by Jill Serjeant
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Stargazers will need an ID badge at this year's Oscar red carpet.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced Monday that fans will have to apply in advance for seats on the bleachers, ending the time-honored tradition of camping out on the sidewalk for a front seat at the glitziest show in town.
The new application form system, which will include background checks and a photo ID badge, for 400 bleachers seats was prompted both by security concerns in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks and the move to a new venue in the heart of Hollywood for the Oscar awards show.
"Certainly heightened awareness of security is part of everybody's everyday routine. But even without Sept. 11, our move to a new facility, in a much denser environment, would have inclined us to handle this differently," said Academy spokeswoman Leslie Unger.
The new purpose built Kodak Theater on busy Hollywood Boulevard, part of a $615 million entertainment and retail face-lift for the area, hosts the March 24 Oscar awards ceremony for the first time.
In the past, fans have camped out all night on sidewalks for a bleachers seat at the Oscars on a first come, first served basis. But the venues for previous awards ceremonies were in quieter, lightly populated areas of Los Angeles.
In addition, the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington have forced organizers to adopt more stringent security at high-profile events ranging from Sunday's Super Bowl to the Winter Olympics, which start on Friday in Salt Lake City.
Academy officials hope the new ticket-only policy will address both security and retail concerns without shutting fans out of a chance to see their favorite movie stars as they take the long red carpet walk from limo to theater lobby.
"It has always been our intention throughout the years of planning to have grandstands for the fans. We think they are a tremendous asset. They bring a level of energy and excitement that is very important," said Unger.
"I think it is part of the excitement for the stars as well. To step out of your car and onto the red carpet, and to hear people cheering your name, I think is perhaps a wonderful experience," she said.
Applications for bleacher seats will be available beginning Feb 6 through March 1 either via the Academy's Web site (http://www.oscars.org) or by calling 310-247-3000 ext. 140.
Based on previous turnout, the Academy expects demand to exceed supply.
© 2002 Reuters/Variety REUTERS