BY RACHEL JONES STAFF WRITER.

At the preshow on the red carpet of the Kodak Theatre, seat-fillers and security guards, publicists and personal assistants mixed with the biggest stars in Hollywood Sunday afternoon.

Some lesser-known celebrities and behind-the-camera nominees arrived in the early entrance hours, garnering a small smattering of applause from fans who watched in the bleachers. About an hour before the ceremony, though, the red carpet was jam-packed.

Young actors, such as Ivana Baquero of "Pan's Labyrinth," crossed paths with older stars such as Peter O'Toole and Martin Scorsese. Politicians, including former Vice President Al Gore and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, were thrown together with well-known personalities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicole Kidman.

Star chef Wolfgang Puck, who was in charge of the Governors Ball after-party menu, received loud cheers, and he became even more popular after he started throwing out gold-wrapped chocolates in the shape of Oscar statues.

The Awards' 2007 host, Ellen DeGeneres, didn't make an appearance, but her girlfriend, actress Portia de Rossi, glided past the crowds early on.

"Little Miss Sunshine" writer Michael Arndt was one of the first nominees to enter, but he was unable to answer questions because he had lost his voice.

His date, who was his mother, tried to answer questions the best she could.

Penelope Cruz also had a sore throat later on in the afternoon, but she managed to keep a big smile.

Walking with fiance Peter Sarsgaard, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal paused for a moment before greeting photographers, intent on perfecting her lip color.

After checking it in a compact, she had an assistant do some repainting.

Emily Blunt of "The Devil Wears Prada" answered questions alongside crooner Michael Buble after the two ran into each other. After a few minutes at the mic, Blunt's "Devil" co-star Anne Hathaway came running over for a hug, exclaiming, "You look so hot!" Hathaway later chatted with "Little Miss Sunshine" star Steve Carell while she was waiting to get in front of the press.

Not far behind was Will Smith, who screamed his excitement to the crowds -- "I'm so hyped!" he cried -- while trying to keep up with his swift-moving, yellow-clad wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and son Jaden, who co-starred with him in "The Pursuit of Happyness."

Ryan Gosling, nominated for best actor in "Half Nelson," also made the night a family affair -- he brought his mother and sister to the red carpet instead of girlfriend Rachel McAdams.

Once the clock started creeping toward 5:30, the straggler stars began to rush inside the Kodak to their seats, ready for the real show to begin.

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5 photos

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(1 -- cover -- color) Oscar dish

From the red carpet to back stage, everything you want to know about Hollywood's big night

(2 -- color) Ryan Gosling, best actor nominee for "Half Nelson," walks the red carpet with his mother and sister.

(3 -- color) Best actor nominee Wlll Smith, wife Jada Pinkett-Smith and their Rubik's Cube-playing son, Jaden, who co-starred with his dad in "The Pursuit of Happyness," on the red carpet.

(4 -- color) Wolfgang Puck, left, coordinator of the post-Oscars Governors Ball, arrives at the festivities Monday night.

(5 -- color) Maggie Gyllenhaal, with fiance Peter Sarsgaard, arrives at Kodak Theatre for the Oscar ceremonies.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer

John McCoy/Staff Photographer