Julia throws Oscars tantrum

Hollywood star Julia Roberts threw a backstage tantrum just moments before she was due to present an Oscar.

The actress stunned organisers when she said she did not want to recite her presentation speech and would "rather just announce the nominees".

Fellow celebrities Meryl Streep and Colin Farrell - who were sharing a cigarette backstage -looked on in disbelief as Roberts threw the fit.

An insider said: "Julia suddenly decided she didn't want to stick to the script and was shouting the odds.

Oscars producer Gil Cates and scriptwriter Buz Kohan tried to reach a compromise with the star backstage.

"Gil was furious but she is a big star and is used to getting her own way. In the end, Buz made slight changes to the presentation speech.

"The ceremony is a hectic affair and everyone was annoyed at Julia for making things even more difficult."

After "slight changes", Roberts proceeded with the presentation as planned.

In the end, Roberts joked to the audience how cinematographers make her look beautiful on film sets at 8am.

In the days before the ceremony, Oscars organizers also fielded several calls from Barbara Streisand, who wanted changes made to her speech.

The insider added: "Gil and the crew were not exactly happy about the changes she demanded, but at least Barbara gave them some notice."

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