March 22, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Stephanie Helper - (310) 247-3090

Beverly Hills, CA - The Oscar bleacher fans who were evicted by the Los Angeles Police Department from a City sidewalk along 32nd Street on Tuesday, March 21, were issued numbered vouchers by the Academy and will be allowed to reclaim their spots in line as of 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 25.

The sidewalk where the fans were encamped borders 32nd Street Elementary School. School officials asked the L.A.P.D. to remove the campers, invoking a newly-enacted law which prohibits loitering on or near school grounds. Officers asked the fans to leave Tuesday morning, at which time Academy security officials issued approximately 50 numbered vouchers.

Every year, fans begin camping out up to a week in advance to score one of the coveted public bleacher seats in the Oscar red carpet area. Bleacher seats allow Oscar fans to watch the arrival of nominees, presenters and other guests at the Academy Awards Presentation.

Members of the public without vouchers may also get in line Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Approximately 600 spaces are available in the bleachers.

The Academy anticipates allowing the public to begin entering the bleachers at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 26, the day of the show. That time is subject to change because of inclement weather or production-related activities.