My Night at the Oscars: A Fairytale in Real Life
LOS ANGELES — The Academy Awards. The Oscars. The very name conjures images of glamour, prestige, and unforgettable moments. From Ellen DeGeneres’ viral selfie to the infamous Will Smith slap, the Oscars have consistently delivered iconic pop culture moments. However, nothing truly prepares you for experiencing Hollywood’s biggest night in person. This past Sunday, I traded my everyday reality for a front-row seat to the fairytale, a dream come true for someone who grew up in the Midwest, far removed from the glitz and glam of Los Angeles and the proximity to fame.
This year’s Oscars ceremony, a celebration of cinematic achievement, felt like a movie in itself. It possessed all the elements of a captivating drama: a fiercely competitive Best Actress race, a last-minute cancellation from Harrison Ford due to a reported health concern, the complex situation surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón, the groundbreaking transgender Best Actress nominee and the controversial stir caused by recently unearthed tweets, and the suspense of whether Timothée Chalamet would break the record for youngest Best Actor winner, a title previously held by Adrien Brody.
But to witness it all up close? That was an entirely different level of experience.
Stepping onto the iconic red steps of the Dolby Theatre, a location I’d only ever seen on television, felt surreal. As I scanned my ticket, I nearly brushed shoulders with Lena Waithe, the brilliant creator of "The Chi" and the partner of Best Actress nominee Cynthia Erivo. Moments later, I almost bumped into Abraham Alexander, the talented musician behind the Best Original Song nominee "Like A Bird," one of my personal favorites. It was a dizzying introduction, a real-life movie montage playing out before my eyes.
My next stop was the Dolby Lounge, the ceremony’s celebrity hotspot. Attendees mingled, toasting with glasses of wine and champagne. Tennis star Coco Gauff towered above me, her presence radiating athleticism and grace. I caught a glimpse of Brandi Carlile making her entrance, watched Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco being ushered to their seats, and spotted Willem Dafoe, a fellow graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, adding a touch of intellectual cool to the room.
As the show commenced at 4 p.m., I found myself with a surprisingly clear view of the stage. Watching "Wicked" co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande kick off the telecast with a medley of songs from the highly anticipated movie musical was mesmerizing. Their voices soared, filling the theater with energy and anticipation. I felt deeply connected to the moment, finding power and a sense of shared experience in that space. As is often the case, the show felt even grander and more impactful in person.
From my vantage point, I observed Timothée Chalamet engaged in intimate conversation with Kylie Jenner, the "Kardashians" star and beauty entrepreneur. I witnessed the pure joy radiating from Best Actress nominee Fernanda Torres, followed the journey of the cast of "Anora," and absorbed the heartfelt acceptance speech of Zoe Saldaña.
The commercial breaks offered glimpses into the more casual side of the ceremony. Stars greeted each other with warm hugs and genuine affection. My fellow audience members collectively gave Mick Jagger a well-deserved standing ovation. Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg received similar accolades when they took the stage to introduce the tribute to the late music legend Quincy Jones. Demi Moore couldn’t contain her excitement during the Jones tribute, dancing and jumping in her seat to "Ease on Down the Road." The energy was infectious, culminating in a spontaneous dance party led by Colman Domingo during a commercial break. A collective gasp swept through the audience during the Best Actress segment when Moore ultimately lost, highlighting the unpredictable nature of awards season.
Once the show concluded, I made my way to the Governors Ball, the official Academy Awards afterparty.
The Governors Ball was a whirlwind of glitz and glamour. Stars navigated through the crowded room, mingling and celebrating. Guests indulged in Oscar statue-shaped smoked salmon with caviar, sipped on more champagne, and enjoyed Oscars crafted from chocolate, making everyone feel like a winner. I learned that chicken pot pies, a personal dislike of mine, are surprisingly a fan favorite among annual Governors Ball attendees.
A crowd gathered as Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar statue was engraved with her name. I discovered that nominees have their statues personalized at the official afterparty; the Oscars they receive on stage are blank. I walked past Queen Latifah and observed Karla Sofía Gascón receiving a warm welcome from her industry peers. From within the party’s bubble, it was difficult to discern the public relations storm brewing around her, fueled by the resurfaced tweets.
Eventually, after all the eating and celebrating, I retreated back to my hotel, preparing to return to reality and a plane ride home in just a few hours.
The Best Actress winner, Mikey Madison, who starred in "Anora," is 25 years old, the same age as me. She captured the award for her role as a sex worker, triumphing over established actresses like Demi Moore. "I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me," Madison confessed during her acceptance speech. "An Oscar could be next."
Madison’s words resonated deeply with many in the Dolby Theatre, including myself. On television, the Oscars feel like a distant fairytale. Yet, somehow, in real life, they maintain that same magical quality.
Perhaps we are meant to find ourselves in unexpected places, faced with unexpected situations, surrounded by more stars than the sky. At least for a few precious hours in time.
Just like the movies.
