Friday, February 20, 2009

Our Osc*r Experiences



Since I won't be able to take photos at the Osc*rs Red C*rpet (unlike the G*lden Gl*bes, who didn't care)... this will be my official Osc*r post, I'm afraid.

The whole process began when B found out he was nominated... we were in Barcelona, inside El Pilau de la Musica Catalana (a gorgeous opera house). The overseas phone intervies began as soon as B was free of the tour. Publications like V*riety and H*llywood Reporter always want to know "Where were you when you heard the news?" Who would have dreamed we'd say "Barcelona."




While we were in Europe for the Press Junket, we got a registered package with tons of info and invites and congrats. . .

The first event was the special N*minees Luncheon, held ironically in the identical ballroom at the B*verly Hilton where the G*lden Gl*bes were held.

Of course there was a press-line to navigate before going in.... (though they really only wanted photos of the celebrities... who can blame them).



All nominees are not only invited, but it was made clear that all nominees are equal... there are no special tables, and seating was mixed randomly, actors with writers with directors with producers with whomever! Very democratic.

Unless you're M*ck*y Ro*rke, in which case, you can choose not to sit at S & B's table, and you then stand at the far side of the room, leaving your spot at the table empty (aok with me). Little did any of us know there was a V*RIETY writer at our table who didn't so much like Mr. Ro*rke's "too hip for the room" attitude (maybe he's just shy?). The article appeared the next day, mentioning everyone else at the table by name [including B], and how nice they were, and what a shame Ro*rke was too good to sit with us. How very Hollywood! Our first snubbing! Nice to be included with the rest! lol


Here's the group shot I took... they actually have all nominees come down and stand on risers for a group shot (yes, B is in there!). They even sent us a copy of the photo! If you have good eyes... you can spot Robert Downey Jr., Kate Winslet, Ann Hathaway and the aforementioned, among others.

After the group shot, each is called up alphabetically to accept his Certificate of N*mination, which I'd show you if I could find... at the moment I have it some place safe (my office is so disorganized).



Food was great, everyone (except Ro*rke) was lovely and kinda and fun to chat with. The tone of the luncheon: you all should be proud of yourselves and each other, and grateful to be included in a very select group chosen by your peers. In that moment, everyone was equal.



I loved being able to get close to the giant statues and take photos. :)



The next event was the Academy Symp*sium honoring the An*mted Fe*ture N*minees! What a great opportunity to hear the directors of these films talk about their experiences.

This involved an audience of 500 (free tickets), who got to watch clips from the 3 nominated movies (shown on the program above), along with interviews and a Q&A with the directors.
Oh... and this was the very first symp*sium for An*mated Fe*tures, a tradition everyone hopes continues. (These symposiums spotlight about 8 of the n*minated categories for The Osc*rs... really cool idea).

Here's what was messengered to us today:



The Tickets. They actually printed a monetary value on them. I almost swallowed my tongue. Had no idea.

 And tickets to The G*vernor's B*ll afterwards.




So all of this is very glamourous and exciting and frankly we don't know what to make of it all. We have two more parties and another awards show (!) to attend before we even get to The Osc*rs. Busy weekend. Oh, and I'm wearing a purple tie, and I don't care if it does say black! :)

But when they say it's an honor to be n*minated. . . I get it now. Not because it's prestigious (the reason most people think)... because you get to celebrate the years of hard work and share the camaraderie of so many others who did the same thing. The Academy said there were 14 films in the running for An*mted Fe*ture N*mination this year. They chose 3 films. B*lt was one of them. We're truly blown away and grateful.

Before all of you get too excited...

is it going to win the Osc*r for B*st An*mated Fe*ture? Not a chance, lol. How do I know this? Because every critic in Hollywood fell all over themselves in high praise of another film in the category. It's unnanimous. It's one of the categories that's pretty much cut-and-dired this year. Do we mind or care? Not in the least. If you want to know who we think should win, I've all but said it in other posts. :) But ten years from now, if people are still enjoying these films, THAT is what matters. B makes films for the audiences, not the critics and voters. And we couldn't be happier to be along for this amazing ride, sharing it with other film-makers and their families.




Golly on the other hand has a good pout on because he found out The Academy didn't invite him. I bet he'd like to give M*ck*y Ro*rke a choice word or two.



~Shephard :)

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