Oscars 2012 Apps: Top Live Extras, Streams for iPad, iPhone & Android Devices

As the countdown to the 2012 Oscars continues, apps have been flooding out on iOS and Android devices for live streams, backstage access and exclusive interviews that won't be shown on television.

The Oscars App is the official app of the 84th Academy Awards. Last year the app won an Emmy award for its clean live-stream and interactive features, but this year the app has been taken to a new level, acting as a second screen experience for the ceremony.

Not only will the app provide a live telecast of the event, but it will have unparalleled exclusive back stage access, interviews and live updates-- from the red carpet to the Governors Ball after party.

The app developed by Disney/ABC television group is free and can be downloaded directly from the Apple iTunes app story. It is currently tracking the Oscar countdown, with integrated Twitter updates and exclusive videos from the 2011 ceremony.

Our team really listened to what fans had to say last year, and made a huge effort to build on the things that worked to make them even better, said Karin Gilford, senior vice president of Digital Media for ABC.com.

Four Cameras

The app will feature views from four different cameras throughout the ceremony. The Thank you Cam is for the winners to give their additional back stage thank you to their colleagues, friends and fans. The Backstage Cam, captures all the best of back stage action and behind-the-scenes footage. The Control Room Cam, shows the director of the awards in action. The Press Room Cam, shows the stars when they leave the stage.

Top Apps

The Backstage Pass app provides another window into behind-the-scenes action of the ceremony. The app allows you onto the red carpet and back stage to meet the stars and zoom into what they wearing.

The Movie Challenge app is for trivia lovers who want to make a game out of the ceremony. With over 2000 original questions, the app allows you to test your knowledge of Hollywood's most celebrated night.

And the Oscar goes to... app, allows you to ballot and predict the winners before they are announced at the show.

Oscar my picks, is similar, allowing users to guess the winner, but it also gives you a score as the winners are announced, which is published on Facebook.

Live from the Red Carpet, is an Android app that offers a live feed from the red carpet with descriptions of what the artists are wearing.

We love the level of interaction this app provides our fans, said Christina Kounelias, chief marketing officer, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It pulls back the curtain and takes viewers on a backstage experience that is fun and engaging. It allows fans access and vantage points that guests in the theater don't have.

The Oscar's will take place on Sunday at the Hollywood Kodak Theater and will be televised live on the ABC network.