Beyond the Spotlight: A Journalist’s Glimpse Behind the Oscar Curtain
For an entertainment journalist, covering the Academy Awards is a career milestone, a deep dive into the heart of Hollywood’s biggest night. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience it all, from navigating the star-studded red carpet to deciphering the historical nuances in the bustling press room, where Oscar experts field a barrage of questions. I’ve even been stationed inside the Dolby Theatre and along the theater wings during four broadcasts, an experience that’s nothing short of exhilarating for someone as deeply invested in entertainment as I am.
Even when viewing from the (arguably more comfortable) vantage point of my living room couch, armed with popcorn, the Oscars remain the most anticipated event of the year for movie enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and pop culture observers alike. But what happens beyond the televised spectacle? What are the unspoken rituals, the frantic moments, and the quiet observations that shape this iconic night? Let’s peek behind the curtain of the 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien.
The precision of the Oscar telecast is almost surgical. Every stage movement, from O’Brien’s politically infused opening monologue to the musical performances, is meticulously planned and rehearsed. Even the simple act of walking across the stage is carefully choreographed. During Saturday’s run-through, stars, dressed down and clutching Starbucks cups, practiced their stage walks and rehearsed their lines from the teleprompter. Some even swapped their casual footwear for the glamorous heels they’d be sporting on the big night, all in the name of perfection.
Yet, it’s the unscripted moments that often steal the show. The heartfelt acceptance speeches, the unexpected gaffes, the raw emotion that bubbles to the surface under the intense pressure of live television – these are the moments that etch themselves into Oscar history. O’Brien, as host, understands his role as a reactor, a comedic navigator steering through the spontaneous currents of the night, ready to address any unforeseen event, including a repeat of the infamous 2017 "Envelopegate" debacle.
The red carpet, a seemingly endless expanse of crimson fabric, holds a unique significance in Hollywood. This year, it’s back to its classic red hue (banishing last year’s champagne experiment) and thankfully, it’s tented to protect against any potential rain. Stretching 900 feet down Hollywood Boulevard, it guides attendees toward the Dolby Theatre, but not everyone experiences it the same way.
There’s an unspoken hierarchy to the red carpet "march." The biggest stars, the true A-listers, arrive last, basking in the flashing lights and posing for the relentless barrage of tuxedo-clad photographers. Those less famous navigate a less noticeable path, often gently urged to move along and stop gawking, their red carpet experience a brief prelude to the main event. Still, the entire spectacle is a mesmerizing show in itself.
Behind the glamour, seasoned celebrities are prepared for anything. Veteran publicist BeBe Lerner understands the importance of preparedness, equipping her clients with a "Just in case" bag filled with essentials: double-stick tape for wardrobe malfunctions, a Tide pen for unexpected stains, Band-Aids for blistered feet, and a mini-sewing kit for those last-minute repairs.
Once the show begins, the Dolby Theatre wings transform into a bustling backstage hub. Stars enter and exit the stage, mingling with the essential backstage crew. The concentration of fame is almost overwhelming. One year, even Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was surprised to see me there, genuinely asking, "What are you doing here?" During elaborate stage changes, the area becomes so crowded that I once had the distinct honor of having Daniel Day-Lewis inadvertently stand on my foot, a strangely poetic moment amid the chaos.
The drama is intoxicating. Watching stars step onto the stage, knowing they are about to experience potentially life-altering moments in front of a global audience of hundreds of millions, is truly captivating. I witnessed Stedman Graham comforting a nervous Oprah Winfrey before she went on stage, while Tom Hanks offered words of reassurance: "You’ll be fine." Brad Pitt, visibly anxious, stood beside me, watching his then-wife Angelina Jolie present an award in 2012.
That same year, Meryl Streep was so overwhelmed by her surprise win for "The Iron Lady," her third Oscar, that she collapsed onto a metal folding chair just off stage, prompting stagehands to rush over with bottled water. "I’m just so shocked," she managed to say between sips.
Then there’s Jack Nicholson, a perennial Oscar fixture, who in 2013 simply wandered backstage to "check out the scene," his trademark smile lighting up the face of a surprised backstage minder.
While the telecast unfolds, bars throughout the Dolby Theatre dispense wine, champagne, and cocktails. But the true hotspot is the lower-level bar, where stars step away for a quick refreshment. Last year, Emma Stone found herself stranded in the lobby bar when her film unexpectedly swept the awards, winning three major categories while she was away from her front-row seat. "Oh my God, Oh my God, we won, and I was not sitting down," she lamented, her eyes tearful as she watched the monitor in disbelief. "Sorry, we went to the bathroom and missed this. We can’t go in right now." Thankfully, her night had a happy ending, but the moment served as a reminder that even the most meticulously planned Oscar experience can be derailed by the unexpected.
However, the ultimate haven is the backstage Rolex Green Room. This exclusive space is officially reserved for presenters, performers, and winners, but a charming smile and a touch of celebrity can often pave the way for entry. The atmosphere is electric, fueled by Champagne Lallier, especially in the moments leading up to the show. Stars can watch the telecast on large TVs while enjoying Wolfgang Puck’s pizzas and mini Wagyu cheeseburgers.
The Oscars ceremony is notoriously long, invariably exceeding the scheduled three and a half hours. In 2014, host Ellen DeGeneres famously ordered pizza for the audience, while Jimmy Kimmel ensured snack boxes were placed under every seat. Savvy guests often bring their own power bars to stave off hunger. But the real reward is the Governors Ball, the post-awards party where Wolfgang Puck serves his signature smoked salmon Oscar statuettes with caviar and chicken pot pies topped with fresh-shaved truffles, a particular favorite of Barbra Streisand.
The Oscars are more than just an awards show. They are a complex tapestry woven with meticulous planning, spontaneous moments, backstage drama, and a healthy dose of Hollywood magic. It’s a night where dreams are realized, careers are launched, and moments are etched into the cultural consciousness. And as a journalist, being able to witness and share these behind-the-scenes glimpses is a privilege I truly cherish.
