Oscars 2012: the road to the parties - in pictures

Billy Crystal pauses for a picture showing nine fingers for the number of times he's hosted the show Photograph: Chris Carlson/AP

Wim Wenders has never hosted – this is just an impression of Max Von Sydow in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Photograph: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

George Clooney moves to shake hands with fans – but, you'll notice, doesn't actually make contact Photograph: Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Tony Bennett and a guest arrive for the ceremony. Later, Tony will sing Photograph: Michael Buckner/Getty Images

On the other side of the street, Elton John attends the 20th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy awards viewing party Photograph: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for EJAF

As do David Furnish and Whoopi Goldberg Photograph: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

The ceremony is underway: Octavia Spencer accepts the best supporting actress award Photograph: Mark Davis/WireImage

Backstage, Bret McKenzie is unceremoniously handed his Oscar for best original song for 'Man or Muppet' Photograph: Chris Pizzello/AP

Penelope Cruz and Owen Wilson walk offstage after presenting an award Photograph: Chris Carlson/AP

Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Uggie watch proceedings from the wings Photograph: Chris Carlson/AP

Later, Uggie will be embraced Photograph: Chris Carlson/AP

And fed Photograph: Chris Carlson/AP

More clinches: The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius kisses his wife, and star, Berenice Bejo Photograph: Joel Ryan/AP

No snogs, but big smiles … best actress Meryl Streep and best actor Jean Dujardin pose with their awards Photograph: Joel Ryan/AP

Max von Sydow and Catherine Brelet hold on tight Photograph: Chris Pizzello/AP

Off to the (Vanity Fair) party now. Chevy Chase cleans his glasses as Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley relax in front of a huge bush Photograph: DANNY MOLOSHOK/REUTERS

Gary Oldman and Alexandra Edenborough head out into the night Photograph: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Different couple, same shrubbery: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arrive Photograph: DANNY MOLOSHOK/REUTERS

Here's Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann Photograph: John Shearer/WireImage

David and Victoria Beckham pitch up too. Victoria knows how to personalise her backdrop Photograph: John Shearer/WireImage