Official OSCARS APP Now Available for Free

Oscar season kicks off today with the launch of the official Oscars App. For the first time, the App is available for free on most Android 4.0 devices in Google Play, including Samsung's Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note 10.1 and GSIII, as well as the new Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD in the Amazon appstore for Android. The Oscars App continues to be available on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch in the App Store. The Oscars will air on Oscar Sunday, February 24, live on the ABC Television Network.

Developed by the Academy and Disney/ABC Television Group's Digital Media Team, the Oscars App provides unparalleled access to The Oscars before, during and after the show. Beginning today, fans can go behind the scenes with The Oscars show host Seth MacFarlane on nominations morning, find out more about the nominees, and start filling out their My Picks interactive ballot. Friends can view and share the ballot on Facebook, which will update in real time the night of the event, ensuring that the most competitive Oscars handicappers are instantly aware of their ranking among friends.

In the weeks leading up to the show, the app will feature original video with insider perspectives and behind-the-scenes news on all things Oscar - the nominees, the show itself, and of course, fashion.

On Oscar Sunday, Oscar.com will launch Backstage Pass, giving fans unprecedented access to the show. Sponsored by Samsung, Backstage Pass is designed to be the ultimate complement to the live telecast, giving fans premier access to the most memorable moments of the night through over a dozen exclusive live cameras strategically placed on the Red Carpet and throughout the Dolby Theatre. Special cameras include the Thank You Cam -- offering winners an extended opportunity to thank their supporters; Backstage Cam -- capturing sound bites, backstage action, short interviews and behind-the-scenes footage; Control Room Cam - allowing users to watch the show's director in action; and Press Room Cam - featuring moments of winners interacting with the world's media moments after leaving the stage. It will also feature real-time highlights from the show itself, which promises many surprises for Hollywood's biggest night.

On February 25, fans can relive and share all their favorite water cooler moments, from the winners, to the must see fashion and every unexpected, magical moment.

"Our goal is to create a really full, immersive experience leading up to, during and after the Oscars," said Karin Gilford, SVP of Digital Media for ABC Television Network. "Last year we saw a huge increase in the number of people using the app. With its availability now on the Android platform, we look forward to bringing even more people into the Oscar experience. We want this to be the next best thing to attending the show itself."

"We're always looking for ways to bring fans closer to the show, and this app provides a unique and fun way to do that," said Josh Spector, Managing Director of Digital Media and Marketing for the Academy. "More fans than ever will be able to enjoy the full Oscar experience now that our app is available to Droid users."

Key features of the app include:

Magazine-style format featuring photos, videos and the latest social media buzz.

Viewers can watch the live Backstage Pass experience in two different modes, Watch or Direct. In Watch mode, viewers will be guided through the live behind-the-scenes show. In the Direct mode, viewers can select the cameras they want to experience.

Live video grid allows viewers the ability to watch all available cameras simultaneously or zero in on one.

Once in a camera view, a ticker will display over the video updating viewers to what is happening on other cameras. Fans will be aware when their favorite actor enters another view, allowing them the opportunity to navigate between cameras.

The 85th Academy Awards will be presented live on Oscar Sunday, February 24, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood and Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network.