The journey to the 2026 Oscars began unexpectedly, even before landing in Los Angeles. A glimpse of Adam Pearson, star of “A Different Man,” checking in for the same Heathrow flight felt like a secret initiation into the world of Hollywood’s biggest night.
Eleven hours later, the reality of Oscar week descended – a seemingly endless passport control queue at LAX, shared with none other than Nick Cave and his wife Susie, elegantly equipped with a Valentino garment bag. Even business class couldn’t bypass the humbling experience of US customs.
Hollywood itself pulsed with anticipation. Billboards heralded the event, and the rooftop parties were already filling with guests as I checked into my hotel. The city was subtly, yet undeniably, transforming for its moment in the spotlight.
Saturday brought a closer look at the heart of the action. The streets surrounding the Dolby Theatre, home to the Academy Awards since 2002, were buzzing with officialdom. The iconic façade of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, with its legendary handprints, stood as a silent witness to decades of cinematic history.
It’s a curious juxtaposition: the Oscars, a symbol of glamour, unfolding within a shopping center. A Walgreens and a Victoria’s Secret stand just steps away from the red carpet, a detail often lost in the spectacle. Yet, the transformation is masterful.
A week and a half of meticulous work – cream drapes, colossal Oscar statuettes, and a sea of red carpet – conceal the everyday reality. A security guard revealed the sheer scale of the effort, a testament to the event’s meticulous planning.
Navigating the preparations meant detours through the mall’s backstage corridors, a hidden pathway for those in the know. This route offered an unavoidable, intimate view of the red carpet itself, and the doors leading to the Dolby’s 3,400 seats.
The attention to detail was astonishing. Less than 24 hours before the ceremony, a team painstakingly adjusted the placement of the giant Oscars outside the Dolby Theatre – by mere inches. Every element was being perfected.
While excitement rippled through the crowds of tourists and locals, a touch of frustration lingered for some. Jason, a souvenir shop worker, lamented the annual street closure. “They shut down the street… it hurts business,” he stated plainly.
He confessed to being disconnected from this year’s nominees, a sentiment that highlighted the event’s bubble-like existence within the broader city. He simply hadn’t had the time to engage with the films.
Conversations with locals revealed a few favored films: “Sinners,” “Frankenstein,” and “Marty Supreme” were frequently mentioned, alongside praise for Sean Penn’s performance in “One Battle After Another.” A cinema even hosted an Oscars raffle, predicting the show’s inevitable runtime.
Shopworker Jose, a ten-year Hollywood resident, had only seen one nominated film – “KPop Demon Hunters,” discovered on Netflix. His verdict was surprisingly positive: “The music was kind of catchy and the animation was pretty good actually.”
Despite reports of potential security threats, a sense of calm prevailed. Art director Oz Powers, a long-time local, dismissed the concerns with a shrug. “I don’t ever live my life being afraid of anything,” he said, drawing on a lifetime of resilience.
He noted the usual tight security, but saw no significant increase. His plea was simple: “Don’t give up on America… the whole country is not extreme like some of the stuff that’s going on.” He offered a hopeful perspective amidst the noise.
The atmosphere was a captivating blend of anticipation, meticulous preparation, and the everyday realities of a city bracing for its biggest night. It was a glimpse behind the curtain, revealing the human element within the dazzling spectacle of the Oscars.
