On Sunday, the 96th annual Oscars went down live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles!
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The glitz and glam of Hollywood’s biggest night was on full display and The Root was privileged to be in the building! But along with the pomp and circumstance that you see televised—there are a lot of other things you don’t see behind the scenes. But lucky for you, we’re here to show it all to you! So keep reading to take a sneak peak at all the hidden chaos and secret goodness inside!
Downside: Road Blockages and Traffic
While the hubub leading up to the Oscars is one filled with excitement, one of the downsides is the fact that the roads are blocked from a variety of different corners and avenues in the area surrounding the Dolby Theatre. With numerous barriers, cones, gates, parking enforcement officers trying to keep the flow of traffic moving—and subsequent jampacked roads—trying to actually get to the show is an event in and of itself.
Upside and Downside: Hella Security and A Hella Long Carpet
OK, so on one hand, I can definitely understand the heightened level of security. These are A-list stars all gathered in one spot on one night and countless other guests and VIPs—anything could go awry. Protection and safety is always paramount. And for that, I’m thankful.
But I can’t lie and act like all the security was a bit overwhelming. Especially when there’s very little words exchanged and just men and women in uniforms and black suits just pointing at you and trying to non-verbally guide you to where you need to be. It can be a bit confusing.
What’s also somewhat confusing but cool nonetheless is the long red carpet that starts from the minute you get dropped off by the valet to the time you make it inside the Dolby. What you may not know is that on the other side of the grassy background and curtains you see the celebs walk on TV, the other guests are on the backside walking along the red carpet and snapping pics. (Yes, I got a few in myself and yes I sent them to my Mom. When in Rome, right?)
Upside: Snacks on Deck, Champagne on Ice
Last year, there weren’t too many food options available in the lobby of the Dolby Theatre before the show began. Or so I thought. What I learned this year is that if you’re looking for snacks, the key is to come a bit early (pending you can get through the maze of traffic)—that’s where all the goodies are.
This year, those goodies included mini-charcuterie cups filled with meat, cheese and olive-esque accoutrements, mini-vegetable cups, sealed packs of popcorn, pretzel sticks, and chips and variety of beverages to choose from at the bars which were located on each floor. Though they had a signature mixed drink available, most folks opted for champagne. And by champagne, I mean Brad Pitt’s Fleur De Miraval rose champagne. (And yes, it’s as delicious as it looks.)
Upside: A Surprise Gift From Host Jimmy Kimmel
Once again, last year—there were no snacks inside the actual theatre. But this year, it seems host Jimmy Kimmel (and the team behind the show) deciding sitting through a three-and-a-half hour-long show with nothing more than champagne and Hershey’s kiss on your stomach wasn’t the best things for guests. So instead, they supplied us with a soft pretzel and mustard, water and candy. And before you ask, yes I ate it all. I needed my Kenergy for “I’m Just Ken.”
Downside: The Trek to the Governor’s Ball
Now while I know many people don’t get the opportunity to go to the Governor’s Ball and the Academy’s official Oscars after-party. While I’m extremely humbled by the chance to attend, the journey to get there is a bit confusing. Not being able to use the elevator, having to go up several escalators and getting mistakenly pointed in the wrong direction also didn’t help. But I eventually made it! Shout out to the support staff that eventually got me to where I needed to be.
Upside: Food Galore
When at the Governor’s Ball last year, I noticed not a lot of people eating even though there was a plethora of options to choose from. Seeing as how it was my first time—I, too, did not partake.
But seeing as how I knew what to expect and how I’ve regretted the decision not to indulge in this phenomenal feast curated by Wolfgang Puck, I went into this year’s ball on a mission to eat everything in sight sample the offerings of the night. And they did not disappoint!
From chicken pot pies, baked macaroni and cheese, an assortment of pizzas, mini-tacos, a crispy rice bar complete with crispy heirloom rice cakes and spicy tuna tartare, mini-burgers and fries, lamb chops, a paella bar and various flavored greek dips such as hummus, babaganoush—the options were truly endless.
Upside: Even More Food!
Now you know I couldn’t talk about the food without mentioning the wide array of desserts. There were so many, I can’t even begin to list them all but as you can see—whether eclairs or macarons—everything was created to delectable perfection. But the highlight of the night definitely went to the edible gold covered chocolate mini-Oscars. That might be the closest things I’ll get to a real one. (But then again, maybe not. Just ask former Root staffer Cord Jefferson!)
Downside: A Jampacked Occasion
Now when I wasn’t stuffing my face with falafel and hummus, I was trying to make my way through the crowd to spot any of the night’s winners. I was able to briefly congratulate the aforementioned Jefferson and Erika Alexander for “American Fiction” winning Best Adapted Screenplay. I was also able to give Da’Vine Joy Randolph her flowers for being herself and putting on a great performance in “The Holdovers.” But outside of those minute moments, it was hard to spot or catch anyone.
With that said, the night was enjoyable. Major congrats to everybody Black who won (because y’all already know how we get down on this side of the internet)! Thank you to the Academy for inviting The Root, same time next year, OK?
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