Troubled pop star Britney Spears has been ‘banned’ from all the Oscar parties this weekend.

Hollywood’s head honchos are said to have issued the order to make sure the media circus that constantly surrounds Spears does not detract attention from the respected annual event in Los Angeles.

A ‘party source’ tells The Mirror, "While Brit is certainly a name in Hollywood - it's for all the wrong reasons. She's a car crash waiting to happen and organisers don't want to take the risk of her showing up and creating a scene.

"Her presence at any party would instantly generate lots of publicity but while it's tempting to send out an invite, it's a hassle that they don't really want."

The 80th Academy Awards take place this Sunday.