2008 Oscar arrivals

Johnny Depp and director Julian Schnabel greet each other before the ceremony.  (Bryan Chan / Los Angeles Times)

Amy Adams took a chance with wavy hair that easily could have wilted in the bad weather.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

George Clooney and girlfriend Sarah Larson have a not-so-quiet night out.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

A crimson Anne Hathaway blows kisses on the red carpet.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Hillary Swank arrives in shoulder-baring Atelier Versace.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Julie Christie accessorized her maroon ruched dress with an orange ribbon to show her support for the campaign to close the prison camp in Guantanamo Bay.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Cate Blanchett let her bulging, pregnant belly show in a jewel-toned, empire-waisted gown.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Faye Dunaway and Tilda Swinton give each other a warm greeting.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Supermodel Heidi Klum was the first to arrive and had the red carpet to herself. She clearly needed the room considering her voluminous dress, which will be auctioned off to raise awareness about women and heart disease.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Viggo Mortensen balances a rugged beard with a dainty boutonniere.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Fashion aside, Laura Linney says come Oscar time it’s all about choosing who to bring: “You need someone to watch your train to keep from stepping on your gown. You need someone watching to keep your jewelry from going askew. You need someone to get you through [the] press line. It’s like a NASCAR pit crew. I am just the car.”  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Cameron Diaz and Diddy share a laugh on the red carpet.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Helen Mirren, left, Marlee Matlin, center, and Jessica Alba, right, display sweepingly elegant profiles.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Nicole Kidman, in matching black with husband Keith Urban, wore a necklace of nearly 1,400 carats of rough diamonds designed by L’Wren Scott.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Lead actor nominee Johnny Depp looks comfortable and confident as he walks down the red carpet with Vanessa Paradis. But, of course, he’s been here before.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“Juno” screenwriter Diablo Cody hits the red carpet.  (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)

“Juno’s’” Jason Bateman and his wife, actress Amanda Anka, stroll the red carpet.  (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)

Heidi Klum will be auctioning her dress for charity when the Oscars is over.  (Amy Sancetta / Associated Press)