Pumpkins Go Hollywood at Center Moriches Vet

Forget the Oscars. The hottest competition in Center Moriches this Halloween is taking place at the local veterinarian’s office, where the pumpkins are dressed for the red carpet and the clients are the judges.

For the fourth consecutive year, the staff at Center Moriches Veterinarian Hospital on Main Street has put its creativity to the test with a jack-o’-lantern decorating contest, turning ordinary pumpkins into works of art.

This year's theme is movies, and the lineup has something for just about everyone, from the spooky romance of "Corpse Bride" and the haunting charm of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" to the lovable robot from "WALL-E."

And because no trip to the movies is complete without a snack, there's even a pumpkin paying tribute to that buttery theater favorite, popcorn.

The hospital's clients get to play movie critics, casting their votes for their favorite creation and deciding which pumpkin deserves top billing.

It's a lighthearted Halloween tradition that gives the staff a chance to show off talents that have nothing to do with thermometers, stethoscopes or telling a nervous dog he's a good boy.

After four years, the annual competition has become a fun way to celebrate the season while giving pet owners something to smile about during their visits.

And while there's no word on whether the winning pumpkin gets a golden statuette, one thing is certain: At this veterinary hospital, Halloween has definitely gone to the dogs — and cats.

But for once, the pumpkins are stealing the show.