We're told California is expecting 48 hours of rain, as if the cancellation of all the hottest parties and the writers' strike haven't done enough to almost destroy the annual glamfest.

As always the media buzz is about British hopes, a bit like every Wimbledon tournament we get vaguely hopeful it's 'our turn'.  Well, perhaps the unusually British weather is an omen.  Best of luck to all the nominees claiming some element of British ancestory.  If you win we'll claim you as our own; lose and it'll be as though we've never heard of you.  But that's showbiz.