Back-patting and arse-kissing season commences as the Palm Springs Film Festival launches the two month run-up to the Oscars... But who'd have thought that Mariah would be up there?

The Avatar might have put you off film altogether, but you're going to have to put in some proper cinema time if you want to have a clue what's going on during award season - plus you'll want to see some hard evidence now that it's being claimed Sandra Bullock and Mariah Carey are serious Oscars contenders...

Attempting to take the Charlize Theron route to the golden figurine, the latter told Newsweek all about how she ugged up for her role in Precious, saying:

"Did you not see the redness under my eyes, nose - and the mustache? That's the only thing I care about. I lost all the vanity stuff, but when people really started analyzing, they have to ask about the mustache. Why is it important? Oh, my goodness, it's hideous.

 

"That's not my no-makeup look - just FYI. Could you let readers know?...I don't think Nick [Cannon] would be here if that was my look." 

Hmmm, we imagine Nick's more concerned with removing the content of her purse than top lip.

Anyway, back to the Palm Springs Film Fest, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Mariah Carey, Marion Cotillard, Quentin Tarantino and Jason Reitman were all honored. Bored? Just wait for the speeches...