HOLLYWOOD has always been a generous benefactor of Democratic politics but since the Republicans seized upon the celebrity status of Barack Obama to attack him, the real stars are being kept a little at arm's length this year.

The big names who will be in town to watch Senator Obama accept his party's presidential nomination on Thursday are being kept under wraps. Oprah Winfrey will be there - after all the daytime TV diva helped catapult Senator Obama to a primary win in South Carolina and a respectable loss in New Hampshire after she hosted big rallies for him.

Hollywood producers Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg are said to be attending and there is a rumour that Bruce Springsteen will perform at Senator Obama's acceptance speech before 75,000 people on Thursday.

Other celebrities who have openly associated themselves with the Obama campaign have been channelled into events outside the main venue.

At the Starz Green Room in the Tivoli theatre across the road, several stars will take part in political gabfests. Those participating include actors Daryl Hannah, Rosario Dawson, Charlize Theron, Viggo Mortensen and Josh Brolin, documentary-maker Morgan Spurlock and the hip-hop artist, Will.i.am.

Rapper Kanye West will perform at a get-out-the-vote concert and Ben Affleck is appearing at one of the hottest tickets - a poker night - which is being funded by the Poker Players Alliance in conjunction with a veterans' organisation.

The Obama camp is busy promoting that his acceptance speech will be accessible to his "ordinary" supporters, but the major donors will be accommodated in corporate boxes complete with catering at the Invesco field.

They are staying at the Ritz-Carlton, with its 400-thread-count linens, indoor basketball court and lap pool. They will be treated to an array of cocktail parties, including a reception with Senator Obama after his speech.