5 things you didn’t know about the Oscars
On-site engraving
It used to be that winners were given a dummy Oscar and would have to wait weeks for the real thing to arrive, but starting last year the Academy started setting up an engraving station at the Governor’s Ball right after the ceremony. No word on how much winners would have to bribe the engravers to embellish the accolades, but if you notice a plaque that says “Viola ‘Suck it, Meryl!’ Davis,” you’ll know it’s possible.
Seat-fillers are hard at work
One of the cushiest gigs in Hollywood for an extra is that of an Oscars ceremony seat-filler. The well-dressed group waits backstage to sit in for presenters, winners or anyone else who needs to get up without leaving the auditorium looking a little less star-filled. The seat-fillers even get to walk the red carpet before the ceremony.
Extended acceptance speeches
While winners tend to be swept off the stage after a minute or less of giddiness, there’s a camera setup backstage that streams online where they can add in any friends or family members they didn’t get a chance to mention — or completely forgot.
Even more tuxedos
The Oscars is a black-tie event for everyone, down to the stagehands, caterers and lowly press mulling about backstage. While the more physically demanding jobs — like hauling cameras around the auditorium — get a pass on the bow-tie, the crew members still have to look presentable.
Attendees are paying for drinks
While the Golden Globes offer an open bar throughout the ceremony, the lobby drink stations at the Kodak Theater still charge during the ceremony. So if you see folks heading up the aisle at commercial breaks, assume they’re reaching for their wallets.
Bottom’s up, Oscar!
Awards shows can get pretty long and tedious, even for movie buffs. This Academy Awards Viewing Party Drinking Game should help enliven the dull moments. (But of course, please enjoy responsibly.)
The rules are simple. Take a drink every time:
1. The orchestra attempts to “play off” a winner during their acceptance speech. (Take two if it’s during an acting category.)
2. Someone reference’s Michael Fassbender’s nude scenes in “Shame.”
3. You don’t recognize someone during the “In Memorium” montage.
4. “The Artist” wins an award — but do it quietly.
5. Someone makes a lame joke about “The Artist” being a silent film.
6. A loser pretends to be cool about losing, but you know they’re really angry.
7. Billy Crystal actually makes you laugh.
