Academy Awards: Behind-the-scene peeks at rehearsals, Kodak Theatre (slideshow)

The 2010 Academy Awards airs live later today on ABC, but Sandra Bullock, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Matt Damon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz and other stars already made a trip to the Kodak Theatre on Friday to rehearse for the international TV broadcast. Dressed in street clothes, their appearance was a far cry from what fans will see on Sunday. The stars waited patiently as the show’s directors gave them their lines and stage directions. It was all in preparation for the TV broadcast that will be seen by hundreds of millions of viewers in more than 200 countries.

In addition to Friday’s rehearsals, hundreds of people are busy behind the scenes, laying out the red carpet, putting up a tent in case of rain, polishing the statues and arranging the flowers. On Friday, Academy Awards producers Adam Shankman, Bill Mechanic and Tom Sherak held a press conference with the media outside the Kodak Theater. Also on hand were chefs from the kitchen of Wolfgang Puck displaying the food which will be served at this year’s Governor’s Ball. Gift suites were open every day and parties were thrown every night as Tinseltown geared up for its big celebration. Dana Delany, Kathy Najimy, Ty Burrell and Rachael Leigh Cook were among the celebrities who recorded public service announcements for the Creative Coalition on Friday at Haven 360, an Oscar-week suite comprising gifting, parties and support for the arts. All-in-all, this weekend was a busy one for anyone involved with the 82nd Academy Awards.

The televised Oscar celebration kicks off at 6:00 p.m. ET on Sunday with live red carpet shows on E! and TV Guide channels. ABC airs a 30-minute red carpet show at 8:00 p.m. ET, followed by the 82nd Academy Awards at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 PT.

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