Globes parties axed, as fears grow for Oscars

First the Golden Globes awards ceremony was cancelled, now it looks like the glitzy after-parties - where studio execs and broadcasters show off their haul of statuettes - are set to be scrapped, too, because of the writers' strike. Both HBO and Warner Bros/In Style have announced they are cancelling their parties, at which they were hoping to see guests such as George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington before the decision was taken to downscale the GG event to a simple press conference.

Warners issued a statement saying: "We respect and support the Hollywood Foreign Press Association [the body behind the Golden Globes] and NBC for making a decision that will recognise the hard work and accomplishments of the creative community." Sources told the Los Angeles Times that other high-profile parties are expected to follow suit.

Meanwhile the cancellation of the Globes puts a massive question mark over the Oscars which are due to be held on February 24. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is still hoping the Writers Guild will allow the organisers special dispensation and agree not to picket the event. Very few Hollywood actors would agree to cross a picket line, even for an Oscar.