LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) began accepting online entries from fans around the world who are interested in grabbing a bleacher seat in close contact with Oscar nominees, presenters and other ceremony guests on the Oscar night, the academy announced Monday.
Under a program known as Oscar Fan Experience, those who hope to enjoy the thrills of watching and cheering the stars can enter into a random drawing from 2 p.m. ET, as the Academy will set aside 700 seats along the 500-foot-long (153 meter) red carpet leading into the Dolby Theater at the Hollywood & Hightland Center. The application process will end on Nov. 1.
The academy will notify those whose names were selected in November. They are then required to submit additional information for security purposes. Final approval will be made in early January when the Academy will inform the eligible attendees in confirmation.
The winners will provide their own transportation to and accommodation at Hollywood.
In addition to seats, the pre-approved fans will be invited to watch the telecast at a nearby theater and will receive a fan gift bag.
As many as 20,000 people have entered the drawing in past years during the Oscar night, according to the academy.
The 85th Academy Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC on Feb. 24.