MOVIES are still one of the top pastimes although you can now watch them on several formats in several pieces of technology. And star watching seems to be gaining in popularity there is an insatiable appetite and no need to worry about calories.

With The Academy Awards and other sister events creeping into our calendars, a look at what the Internet has to serve up seemed a timely search. Here are some interesting titles you might want to view.

You will find a site as dressed up as the stars at http://www.oscar.com definitely a black tie site. The design is as grandiose as the event itself black with silver and gold! They offer, starting from February 11, a predict-the-winner competition, which is worth a try.

Of course, if you want a sneak preview, visit the Critics' Choice Awards site at www.bfca.org/criticschoiceawards.asp They have already awarded Chicago, Gangs of New York and Lord of The Rings actors for prizes. There was a tie for best actor, but I'll let you check it out for yourself.

Of course, you have to visit http://www.bafta.org to see what's happening on home turf.

The nominees were announced on January 27 and the awards event is due to be hosted by Stephen Fry is on February 23. My browsers weren't up to par for the site. You may find you need a new version of Netscape.

If you want a more down to earth look at the big, bad world of film awards, visit Cinematic Happenings Under Development - http://CHUD.com It offers its own cinematic prize The Saturn Awards. But it is the site noir' of award sites. Started by one man, who in his own words was trying to figure a way to put my useless film knowledge and extensive trips to the theater to good use', this site is the film junkies' heaven. With reviews, interviews, news, chances to win prizes, forums and chat groups, CHUD looks at the industry from many far-flung reaches. It offers a refreshing and original look at a field that has been overtaken by star syndrome.

At http://www.thefilmexperience.net you can get a tongue-in-cheek look at the worst dressed' films of the year. If you are obsessed and must experience film reviewing from all angles, or are fed up with all the hype, this site might be just what you need.

Foul language warning.

One thing all the sites had in common was a black background, with site graphics fading in. While they may not agree on who should win, they do seem to agree on one thing in the design category.

One film certain to be nominated is Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. This is a special effects dream come true for film buffs.

At the site http://www.cinefex.com you can peruse outstanding tech film profiles as far back as 1980. They give you a look at what special effects films are coming up, in-depth interviews with the artists behind the scenes and lots of links. It could inspire one to go techie' or at least have some interesting conversation for the next film club outing.

To find out what is happening in the North West, visit http://www.arts.org.uk for the umbrella site for 10 regional arts organisations.

The North West Arts link takes you to an informative section giving you details on the film funding changes and key links.

Site of the week: A must-see for all is local film producer Juliet McKoen's Shoreline Productions site at http://www.shorelinefilms.co.uk About to embark on her first feature length film, this site gives an exciting close-up of what's happening on our own doorsteps. Film buffs may want to check out http://www.filmclubattheroxy.org for a schedule of independent and world film showings.

February 6, 2003 11:00