Oscars 2016: Get a glimpse of all behind-the-scenes magic

Hollywood hits the Oscars red carpet Sunday for its annual show of glitz and pageantry honoring cinema's finest -- with a broiling row over diversity an awkward guest at the party.

LIVE Oscars 2016: Follow all the action

Tinseltown's elite are looking forward to the usual sparkling night of celebration, with survival epic 'The Revenant' leading the charge for golden statuettes and a panoply of rivals snapping at its heels.

But controversy over the "whitewashing" of nominations -- there are no ethnic minority nominees in the acting categories for the second year running -- threatens to steal the limelight.

An audience expected to number several hundred million around the world will be hanging on every word uttered by black comedian and actor Chris Rock, who is hosting despite calls for him to join a boycott.

Insiders say the 51-year-old has completely rewritten his opening monologue in the wake of the scandal, which could prove embarrassing for the Academy's 6,000-plus voting members, overwhelmingly white men.

The funnyman appeared in relaxed mood hours before the ceremony. He posted a picture and wrote, "Cutting the fat off my monologue #oscars"

Chris Rock

Earlier in the day, he posted a picture of Oscars note paper bearing the phrase 'Get ready' and, soon after, a video of him ordering breakfast at a McDonald's drive-thru.

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra was a sight to behold at the red carpet. For her first stint at the world's most coveted awards ceremony, she picked up a white outfit by Zuhair Murad. She rounded off the look with diamond rings and teardrop earrings.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra

Hours before walking down the red carpet, Sam Smith posted a picture with his writing partner Jimmy Napes. The singer-songwriter is nominated for his James Bond threme 'Writing's on the Wall' from the latest installment, Spectre.

Sam Smith strikes a pose with Jimmy Napes

Reese Witherspoon decided to break down her routine in three easy steps. Add burgers, flowers and makeup and you get 'Oscars #Prep'.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon

Sofia Vergara, the star of television's 'Modern Family' and an Oscars presenter, stunned in a sweetheart-neckline navy blue Marchesa gown that showcased her oft-talked-about curves.

Sofia Vergara

Sylvester Stallone, a sentimental favorite to take home the best supporting actor prize for bringing iconic boxer Rocky Balboa back to the big screen in 'Creed', looked slick in a blue dinner jacket with black and blue lapels, and a black shirt and bowtie. "It's been a most memorable year," he wrote on Instagram.

Sylvester Stallone with wife Jennifer Flavin

Here's what other stars have been up to.

Tom Hardy

Jacob Tremblay with his family.

Lady Gaga

Pharrell Williams

Daisy Ridley

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne with wife Hannah

Mark Ruffalo with wife Sunrise

Jason Sudeikis strikes a conversation with Olivia Wilde