ABC, the network due to screen the Oscars on March 23, has already issued a statement saying: "If there are world events that warrant coverage on the night of the Academy Awards, ABC news will bring them to the American audience with the full support of the Academy."
At present, the Academy Awards ceremony is set to go ahead but, with pundits saying that war could start as early as this evening, it is in doubt.
After the Super Bowl, held every January, the Oscars is the next biggest television event, with the price for a 30-second spot during the event valued at between $1.3m (£830,000) and $1.45m.
As with the Super Bowl, many advertisers go to extra efforts to create something special for the night. However, there are fears that if war is declared, humorous ads will seem in poor taste.
This is in line with the study published today by J Walter Thompson, which revealed that advertisers need to change their marketing strategies to help US consumers feel less anxious about the impending war with Iraq, which the study said could have a negative impact on consumer buying habits.
Advertisers who have booked spots during the ceremony include General Motors, which will promote Cadillac; Pepsi, which plans to debut a spot starring Beyonce Knowles; America Online, with a new ad starring Sharon Stone; Yahoo!, with a spot for its dating site; and American Express.
Another of the advertisers, the insurance company American International Group, is reported to have a clause in its advertising contract saying it can pull its commercial from the show if war breaks out. Such clauses are becoming increasingly commonplace.
The Oscars has already been affected by the war, with well-known stars such as Susan Sarandon and Martin Sheen reportedly vetoed as presenters because of their anti-war stance. Other stars who have spoken out against war include Edward Norton, Dustin Hoffman, George Clooney and Jessica Lange, and reports say that the orchestra for the ceremony has been ordered to play over anyone who begins a tirade against President George W Bush or the actions of the US against Saddam Hussein.
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .
.jpg)
.jpg)