NEW YORK -- New York is lobbying to play host to a portion of Hollywood's biggest night of the year, the Oscars, as part of efforts to help the city recover from the events of September 11.

A coalition of New York-based film producers, politicians and entertainers, including Robert de Niro and Spike Lee, has been urging the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to consider giving the city a prime spot in the Oscar spotlight, AFP reported.

"We'd like to get the Oscars," Mayor Michael Bloomberg told reporters here Friday. "This is a place for big events. This is a showcase place, and I think we can make a good case."

The drive to make New York a co-host of the Oscars' 75th anniversary presentations in March is reportedly being led by Miramax films Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein.

Academy President Frank Pierson told the ***New York Times*** that he was interested in the proposal, but warned of numerous logistical obstacles.

"Moving the whole Oscar show to New York presents enormous problems," Pierson said, citing contractual obligations to the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, which hosted the event this year.

"Even splitting the show between the two cities would double the cost," Pierson said.

However, he added that the academy was willing to look for a compromise in order to recognize New York's historical contribution to the film industry.

Suggested venues in New York include Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden.