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Oscar Statuettes Draw Film Buffs to Grand Central for Academy Award Exhibit

By Tuan Nguyen | February 22, 2012 5:46pm

MANHATTAN — Oscar himself took a tour of Grand Central Terminal Wednesday in advance of this Sunday's Academy Awards.

New Yorkers had the chance to see the inimitable statuettes live at the landmark transporation hub's Vanderbilt Hall, with 2011 Best Supporting Actress Melissa Leo on Hand to present the prized awards.

The “Meet the Oscar" exhibit drew dozens of fans who posed with the authentic stauettes, to be presented to this year's Best Actor and Best Actress. 

The Oscars will be flown back to Los Angeles Friday for the ceremony, with the exhibit on display through Sunday. Fans also got the chance to peek at Michael Douglas' Best Actor award for the 1987 hit "Wall Sreet" at the exhibit.

“New York seems to be the perfect settings for this event,” said Patrick Harrison, East Coast director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit Wednesday morning.

“We have such a vibrant New York film community here.”

The New York-born Leo called the experience a "very exciting thing, whether it’s yours or not."

The exhibition also featured a display of Oscars, manufactured by Chicago-based R.S. Owens & Company, in various stages of completion.

Rebecca Fisher, from Detroit, though the “The Artist” would win for Best Picture and George Clooney for Best Actor.

“George Clooney was phenomenal and I feel he deserves it the most,” said Fisher, 20, of the actor’s performance in “The Descendants," which is also nominated for Best Picture.

“I’m so excited about the Oscars. I can’t wait to watch it and see who’s gonna win,” added Susan Kulsun, 47, a babysitter from Queens.

“I hope my favorites win.”