Battle of the red carpet baby bumps

It is difficult enough to get a plus-one ticket to the most prestigious showbusiness awards ceremony of the year.

But three of Hollywood's biggest stars managed to sneak in an extra guest or two.

Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman were both carrying little stowaways at the biggest event on the movie calendar last night.
Looking swell: Best Actress nominee Cate Blanchett, who is expecting her third child in April, wore a brilliant aqua marine gown by Dres Van Noten to last night's event

Miss Blanchett won the baby bump stakes on the red carpet. The best actress nominee, who is expecting her third child in April, wore a brilliant aqua marine gown created for her by Dres Van Noten.

Miss Kidman, 40, who is almost four months pregnant with her first baby, also dazzled in her custom Balenciaga gown and Bottega Veneta clutch, and a glittering diamond necklace designed by L'Wren Scott.
Proud mother-to-be: Nicole Kidman dazzled on last night's Oscars red carpet in her custom Balenciaga gown and a 1,399-carat diamond necklace designed by L'Wren Scott

The sparkling necklace included a total of 7645 rough, faceted and polished diamonds totalling 1,399 carats.

A spokesman for designer L'Wren Scott yesterday confirmed that Nicole Kidman's stunning diamond necklace had been custom made for the actress but would not comment on how much the piece was worth.

However, an expert from Hatton Garden - London's jewellery quarter - said that the necklace would have a retail value of around £3million pounds.

Actress Jessica Alba, who is pregnant with her first child, wore a strapless empire line Markesa dress with Cartier jewellery.
So proud: Nicole's husband Keith Urban accompanied her to last night's event and kept a protective arm around her

Two nights earlier, Angelina Jolie had shown her bump for the first time on Friday evening at the Independent Spirit Awards.

She beamed as her partner Brad Pitt, 43, wrapped an arm around her waist. "I do not want people bumping into me so Brad is my protector," she joked.

The couple have yet to confirm the pregnancy, which will be her second, but speculation is rife that the 32-year-old is expecting twins. Judging by the size of her bump at this early stage, the rumours could be well founded.
Bumps ahead: Pregnant stars Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman both dazzled on the red carpet at last night's Oscars
Purple reign: blooming Jessica Alba wore a strapless Markesa dress with Cartier jewellery

Baby bumps weren't the only stunning accessories on the red carpet. Actress Rosamund Pike sparkled in diamond jewellery created by H Stern.

The star of screen and stage led the beauty stakes for Britain on the Oscar red carpet last night wearing a stunning canary yellow off the shoulder dress designed by Roland Lauret.

The London-based actress was with fiance the director Joe Wright who made the film Atonement which was up for seven academy awards including best picture.
Angelina Jolie with partner Brad Pitt: The actress's growing bump fuelled speculation she is expecting twins at a pre-Oscars event

Rosamund said that she and Joe started their morning with a French toast for breakfast and a three-hour drive to get the ceremony at the Kodak theatre in time because of heavy traffic.

Actor James McAvoy, leading man in Atonement, arrived at the ceremony with wife British actress Ann-Marie Duff wearing a blue gown created by Mosquino and matching saphire and diamond earrrings and ring.

The 28 year-old British actor said it was "incredible" to be at the Oscars.

He added: "What a great night for really intelligent film-making."

He said Americans found Atonement "depressing and humorous" while most Britons laughed less at the film.

Best actor winner Daniel Day-Lewis arrived with his wife Rebecca. Day-Lewis said he was feeling "like a British rail sandwich, a little curled up at the edges."

He added: "It's been a great ride but you do set yourself up for unknown surprises at the Oscars."