Kidman, Hanks to present Oscars

Nicole Kidman and Tom Hanks have been named among the stars who will hand out this year's Oscars.

The ceremony will also include musical performances by Amy Adams and Jon McLaughlin from the movie Enchanted.

TV comedian Jon Stewart is hosting this year's awards. It is the second time he has fronted the event.

Other actors who will be handing out gongs include Forest Whitaker, Dame Helen Mirren, James McAvoy, George Clooney and Cate Blanchett.

There had been fears that the awards show would have to copy the Golden Globes' lead and downsize its ceremony due to the WGA strike.

However, the show's producer Gil Cates claimed that the awards would run as normal despite the delays.

He said: "We are behind in the writing, but we'll catch up. It'll be there. You'll hear words. I promise."

The Oscars take place on February 24.