Academy Awards 2015 live

Reese Witherspoon is in charge

She was all smiles as she stopped to chat on the red carpet. What's all the awards hubbub really about for her?

"It's about creating strong women's roles in this wonderful industry, " she said, placing a hand affectionately on a reporter's shoulder.

Now that she's further along in her career, she says, things have changed for her as a female producer and actress.

"It's different because I feel more in control of my own destiny!"

Show time! #Oscars (dress @Tom_Ford ; jewels @TiffanyAndCo ; styling @LeslieFremar ; hair @hairbyadir ; glow @mrsbymrs )

— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon)

Kerry Washington's completed look

"Scandal" star and presenter Kerry Washington shares her full look.

Meanwhile, inside the Dolby...

Times staff writer Amy Kaufman is attending the ceremony and shares a sneak peek of the stage.

Probably it'll be 'Boyhood' or 'Birdman.' But you know, if 'American Sniper' helps vets to understand PTSD, if 'Selma' illuminates history, it's a win. It's about good movies and doing good things. These movies change lives.

Harvey Weinstein, when asked what he thought would win best picture

White dresses everywhere, too

Move over, classic black. On the Oscars red carpet, the white dress is turning out to be one of the evening's biggest trends.

We're not talking basic white gowns either, but showpieces elaborately embroidered with sparkling pearls, beads and flowers, putting new emphasis on couture-level embellishment.

Pearl and ivory beading cover Lupita Nyong'o's custom white Calvin Klein halter gown.

Faith Hill is wearing a beaded, ivory long-sleeved J Mendel gown and Julianne Moore a strapless crystalline Chanel creation, with unique floral embroidery at the top.

Marion Cotillard's dramatic, modern-looking off-white silk creation by Christian Dior couture has a sheer polka dot effect and a low back bustle.

(AFP/Getty Images)

Kerry Washington is also following the trend in a champagne bustier top with peplum bodice, and long chiffon skirt.

Jared Leto is en route

Last year's supporting actor winner Jared Leto is presenting - and getting in a selfie before showtime.

A photo posted by JARED LETO (@jaredleto) on

All the rage for men: White pocket squares

The standout menswear accessory of the red carpet appears to be a crisply folded white pocket square. A sliver of horizontal white fabric can be seen poking just perfectly from the breast pockets of Steve Carell, Michael Keaton, Robert Duvall and Terrence Howard.

— Getty Images VIP (@GettyVIP)

While the plethora of pocket squares could simply be a style flourish (it does a good job of adding a little - but not too much - flair to a standard-issue tux), as the skies over Hollywood opened up and the rain went from a trickle to a downpour, we're guessing more than a few of those pocket squares will end up being deployed for brow-mopping and - for those truly skilled in the gentlemanly arts - gently daubing the raindrops from one's date.

'Gone Girl' is here

Rosamund Pike, nominated for lead actress for "Gone Girl, " spent the morning feeding her babies, playing with them and working out. "You know, get the nervous energy out."

She also watched a documentary, she said, on the history of the Oscars.

"It's good to give things context. So that you don't feel like you're on your own little island!"

— Cindy Hively (@cindyhively)