including video diaries from Ellen DeGeneres, a sneak peek into Oscar preparations, online sweepstakes and tips on how to host your own Oscar party!

Hosted by Allyson Waterman and Greg Vaughan (star of ABC's "General Hospital"), "Road to the Oscars" covers the events that take place the days leading up to the Academy Awards, including footage from pre-Oscar events, interviews and post-show coverage. Allyson Waterman takes you behind the scenes at the Kodak Theatre and provides an exclusive look at Lily et Cie's vintage collection of gowns and jewelry.

New to Oscar.com this year is the "Thank You Cam," where fans can see the first exclusive comments from the winners as they leave the stage with their Oscar statuette.

Tom Julian, Oscar.com's official fashion trend analyst, will give fans an up close and personal look into red carpet style with exclusive one-on-one visits with fashion designers including Monique Lhuillier and Domenico Vacca.

Oscar.com also features two exclusive promotions, "Find the 79s" and "Predict the Winners." A watch-and-win contest, viewers can tune in during the live show to look for hidden "79s" placed throughout the telecast, and then log on to Oscar.com to submit a list of where the symbols appeared for a chance to win great prizes. "Predict the Winners" offers fans a chance to test their skills on their Oscar(r) predictions. Users can also log on Monday, February 26 to watch backstage interview footage with the award winners.

The 79th Annual Academy Awards will be presented on Sunday, February 25, at the Kodak Theatre and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5:00 p.m., PT (8:00 p.m., ET), beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment, "Road to the Oscars."

About Oscar.com

Oscar.com, the official site of the Academy Awards(r), is developed and executed by Disney-ABC TV Group's digital media team, a group committed to launching digital products and working with strategic partners in the digital media space to make high-quality, informative and entertaining content available to consumers whenever and wherever they choose. Oscar.com provides movie fans with exclusive Oscar coverage, featuring nominee biographies, style & fashion news and original video commentary.