You likely won’t get as close to the stars as Ellen DeGeneres but you can find a few good spots to get close enough.Ellen DeGeneres/The Associated Press
Since my invitation has failed to arrive again this year, I won't be attending next weekend's Hollywoodland shindig. But I've touched base with two Los Angeles locals for tips on how to enjoy a little Oscar glitz whether or not you know George Clooney (this line never gets you in the door, by the way).
"If money is no object, there are some star-studded Oscar-viewing parties open to the public," says Kayte Deioma, About.com's L.A. travel expert (golosangeles.about.com), referencing the Night of 100 Stars soirée on Feb. 22 (nightof100stars.com) and the Fame & Philanthropy bash (fameandphilanthropy.com).
But since tickets are upwards of $1,000 (U.S.) for these, directing your Canadian dollars elsewhere may be a better use of your production budget.
Admission starts at $100 for the popular AIDS-charity fundraiser at the Abbey, a gay nightclub in West Hollywood, Deioma says. "And one of the best budget parties is the donor event at Long Beach's historic Art Theatre (arttheatrelongbeach.com). People dress in black tie to sip champagne and watch the show on the big screen for a minimum donation of $25."
But does she have any tips for getting as close to the Oscar night stars as possible – without attracting stalker charges? Planning way ahead, it seems, is the trick.
"The Academy accepts applications for its Oscars Fan Experience every fall and names are randomly drawn for people to sit in the bleachers at the red
If you missed the draw this time around, there are plenty of alternative activities for those thinking outside the golden envelope.
"There are all kinds of Oscar-related events leading up to the big night," says Deioma, who tracks many of them via her site. Favourites include screenings of nominated movies, filmmaker panel discussions and even exhibitions of nominated costumes. She also suggests partaking of celebrity-spotting TMZ bus tours (tmz.com/tour) or quirky paparazzi-themed running tours (offnrunningtours.com).
L.A.-based lifestyle and entertainment reporter Mar Yvette (marpop.com) also has some insider star-spotting tips – no matter what time of year you visit.
"I've never not seen a famous face at the Chateau Marmont Hotel. Make a rezzie for lunch in the lush courtyard or – if you can swing the cash – go for dinner in the dining room. There's a strict no-photo policy here, which means no selfies with the celebs," she says, adding that other "sure-fire" showbiz hangouts include Cecconi's, BOA Steakhouse and the Four Seasons Beverly Hills.
"Try the Four Seasons' Culina restaurant for lunch or Sunday brunch. I've seen Mark Wahlberg here many a Sunday morning. And Crossroads Kitchen – L.A.'s best vegan restaurant – is a celeb-spotting favourite. The last time I was there, I sat a table away from Jane Fonda."
But what about the big night? Mar agrees the Night of 100 Stars party is great "if you have an extra grand lying around." But she also has a budget-friendly fave.
"For a touch of retro glam, hit up the viewing party at Sid Grauman's Million Dollar Theatre (lahtf.org/hollywoods-biggest-night) in Downtown L.A. It's not fancy but it's a great venue steeped in Hollywood history. Tickets are from $30 – and the Grand Central Market is next door if you want to dine first."
For Deioma, it's easy to get caught up in the Oscar-night excitement. But it shouldn't be the only focus of your visit.
"My best advice is to check out the red carpet setup a couple days in advance to catch the buzz – then stay away from that area on Oscar weekend and find someplace else to see the show. It's also a great time to enjoy our theme parks and museums while everyone else is watching the big event."
OUR READERS WRITE
- Visit Hollywood Blvd. and star watch. @TheWomad
- Go for drinks on the patio at Chateau Marmont. @gretchenkelly
- Attend a taping of Jeopardy – my favourite! @fraueibl
- Don’t miss a chance to eat the best: Tommy’s Original Hamburgers at Beverly and Rampart. It’s an outdoor stand where lowlies and stars have been getting sloppy for 50 years! @janogram
- Stay in Santa Monica. It’s close enough that the Dolby Theater is really accessible, but it’s also nice and calming to be at the beach. @GoSantaMonica
- Skip the Oscars! Watch the real stars at Griffith Observatory, Cinespia’s al fresco movie picnic, Sunset Ranch or the Harlow Gold Show. I love the side of L.A. that people rarely explore. @serenamatter
- I sat on a plane with boxer Joe Bugner from Los Angeles to New Zealand once. He had just been to the Oscars and he hated it: drawn out, boring, hot and cramped! @OdysseyMG
- Go for a timeless, classic look on the red carpet. @ryanvb
Send your travel questions to concierge@globeandmail.com.
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