HOLLYWOOD - Excitement was rippling through Hollywood here Sunday as the first wave of Oscars guests began to arrive on the red carpet for the 82nd Academy Awards.

Australian actor Sam Worthington - the star of science-fiction blockbuster "Avatar" - was among the early arrivals as the parade of A-listers got under way at the Kodak Theater.

A torrential downpour greeted guests, who were shielded from the rain by a protective canopy.

Worthington meanwhile admitted that the glitz and glamour of the Oscars was a far cry from the early stages of his career.

"I was living in a car," he joked, saying he was hoping attendance at the Oscars would boost his career prospects.

"I just need another job," Worthington told E! television. "This is all part of it. You put your monkey suit on and try and get another job."

Meanwhile "Up In the Air" star Anna Kendrick, nominated for best supporting actress, revealed she had suffered a last minute wardrobe crisis before finally settling on her pink gown. "I never thought I would wear pink," Kendrick said.

"It was just the right dress."

Another best supporting actress nominee, comedienne Mo'Nique, said she felt privileged to be part of the awards hoopla.

"I'm honored, I'm appreciative," said Mo'Nique, who plays an abusive parent in the harrowing drama "Precious."

"I'm honored for the whole process for what this fantasy land is. It's changed my life inwardly."

The Oscars ceremony gets under way shortly after 5:00 pm (0100 GMT).