Oscars 2012 nominees get a taste of the awards - in pictures

Audi, stranger! Kenneth Branagh, nominated for best supporting actor for My Week with Marilyn , strides towards the Beverley Hills Hilton Photograph: Marais/Sipa/Rex Features Photograph: MARAIS/SIPA / Rex Features Aaron Sorkin – whose screenplay for Moneyball is up for a gong – salivates Photograph: Marais/Sipa/Rex Features Photograph: MARAIS/SIPA / Rex Features Jean Dujardin looks dangerously famished Photograph: Marais/Sipa/Rex Features Photograph: MARAIS/SIPA / Rex Features Brad Pitt signs autographs. Over his shoulder, a calligraphy tutor monitors his penmanship Photograph: Marais/Sipa/Rex Features Photograph: MARAIS/SIPA / Rex Features Michelle Williams's minder checks for off-message doodles Photograph: Marais/Sipa/Rex Features Photograph: MARAIS/SIPA / Rex Features Scor-se-se … Marty makes his mark Photograph: Marais/Sipa/Rex Features Photograph: MARAIS/SIPA / Rex Features Melissa McCarthy likes writing Photograph: Marais/Sipa/Rex Features Photograph: MARAIS/SIPA / Rex Features George Clooney is unfazed Photograph: Marais/Sipa/Rex Features Photograph: MARAIS/SIPA / Rex Features Requests pile in for Glenn Close Photograph: Marais/Sipa/Rex Features Photograph: MARAIS/SIPA / Rex Features The photos have been signed, the salmon swallowed. The best actor nominees retire for port Photograph: Reuters Photograph: HANDOUT/REUTERS