Neon Tommy

What’s in a Name?

There are nameplates made for every nominee and the winner then gets the plate matted to the statue. Sorry Leo, this isn’t necessarily your year but the Internet still hopes you get that statue one day. 

All About the Envelope

Similar to the statue, there are envelopes made out for every nominee announcing their “win” in dress rehearsals and whatnot. There are two men that carry briefcases holding the winning cards. However, the men must also memorize the winners if something happens to the briefcases. Envelopes are not handed out until the presenter is a few feet away from the stage. 

Not quite a sea of red.

In the minds of most fans, the red carpet is a long trek to get to the seats of the Dolby Theatre. After all, where else would all the famous people mingle? The hallway? The bathroom? Why no, the red carpet seems much more civilized. Well, the Red Carpet is actually only 500 feet long. After you factor in all of the sets and displays, along with the benches for fans and media, there is not much room for anyone else, especially stars gossiping about which after party they’re attending.

Taking Hollywood Boulevard to Soul Cycle? Forget about it.

The preparation for the show’s production begins days in advance. Must they close off one of the busiest streets in Los Angeles? Why, of course. In fact, stores in the area are bought out as well so as to facilitate a proper and exclusive red carpet atmosphere. Potholes are even filled in on Hollywood Blvd. so as to keep the red carpet even. If only the city was as proactive as the Academy.

You probably haven’t heard, but it’s raining in California.

Due to the “storm” in Los Angeles this past week, the production team prepared the red carpet by setting up massive clear tents. However, rain still managed to seep through the tents the day before, soaking the red carpet. In fact, they also lay plastic covering over the red carpet and every statue until just hours before the show, so as to protect the setup.

You must have a badge.

Everyone walking around the Dolby Theatre and granted access into the facilities must wear a badge at all times. It must not be tucked into your jacket because that will cause a wave of security guards to find you (as I witnessed). In addition, the badges are color coated and even possess different levels of access.

You’re not getting in.

There is security. And then there is Oscar security. Officers range from at least a block in every radius of the stadium. On the red carpet, there is a security guard at every possible opening so as to crush the dreams of anyone trying to sneak a peek. Even if you have a security badge, it only grants you very limited access. So unless you’re the next big Hollywood actor or reporter, it may be substantially more difficult to make it into the theatre.

Read more Neon Tommy Oscar coverage here. 

Reach Associate Entertainment Editor Jillian Morabito here.