STARS RUSH IN A SUBDUED SCENE AT OSCAR'S DOOR CONTRASTS WITH THE SOUNDS OF PROTEST DOWN THE BLOCK.

Byline: Fred Shuster and Valerie Kuklenski Staff Writers

In light of the war in Iraq, the red carpet - cut back to something of a red door mat - was shortened at the 75th annual Academy Awards, where stars stopped for a handful of unusually quiet reporters and photographers but thousands of war protesters chanted just blocks away.

On the perimeter of the Kodak Theatre, security was tight, and down the block, movie fans and protesters rubbed shoulders.

Most celebrities were happy to stop by the very small press platform on the shortened carpet. At the academy's request, there was little discussion beyond the naming of designers and identification of guests.

Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins and their son passed by quickly, looking toward photographers to flash peace signs. Nicole Kidman, in a black chiffon strappy wrap-style gown and her blond hair in a snug updo, breezed by without talking.

In keeping with the 75th anniversary of the awards, vintage and vintage- inspired looks proved popular, and black and pink were the most popular hues. Kathy Bates wore a burgundy evening coat over a satin gown, Daniel Day-Lewis and Brendan Fraser were among the stars wearing dove pins, while writer-director Todd Haynes (``Far From Heaven''), writer David Hare (``The Hours'') and director Rob Marshall (``Chicago'') were among those wearing blue-green peace symbol pins.

The only overt public expression of war dissent among the guests came from Andy Serkis, Gollum in the ``Lord of the Rings'' films, who unfolded a sign reading ``No war for oil.''

Renee Zellweger dazzled in a deep red chiffon gown by Carolina Herrera, with a beaded sheer panel over a deep V-neckline and a plunging back. Double nominee Julianne Moore stood quietly while photographers snapped her in her emerald strapless gown with ruffled trim. Jennifer Lopez donned a borrowed mint-green beaded chiffon Valentino previously worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Amy Madigan, joining her husband, nominee Ed Harris, on the carpet, said to the press corps, ``You guys are subdued.'' Michael Moore (``Bowling for Columbine''), making a similar observation, was told by a reporter that they were forbidden to ask questions. ``This is America,'' he chided. ``You can talk if you want to.''

While the fan bleachers were tucked away, star gazers were allowed to gather across Hollywood Boulevard behind a mesh-draped fence. About 400 fans crowded into an area across the street from the theater hours before the show began in order to see arrivals.

``We stood against a fence for four hours, but all we saw were nobodies until about 4:30,'' said Katie Cooper, 24, of St. Louis. ``Security was very, very tight.''

Yet, Cooper and her family did catch glimpses of Denzel Washington, Julianne Moore and Salma Hayek as they arrived for the ceremony.

In the distance, the chants of war protesters were heard. About 3,000 demonstrators with signs covering everything from the war to mental health rights gathered on Orange Drive and Sunset Boulevard, several blocks south of the intersection of Highland Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, site of the worldwide telecast. Ringed by police on all sides, demonstrators heard California State Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg and singer Michelle Shocked rally the crowd with speeches, music and slogans.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Los Angeles police officers on motorcycles, bicycles, in patrol cars and on foot watched silently, keeping streets leading to the Kodak Theatre under tight control.

Protesters carried signs reading, ``This script sucks, time for a rewrite'' and ``Drop Bush, not bombs.'' One lone man had a different viewpoint: ``Movie scum repent! Judgment day is coming'' - and he apparently wasn't referring to the movie academy's selections.

At the corner of Highland and Hollywood, just across the street from the Kodak, another side made itself heard. ``All these movie stars crying, 'No blood for oil' - well, they drove up in giant limousines,'' said Los Angeles student Mary Gomez, 26.

Carrying a hand-penned sign reading, ``Hollywood hypocrites, limousine liberals,'' she urged a boycott of Hollywood's products because celebrities' anti-war sentiments ``have alienated their fans. All we can do is hit them in the pocketbook.''

CAPTION(S):

4 photos

Photo:

(1) Andy Serkis and his wife, Lorraine Ashbourne, make their views known as they enter the Oscars Sunday.

(2) Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon flash peace signs as they enter the Kodak Theatre with their son.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

(3) About 3,000 protesters of many stripes gathered a few blocks from the Kodak Theatre.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer

(4) LAPD officers inspect limousines making their way to the Academy Awards.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News