Ellen DeGeneres is to present this year's ceremony

Academy chairman Bryce Zabel said: "We are ready to go, we are good to go."

The White House and the TV industry have supported the decision to go ahead but the high-profile nature of the event requires vigilance.

"We are in high alert. We live in an uncertain time and have taken all measures to make sure everyone is safe and secure," said Zabel.

Every car heading towards the Shubert Theatre - a more intimate venue than the usual Shrine Auditorium - is to searched.

Star magnet: Aniston and Pitt were guests last year

Mafia drama The Sopranos heads the list of nominees for the 53rd Primetime Emmy awards with 22 nominations, including nods for American TV's top award, best drama.

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres will host the show, which was first postponed in the wake of the 11 September attacks on the US.

A second ceremony, rescheduled for 7 October, was cancelled hours before it was due to start when US air strikes on Afghanistan began on the same day.

Zabel said there is no chance of the event being postponed for a third time.

"This has gone on long enough. It is the right thing to do - to go ahead," he said.

Last year, political drama The West Wing swept the board with nine awards and this year has 18 nominations.