Neeson will be centre stage as he gets the call to present an Oscar

The American Theatre Wing's 2012 Annual Gala...NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Actor Liam Neeson attends The American Theatre Wing's 2012 Annual Gala at The Plaza Hotel on September 24, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)...E

Kirsty Blake Knox

LIAM Neeson is guaranteed a space on the stage on Oscar night – but he won't be taking home any awards.

The Taken star has received a late call-up to present an Academy Award.

Neeson was nominated for an Oscar in 1993 for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's acclaimed Schindler's List.

And now it has been confirmed that he will be back at the centre of Hollywood's biggest night, albeit only for a few minutes.

He was added to the line-up along with sultry Salma Hayek, comedienne and star of Bridesmaids Melissa McCarthy and scientologist John Travolta.

A strong Irish contingent will be present in Tinseltown.

Daniel Day-Lewis is tipped to bag the Best Actor for his portrayal of Lincoln in Spielberg's historical biopic.

Film graduate Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly (26) is up for the Short Film and Feature Animation gong.

And cinematographer Seamus McGarvey has received a nomination for his work on period drama Anna Karenina.

It is the second Oscar nomination for McGarvey, who previously received one for Atonement.

Colin Farrell isn't up for an Oscar, but he is being recognised for his contribution to the film industry at the Oscar Wilde pre-party this week. The party celebrates Ireland's contribution to the US film industry.

The party is held in JJ Abrams production house Bad Robot and will be chock-a-block with stars and movie execs.

Ceremony

Irish indie duo Heathers, singer song writer Declan O'Rourke and acoustic babe Julie Feeney will all be performing at the party and hope to catch the eyes of LA's top talent scouts.

Heathers headed over to LA last week and said they were looking forward to "eating their own body weight in Reese's pieces".

Irish designer Laura-Jayne Halton will also be attending the Oscar Wilde shindig. And young director Fodhla will be wearing one of Halton's bespoke dresses to the Oscar ceremony on Sunday night.

TV3's Aisling O'Loughlin will be at the party to chat with Colin and work the room. The glam mum has got her teeth whitened to perfect her Hollywood A-list smile.

Liam Neeson will be joined on the big night by Meryl Streep, Ben Affleck, Jessica Chastain and the cast of 2012 smash hit The Avengers.

And the music on the night is going to be pretty stellar, with Adele, Shirley Bassey and Norah Jones all belting out ballads.

hnews@herald.ie