The public lined up for days. They camped out on the streets. All for a bleacher seat--a chance to see the celebs, the stars, the finest of Hollywood's crop from this year.
And if you couldn't go there in person, you could watch two hours worth of arrivals on E! Television and another half-hour on ABC. You could see the stars, hear them do interviews, know who made their clothes and who did their hair, and learn who it is that they've come to the show with.
What's interesting to me is that it has the aura of being some kind of "super access" event, when, in fact, it's as staged as a live show or even a play at the theater. The actors are on cue, the interviewers are primed with the tee-up questions, the lesser known guests are shooed along and it all seems rather orderly.
But, to me, inspiring it is not, and I want to determine our plans for next year's show before we actually get there in order to just have a debate about where we'll sit (or stand!)
Personally--in comparison to the Red Carpet--I'm increasingly intrigued by the growing number of major stars who are choosing to come in secretly, bypassing the glitz and glamour of the Kodak carpet for the grand design of the, um, loading dock!
According to several outlets, including a USA Today article, the likes of Steven Spielberg, Steve Martin, Shirley MacLaine, Christopher Walken, Tina Fey and Goldie Hawn were among those who snuck in the back door. The same went for Jerry Lewis, the night's honorary award winner.
Further, the story went on to share some moments from back-stage throughout the show, including the chats between divas and superstars. I found the written account of interplay between Best Actress presenters Sophia Loren, Halle Berry, Shirley McClaine and Nicole Kidman far more interesting than the televised interview set-ups from outside the night before. I could imagine the magic of the Best Actor presenters such as Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Anthony Hopkins and Ben Kingsley all being together and dialoguing with each other.
More and more, I think the real "scoop" is going to become the non-staged made-for-TV moments. In the land of reality TV, the authenticity of stars interacting back-stage with each other will emerge far more attractive than anything the best TV interviewer could create out in the public line.
Authenticity is a spiritual thing. Transparency is a spiritual thing. Authentic humor is a spiritual thing. Unity is a spiritual thing. To that end, I'd stand in line for days for a brief glimpse (and ear) backstage before waiting in the bleachers. My wife disagrees, though. We've got a year to work it out!
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Or alternative three: Ignore the whole celebration of money, narcissism and preening and do something useful on "Oscar night."
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