The Oscars!

As an event planner, watching events like the Oscars through a different lens offers great insight as to how such a large production is pulled off. The audience sees the faux pas, the flaws, and the awkward moments, while an event planner sees each calculation leading up to the event and its’ execution. We love the Oscars, but thought we could lend some background to the big event and our take from the evening last night!

Beginning in 1927, the Academy Awards are much more than a showcase of celebrity and wealth. The intention was to honor excellence in the film industry, and originated from an organized dinner by the M-G-M studio chief Louis B. Mayer. The first formal ceremony was May 16, 1929 at the Roosevelt Hotel’s Blossom Room with 270 in attendance. The concept of the sealed envelope was then introduced to the ceremony the following year, with newspapers being told of the results prior so they would have publications ready. With so many developments over the years from adding best actor/actress, including documentaries, foreign films, costume design, special effects, the awards ceremony has met milestones. Keeping up with the advancement of the film industry while maintaining the original goal to honor cinematic achievements is what keeps us tuned in and excited to see what we can learn from the awards.

With a little history under our belts, how about that venue. The Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center is an extraordinary location for the ceremony. Able to seat 3,400, the theatre features a five-level theatre lobby with grand spiral staircase and the latest audio and 3D imaging technology. Let’s not forget to mention the extraordinary space outside the venue to roll out the red carpet! Requiring a staff of over 1,000 people including security, catering, and coordination, just inside the venue! How many people do you think it took to roll up the $25,000 red carpet?

Let’s not forget about the after party. With Hollywood’s top event planners preparing all year for celebrations such as the Governor’s Ball by Cheryl Cecchetto of Sequoia Productions or the Cadillac Pre-Oscars party at the Chateau Marmont hotel, the ceremony isn’t the only event that deserves recognition.

Inspiration versus Reality for the Governor’s Ball 2017:

Sure, they may have mixed up an envelope when “Moonlight” should have taken the stage instead of “La La Land” or taken a strange video shot of Nicole Kidman that gave her a questionable hand size. With so many small details and moving components of an event this size, we would like to take a moment to appreciate everything and everyone that helps plan, coordinate, and pull off such a grand and beautiful event.

Until next time, happy planning!

Photo 4,5. Sequoia Productions

History of the Oscars

Information on the Dolby Theatre