Oscars: WGA not ready to smile and waive

Besieged with press inquiries about whether the Writers Guild of America will block the Feb. 24 Oscars telecast, WGA spokesman Gregg Mitchell announced late Wednesday that the union has yet to grant the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences an interim agreement so the kudocast could air without the threat of picketing. Pressed about the statement, Mitchell said the union could still make a deal later with AMPAS. Such a deal would keep the placard-waiving writers away, allowing stars to attend the ceremony without crossing a picket line. ABC, which broadcasts the Oscars, continues to insist the show will go on.