On Saturday I will attend the Spirit Awards. The next day I’m going to the Oscars. I think I have a dress. I have earrings and I’m watching lots of makeup tutorials on Youtube. Oh, for the days before “mature skin.” I am grateful for the invite for the Academy. None of the complaints I have against the voters relates in any way to the well oiled machine that is the Academy itself. It’s a worthy and valuable institution. Everything they do speaks to diversity, evolution and preservation. It’s a shame their voters aren’t as up to the minute as the Academy itself. Either way, I know how fantastic the whole enterprise will be, given the Academy’s usual expertise in this area.
I will be seeing all of the stars in the galaxy. I am sure I will see lots of nervous people. I am specifically wondering how different the show will be from the way it’s seen on TV. I will be reporting from the inside. I do not know if I am allowed to use my phone, or tweet. With my luck I will get seated next to the costume designer who wrote me that angry letter. Good times.
My point in writing this is not to brag. Well, of course it’s to brag. But really, I’d like to hear from you readers – what would you most like to know about the event itself?
Have fun, Sasha!
(and if you could tell us later about how it all went down behind the scenes, it would be awesome 😉 )
Just reading from what you want to say from the inside would have been fun enough. Enjoy your time there, Sasha. I’ll be waiting to hear from you! :))
A blow by blow account would be fun. Like how long before the show begins do you have to be seated. Do the ‘famous people’ enter with the mere mortals or come in at the end. What do you do during commercials. What are the rules, like no smartphones/food, drink etc. How much security is there in the theatre. Who got the biggest cheers. What were people talking about afterwards.
Let us know the feeling in the room after the major wins, how the hosting and musical performances come across inside the theater, and what your view is like! Pick your bathroom times wisely, like during the last several commercial breaks–but don’t really go. As our eyes and ears, you don’t have time. But seriously, I think we all know your recap will be legendary.
Maybe they get that they really are in trouble. Co-option usually works. They shoulda done this back when they took away the name of your site.
Cautionary tale…… at a meeting of business leaders made a substantial public health criticism of our powerful polluting power company. No long afterward I was offered architectural commissions from two of its executives. (I declined the commissions. Bad business is always more trouble than it’s worth. Self preservation, not righteousness).
I guess they want you to see that they aren’t really a bunch of bigoted old white men.
Lucky you, Sasha! That’s amazing! So jealous! 😉 Well, all I can say is try to enjoy the moment and absorb as much memories as you can. Not everyone is privileged to attend the Oscars no matter what it is. Even though I dislike the Academy for some of its more controversial and snobby choices over recent years, it’s still considered as the number 1 event in Hollywood. Enjoy and try to have some fun, no matter who wins! 😉
Congratulations Sasha! You deserve to be there! Have fun and please let us know if the stars get up and walk around, talk to each other during the commercial breaks?
Take a selfie! I beg you.
CONGRATULATIONS SASHA!
Have fun storming the Oscars!!
Since I discovered Awards Daily back in 2011, I have gained a respect for the way you see and write about films. You advocate for what you believe in, and much of the time you’re right about things. This is a big honor for you, and I think you deserve it. Congratulations Sasha! 🙂
BTW, do you get to attend any of the Oscar after-parties?
Regardless of what wins at the actual show, you really ought to embrace the experience. This is your time. Enjoy it as freely as you can as we’ll enviously follow and applaud you. Bravo.
awesome! so happy for you! write about the behind the scenes stuff, the cursing, the candid stuff!
Awww… great news! Have a wonderful weekend at both shows.
Have fun.
Please take a selfie of yourself when neither Birdman nor Boyhood wins…I’d love to see your expression!
Glad for you. Enjoy!!!
Have fun, stake out the bathrooms and bar, speak your mind and remember every single second so you can share with us. Most importantly though, just don’t get kicked out!
Congrats, I’m so jealous. You’re going to have an amazing time. Hang out in the washrooms. The best gossip comes from award show washrooms. Then share everything on Monday. Have so much fun!
My one question is not about the show but about how you finally cracked the code and got AMPAS to invite you! Was there a mailed invitation? How did you find out you were going?
Hi Sasha! You may not remember me but I’m your long lost child, Steven Stone. You once said to me when I was a kid, “If I get invited to the Oscars I will bring you along because that’s what cool people do.” I expect my limo at 6pm.
Congratulations! As someone who has been following your website for more than a dozen years, I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked and you’ve truly earned this opportunity. Enjoy the moment and I hope to be able to join you out there someday! @philofilms
I would like for you to sneak your way into a Michael Keaton chat then start dating him. You’d make a nice couple. Well if he’s your cup of tea. And if you’re both single. I’ve had a crush on him for an eternity so I need to live vicariously through you. Other than that, I hope you can relax and enjoy every single moment of it. There are a few awards that are not locks, so you will be witnessing some surprises and gasps no matter which way it goes! I look forward to reading about it.
I would love to know what happens during commercial breaks, the nature of chit chats as the winners get announced and how exciting it is for you exactly, to be inside as a guest after all these years! Look forward to your tweets!! <3
I’d like to know that you had fun. If you’re there thinking the whole time about how you’re going to write about it, you won’t really “be there”. BE there and forget about us.
About your makeup. If you don’t make up all the time, don’t go looking like the mortician got to you. Just do like normal plus basic stuff so you won’t be shiny. Try a few different looks then have a friend take digital photos of you with and without flash, inside the house and outside in the sunshine. (Do sample photos of the dress at a different time. You don’t want to get makeup on it.) Then look at them big on the computer. You don’t want to look like someone you wouldn’t even recognize. You know those people in your high school year book who look nothing like they did in real life? Don’t be them.
And someone up there said to drink a bunch. Don’t do that. If you need one drink, do it right before the big awards. If you’re thirsty before then, get a Shirley Temple in honor of the lady. You don’t want to end up in the paper the next morning as that crazy blogger lady who mooned the Best Adapted Screenplay winner.
Are you aware, Sasha, this a previous step for a possible invitation to be part of the AMPAS, and actually get to vote for the Oscars?
Great news, you deserve it, enjoy
Could we lay off the Boyhood/Birdman war and just enjoy Sasha’s news for this thread?
I have a tux; I can be your plus one 🙂
Are you attending the Governors Ball as well? I was wondering how many stars who lost will be there and what their faces will b like. It will be especially interesting of there is an upset like Keaton and Redmayne both lose best actor or if neither ‘Birdman’ nor ‘Boyhood’ wins best picture. How do those two films’ producers react at the Governors Ball? Do they just stare at each other and wonder what happened.
First and foremost, HAVE FUN! Remember that some of us would kill our pets to be able to be there with you (which might be why they don’t allow me to have pets). If it helps you to enjoy yourself by turning off the journalist/pundit parts of yourself so that you can just soak it all in, then do that. Get there early and star watch and stay late and drink champagne at all the after parties that you can get into!
Don’t worry so much about giving us a moment by moment analysis or tweeting in real time. Those things might take you out of the experience, and actually lead to you missing other great stuff while you’re looking at your phone. If it’s important, you’ll remember it the next day when you write up your piece. You’ve waited 16 years, we can wait until the next day!
The big question I’d have is whether the experience of “Oscar Night” makes you see the Academy or the awards or even those nasty voters any differently than you did before you went. I know you’re too wise to buy into all the hype that we’ll see on tv, but what sort of feeling does it leave you with? Do they seem more impressive as a group than as individuals? Is there a more human feel to it than the monolithic institution that that we sometimes think of? Is it just a few rows of real stars, with the rest of the auditorium gawking the way I would be. or are they indifferent to the stars or confident enough in their own skins? Is it like a big party the whole time, or is there a tension in the air until certain awards have finished? That type of experiential question more than anything would be really interesting to read!
And again, HAVE FUN!!!
Congrats Sasha! From your reports from Cannes, I’m sure you will give us an intimate and detailed report. You deserve it!
Breaking news from Los Angeles tonight, as award-winning director Tom Hooper was attacked during the Oscar ceremony by an unknown assailant. “I turned around and was slugged right in the face,” Hooper said, his words slurred due to a badly swollen jaw. “I didn’t get a good look at who did it, but all I heard was a woman’s voice saying ‘that was for Fincher’ before I passed out.” Police are currently looking for prime suspect Rooney Mara.
Enjoy the hell out of it, and I wonder if there’s lots of bad language in the seats or not.
Nice! I went for the first time last year. It was like a dream come true. I had an absolute blast. Here’s a tidbit… go to the bar during the technical awards. I know it’s tacky to step out during the ceremony, but I had to use the restroom during that portion and happened to pass by the bar. I ended up seeing several A-listers ordering/sipping/schmoozing at the bar. I even had a (brief) conversation with McConaughey. It was very surreal. I hope you have an amazing time! I sure did.
Ahhhhhh! Sasha I’m so happy for you!
It’s a strange thing to feel you know someone but not know them at all. I’ve been coming to this site for about 10 years now and you have shared so much of your life I can’t help but be extremely happy for you.
Your getting the chance to experience something so few get to. Have fun for all of us!
I hope it is a wonderful night for Oscar and for Sasha too~!
OMG, Sasha! I’m so excited for you, congratulation! I’ll surely be checking out your twitter to read all the behind the scenes 🙂
“Would love an entire podcast dedicated to the Oscar experience. Have fun!”
Seconded!
Also, I’m curious if there’s talk among the nominees at any point before or during the ceremony about who the favorites are in the various categories. If you, perchance, see any of that going on, I’d sure like to know more about that!… 🙂
Congratulations, Sasha! Great news!
Can you say more about how you got invited? It would be cool if AMPAS actually invited you directly, as a recognition to you for the publicity you provide to them year-round.
Wow, I am so happy for you! What an amazing thing to get invited! I can’t wait to hear all the behind the scenes happenings…
Let us know if Tom Hanks was right that those musical numbers are really so much better in person
Congratulations on your invitation Sasha, have fun.
I think the most probing question I have is WHY do they use seat holders (nobody people sitting in a chair when someone goes to the bathroom or on stage), and how does one sign up to be one? Are they inspiring actors/actresses, or lower run PR people?
🙂
See if you can get photos with stars that you see. Especially if you get to attend the Governor’s Ball (I’m assuming you do, since you are at the ceremony, right?). I bet money Jessica Chastain would love to meet you and has read AwardsDaily. Also, Viola Davis will be attending and she’s fantastic and so many people wanted to see her win. I don’t think any big name directors are going apart from the nominees, but keep us posted if you see anyone. And please scream loudly if Richard Linklater wins!
When you see Inarritu, be sure to tell him how much you think Linklater should’ve won.
Do you get a +1? and if yes will there be some sort of AwardsDaily.com death battle for that spot?
Do you get a +1? and if yes will there be some sort of AwardsDaily.com death battle for that spot?
No plus one, no Gov’s ball.
I´m happy for you 🙂
I’ de like to know how long it takes from the arival to the red carpet to fill the places! And how is the procedure!
Sasha. Please, please please bring all of your writing skills to this and provide all of the details and all of your thoughts. Write something as long as Anna Karenina and I promise you that I will read every word. You are a great writer and see things other people don’t . I can’t imagine a more ideal person to give an eyewitness account to this event. I am counting on you for the most insightful words ever written about the Oscar ceremony!
PLEASE pull a Kanye if Birdman wins… “Imma let you finish… Boyhood is one of the best films of the decade”… PLEASE!!!!! =D
I would love to hear about what all the actresses are saying in the restroom. Any anonymous drunken banter would always be appreciated.
Also, fixate on a nominee and see what their reaction is once they lose.`
woow 🙂 fantastic. have fun dear Sasha.
Congratulations, have a blast!
@Phil
Thank you.
I love it.
Such a great film imbued with movie moments. And I love director Cameron Crowe’s writing in addition to his directorial efforts (for this film) — one of my favorite professional writers.
For some reason, the Lester Bangs quotes (modified version) just naturally came upon my mind. I reckon it suits the overall sentiment because, in a sense, Sasha is on the other side, writing about them — the industry of cool (the “enemy” xD).
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you! Any fly-on-the-wall tidbits you can tweet or blog about will be appreciated. I’m so curious what it’s really like inside. Maybe Bjork can let you borrow her swan dress 🙂
@JPNS VIEWER – Perfect comment. When I leave work tonight, I’m going home and watching Almost Famous on Netflix.
Enjoy, Sasha – you deserve it! Just don’t “Uma” your makeup.
This is one post I can’t wait to read.
I really hope you have a great time. I always wanted to know how the show feels when it’s live, and also if you can feel the nervousness in the air.
I’d really like to know you had a great time Sasha – you deserve to be there and we will all be with you in spirit!
Have fun, Sasha. I hope your presence there is a good sign for Boyhood to take the top prize!!
[Elton John’s Tiny Dancer playing in my head: Blue jean baby, L.A. lady . . . ]
A Jpns version of Lester Bangs: Aw, sis. You’re about to make friends with them. See, friendship is the booze they feed you. They want you to get drunk on feeling like you belong . . . . xD . . . . (You wanna be a friend to them?) Be honest, and unmerciful. xD
[J/K]
—
Myself joking and almost infamous aside, in all honesty: Congrats, Sasha, and have fun at the event.
(I have got no question; Sasha, just enjoy the moment. Don’t worry, be happy.)
[Elton John’s Tiny Dancer playing in my head: Blue jean baby, L.A. lady . . . ]
A Jpns version of Lester Bangs: Aw, sis. You’re about to make friends with them. See, friendship is the booze they feed you. They want you to get drunk on feeling like you belong . . . . xD . . . . (You wanna be a friend to them?) Be honest, and unmerciful. xD
[J/K]
Yes, exactly. Believe me, I never make the mistake of thinking I am one of them. Just an observer.
2 key places I’d love to hear about – the bathroom and the bar (we all see the show itself). Always the most interesting.
First, I want to congratulate you on finally being able to attend. It only seems fitting that you, a person who focuses on the race all year, should be able to attend the actual event. Writers who cover football attend the super bowl, so I feel you belong there and hope you have a great time.
I am most interested in knowing how serious it is inside the auditorium. Can you tell who seems more interested in the ceremony and who isn’t? Do actors like Arquette, Moore and Simmons get surprised when they win or are they aware that they have it in the bag? Do the other nominees in that category seem more relaxed? Finally, can you feel the tension, joy and sadness that comes from certain awards being announced(picture, director, etc.)?
Sasha, you are such a wonderful writer! The notion that someone with your gift for prose (and humane insight) will attend the Oscar ceremony to report out – both during the ceremony, on Twitter, and the next day on Awards Daily – emerges as a prospect very much to be looked forward to. Congrats, Sasha.
Excited (and a little envious) that you are going to the Oscars. I’m looking forward to see how they pay tribute to Robin Williams? Oh, can you photograph your program?
BTW, I thought you went to the event in 2012?
Could you please tell Marion Cotillard that she is a fantastic actress?
What’s the policy about twitting during the ceremony?
SLAY BITCH SLAY!!
And I’m sorry you have to go on an off year.
Photobomb EVERYONE!
I love your website and your twitter feed, and from what ive gathered from you, you look like a person who likes to have fun, so im suggesting you take with you lots of alcohol and offer it to said nervous stars haha and have fun, one of my dreams is to go to the oscar one day, with one of my films nominated..
Really excited for you. Some questions:
1. Do they block off the movie stars/nominees in the front from everyone else like first class on an airplane?
2. Is there anyone you hope to run into?
3. Will any wins make you scream out for joy? Please tell us about audience reactions and what people around you are saying. It’d be great if you get to witness a surprise or two.
Congrats Sasha! I’d like to hear about what it sounds like you are intending to share – the insider experience – how it “plays” there as opposed to how it comes across on TV.
What goes on during commercials? Any negative responses in the audience? Are they happy to be there? Did NPH impress the room? Let us know. Would love an entire podcast dedicated to the Oscar experience. Have fun!
All the behind the scenes things that viewers at home don’t get to see but you as an audience member will.