DHAKA: The final countdown to the Oscars has begun, with space thriller ‘Gravity’ expected to scoop multiple awards at Sunday’s ceremony in Los Angeles.

The 3D film is likely to dominate the technical categories, with Alfonso Cuaron tipped for best director.

But Oscar watchers have predicted British director Steve McQueen’s ‘12 Years a Slave’ to win best picture.

The 86th Academy Awards, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, take place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.

Outside the venue, a section of Hollywood Boulevard has been sealed off and the red carpet is covered over to protect it from an unusual spell of wet weather.

The final round of voting by the Academy’s 6,028 members ended on Tuesday.

Many of the nominees have been attending a flurry of pre-Oscar events and screenings in and around Los Angeles.

In what is considered to be the strongest field for many years there are nine contenders for best picture.

‘Gravity’ and David O Russell’s crime caper ‘American Hustle’ lead with 10 nominations each. ‘12 Years a Slave’ has nine, reports the BBC.

BDST: 1450 HRS, MAR 02, 2014